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Yuli Sato's avatar

I really enjoyed reading this! Even with film photography, there is an implied perspective or bias of the photographer; this is why it's always bothered me when people claim that film photography is "pure." I'd argue that most art-making isn't, as we all imprint our perspective on our work, whether digital or analog. Automation is also going to be informed by the maker's bias, which I think people forget sometimes (Amazon hiring scandal anyone?)

A side thought about photography and automation (in analog form) that came to mind is the photo booth. I've always loved the strange contrast between the controlled automation of the booth and the intimacy of the space it creates. Photo booths also gave the every day person a sense of autonomy if they couldn't afford to take "real" photographs. Many artists have used or manipulated this technology as inspiration, which makes me wonder how artists will use AI in the future, for better or worse. All stuff to mull over ...

If you're curious at all about photo booth history, I'd recommend Photo Booth: A Biography by Meags Fitzgerald: https://www.meagsfitzgerald.com/photoboothabiography

I knew them in Montreal, and they have so many interesting things to say about this topic!

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