Automation and Skill

Abstract

This chapter presents the analogy between the camera and computer technology. The ideas behind the development of photographic technology and subsequent arguments for and against it are discussed, along with an analysis of the questions of skill. The camera was seen as an automation of art, and likewise artificial-intelligence- based technologies are seen to automate a vast number of professions. In response to this reaction, the photographers strove to introduce the personalities of their subjects into the images. They argued that artistic work is not just about copying nature. The author illustrates how the photographer Robinson demonstrated that a picture brought a change demanding more reality from photography. The emphasis changed from aesthetics and technical ability to the questions “why?” and “what for?” Photographic practices of developing and printing are analysed and the author gives an example of how he carries out his practice of photography, thereby illustrating the great experience that is needed to know about even which pieces of equipment would be suitable for a certain case. The author concludes that an automatic program for photography will be so complex that the very complexity of instructions and alternatives will make it impossible to use. This is succinctly argued and it is shown that technology is undiscriminating when it is used over a long period of time and at a high level of automation. This will serve only to reduce the human function to that of button-pusher.