Real Images of Real Things in Real Places
Ayup! As 2025 draws to a close, AI has adopted the role of an annoying partygoer who doesn't know when it's time to leave. The internet is awash with slop, social media is a generative mess, and Adobe is going against everything its users actually want. But then what do we know?
Thankfully, the year has also been populated with a rising backlash. Folks have had enough. Creativity is a slow, mindful and relaxing practice. It's as much about the process as it is the outcome. We don't need it to be quicker or easier. It's not supposed to be either of these things.
Last month, I wrote a post on the competitive advantage of not using AI. This resonated with a lot of you when I shared it on Mastodon and Bluesky. A travel writer even replied, stating that he has to sign an agreement to not use any generative AI. This made me happy. Maybe there is hope after all.
Life experience brings you a lot of things, but I think one of the most important is the ability to truly be different and think outside the box. In contrast, AI excels at identifying patterns and replicating what works. This makes it great for producing familiar, safe work. But breakthrough creative ideas succeed because they break patterns and venture into unknown territory.
Keep it real
As I was updating my website this morning, I wanted to include a brief disclaimer. An indication that none of my work is AI generated. While this is obvious to anyone who knows or follows me, it wasn't immediately clear to a new visitor. Especially with my kaleidoscopic series, which, to the untrained eye, could look a little like AI.
As a result, I came up with a slogan that any photographer in a similar situation is welcome to adopt; Real images of real things in real places. It's simple, to the point, and quickly clears up any confusion regarding the source of your work. Additionally, it's a direct signal that your images retain your unique passion, soul and vision.
In the University of Exeter report, 78% said AI is making creative work feel soulless. Nearly one in three respondents – 30% – believe creative work generated by AI is “not valid compared to human work” and a further 55% think it’s only valid in limited contexts, or valid, but inferior.
Real images
Real things
Real places
