Conscious Intelligence (in nature photography) is a pragmatic orientation in honouring authentic photography, awareness and the existential mind in the current age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Awareness, Phenomenology and Consciousness
I am of opinion that true creativity stems from subjective awareness, phenomenology and conscientious nature-connectedness - not just (a potential epoch shift towards) objective algorithmic processes. Photographers are supported by various AI-application in-camera and also during post-procession, but what happens in between - the true pulse-moment of image-making, should be authentic.
I am of opinion that true creativity stems from subjective awareness, phenomenology and conscientious nature-connectedness - not just (a potential epoch shift towards) objective algorithmic processes. Photographers are supported by various AI-application in-camera and also during post-procession, but what happens in between - the true pulse-moment of image-making, should be authentic.
The moment of pressing the shutter all knowledge, skills, environmental factors and the immediate consciousness (awareness) of the photographer are factored in as a neuro impulse time interval (a few milliseconds). That moment is serene and should remain this way to differentiate and demonstrate a conscious / living moment from (just) the AI-calculated input and output support.
Implications for Photography
Conscious Intelligence is not a rejection of Artificial Intelligence - it is an affirmation of human presence. CI invites photographers to feel before they frame, to witness before they press the shutter button.
In a quotation (Chalmers, 2022) I positioned authentic image-making as “Trust your intuition, focus and the camera in your hands. Forget about that ‘perfect shot,’ work towards an ideal exposure and enjoy a special moment.” The 'perfect shot' is objective in viewing (or judging), even so, it will always be subjective in another individual's cognitive conditioning, reasoning and consciousness.
Image Perception / Judging Example by Others:
On a scale of 1 to 10 any i.e. 6 or 7 / 10 will (and / or anyone else's subjective perception) therefore remain a different (temporary) interpretation from the viewer / judge - even with provided assessment criteria. At best a 'perfect exposure' could be framed as an competitive ego-driven experience whereby an 'ideal exposure' is a reflection of the calmer presence and consciousness of the photographer through the image-making process. Neither view is wrong or right... the photographer's conditioned self will decide.
Core Concepts of Conscious Intelligence of Authentic Image-Making
Core Concepts of Conscious Intelligence of Authentic Image-Making
- Conscious Intelligence: The CI philosophy is in contrast with AI, due to the personal belief that true intelligence is fundamentally tied to awareness, intentionality, and the subjective experience of being.
- Awareness vs. Processing: CI challenges the idea that AI can't achieve genuine consciousness by simply mimicking human-like outputs. The theory distinguishes between advanced data processing and the subjective, internal experience that is the foundation of human consciousness.
- Existential Thought: The framework is grounded in existential thought, emphasising that human consciousness is an embodied, existential mode of being that creates authentic meaning and perception.
- Authentic Photography: It positions authentic creativity as a lived experience of awareness, presence and consciousness suggesting that AI lack the fundamental subjective experience to be truly creative - although it may be subjectively perceived as such.
- Human Mind: By biological and neurological function the human mind is subjective. AI is currently at best a subjective simulation based on algorithmic reasoning and response.
Implications for Photography
- AI and Creativity: The CI theory provides a hypothetical framework for examining the role of AI in fields like photography, which are being impacted by generative AI.
- The Photographer's Role: It suggests that the photographer's unique awareness and intentionality—their lived experience—are what give their work depth and meaning beyond what AI can produce through pattern recognition.
- Encouragement of CI: In the age of AI, this perspective encourages a re-evaluation of what constitutes creative and meaningful "intelligence", highlighting the irreplaceable value of human (the photographer's) awareness and consciousness.
Conscious Intelligence is not a rejection of Artificial Intelligence - it is an affirmation of human presence. CI invites photographers to feel before they frame, to witness before they press the shutter button.
© Vernon Chalmers Photography