Hypothesis:Photography and Truth: Can a photograph lie?

This famous quote about photography and truth is by American photographer Walker Evans, who said, “Stare. It is the way to educate your eye, and more. Stare, pry, listen, eavesdrop. Die knowing something. You are not here long.” This quote suggests that photography can be a way to capture the truth of a moment or a situation, by observing and documenting it in a way that is honest and authentic.

Photography was seen as a threat to traditional art forms as it was considered to be a mechanical and automated process that did not require the same level of skill and creativity as painting or drawing. Some artists and critics felt that photography lacked the human touch and artistic vision that was necessary to create truly great works of art. However, over time, photography has become widely recognized as a legitimate and important art form in its own right, with many photographers producing work that is highly regarded for its creativity, technical skill, and emotional impact.

Photography is an illusion because it creates an image that appears to be a direct representation of reality, but in fact, it is a highly mediated and selective version of reality. The camera lens, lighting, composition, and other factors all influence the way that a photograph looks, and the photographer’s choices about what to include or exclude from the frame can shape the viewer’s perception of the subject. Additionally, photographs can be manipulated through editing software or other means to create images that are completely different from the original scene. Therefore, while photography can capture real moments and events, it is always an interpretation of reality rather than a pure and objective representation.

AI, or artificial intelligence, is a new technology that has become increasingly important in our daily lives. AI refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI is already part of our lives in many ways, from the virtual assistants on our smartphones to the recommendation algorithms used by social media platforms and online retailers. AI is also used in industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation to improve efficiency and accuracy. For example, AI is used in medical imaging to help doctors diagnose diseases, and in self-driving cars to help them navigate safely on the road. AI is also used in customer service to provide fast and personalized responses to customers. In short, AI is a powerful technology that is already changing the way we live and work.

However, there are also potential dangers associated with AI. One of the main concerns is that AI could lead to job displacement, as machines become more capable of performing tasks that were previously done by humans. This could lead to economic inequality and social unrest. Another concern is that AI could be used to create autonomous weapons, which could pose a threat to global security.

Photography in the past could be manipulated in many ways. One of the most common methods was to physically alter the image, either by painting over it or by cutting and pasting different parts of different images together. Another method was to use different lenses or filters to create a distorted or surreal effect. Additionally, photographers could use different lighting techniques to create a certain mood or atmosphere in the image. Finally, photographers could manipulate the subject of the photograph itself, either by posing them in a certain way or by using makeup or costumes to create a certain look. Overall, there were many ways that photographers could manipulate images in the past, although the technology available was much more limited than it is today.

One example of an image from the past where the truth was distorted is the photograph of the “Loch Ness Monster” that was taken in 1934 by a man named Robert Wilson. The photograph shows a large creature with a long neck and humps emerging from the water of Loch Ness in Scotland. However, it was later revealed that the photograph was a hoax, and that the “monster” was actually a model made from a toy submarine covered in a rubber and plastic material. The photograph became famous and helped to perpetuate the myth of the Loch Ness Monster, despite the fact that it was not a real creature. This is an example of how photography can be used to distort the truth and create a false narrative.

The image above is an Ai edited image of Donald Trump working in a fast food restaurant by Phillip Toledano. Toledano created this image using an Ai generated app, Midjourney. He believes that a photograph should be like an unfinished sentence. When creating these images Phillip Toledano focused on how Donald Trump portrays himself and generated the images to do the opposite. Trump has an obsession with showing off his his power and projecting his strength, however, the series of images which were made makes him look weak, and are degrading. This series of Donald Trump that Toledano created has no relation ship with either photography or the truth. However, it shows the creativity and skill that comes behind editing and the power that is held within Artificial intelligence.