The Brutal Truth: AI Doesn’t Care About Your Photography Résumé

If you're a pro photographer or even a videographer or cinematographer, and you're not staying up late learning how to fold generative AI into your craft, then you're finished. Done. Career over.

I don't care what you think about AI. Don't like it? Think it looks fake? Think "real artists" don't use it? That's just pride talking. And pride won't keep the lights on when your clients decide they don't care about your opinions, only your results.

Here's what I mean. I took an iconic photo of Olivia Rodrigo, ran it through AGI, and made her look like she was shredding Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstein Strat, painted in her signature purple. That didn't take a crew, a set, or a six-figure budget. It took minutes. Ten years ago, you would've needed a whole team to pull that off. Today it's just me, a few apps, a vision, some creative knowledge, and my iMac.

And the truth is, I saw this coming. A couple of years back, I was already using AI when I was creating content for Topo Chico, before I left that brand in 2023. Now, I use AGI for every client I work with, and they're thrilled with the added value. Why? Because I can do the work of five or six people at the cost of one, in a fraction of the time, with much less friction in the creative process, without burying them in licensing fees and production overhead.

I've got the technical background, the creative chops, and years of experience behind a camera, whether shooting stills or B-roll on documentary TV shows. That foundation matters. It means I know what I'm looking for. But now I can take twenty years of my own photography, feed it into AI, and spin out new campaigns that look like they came from a major agency. And I'm not just making visuals-I'm generating custom music beds through AGI apps like Suno and Udio to bring projects fully to life.

Here's the point. AI doesn't care about your gatekeeping. Doesn't care about your résumé. Doesn't care that you've been shooting weddings since the Clinton administration. The folks you're sneering at for not being "real photographers"? They don't give a damn what you think. They're already running full speed ahead, and you're standing still.

If you're not up late, seven days a week, pushing your creative boundaries with AI right now, you're not just falling behind-you're making yourself obsolete.

So quit complaining. Stop griping that "AI is ruining the industry." The industry never belonged to you. It belongs to those who adapt, who learn, who push forward. Always has. Always will.

You've got two choices. Dig in, master this tech, and combine it with your storytelling skills-or stay bitter and broke while the rest of the world leaves you behind.

Nobody's coming to save your career. That's on you.

And if your pride keeps you off the AI wagon, I hope it can pay the rent because nothing else will.

Now I need to figure out how to get OlivAI Rodrigo to cover the first four Van Halen albums...

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I am an Ad-Age, Emmy, Shorty, Telly, and Webby Award-Winning Social Media Strategist and Content Creator for outdoor lifestyle, adventure, travel, and recreation brands. With 20 years of expertise, I’ve become a cornerstone in the evolution of brand storytelling. My background in copywriting, brand strategy, and content creation has driven successful digital engagements for top food & beverage and outdoor lifestyle brands. Through dynamic storytelling and strategic content, I capture the spirit of adventure, creating narratives that inspire and connect with audiences.