AI, My Opinion | KERRYRAYTRACYPHOTO

UPDATE:
Transparency: 5/2026
In the last year or so, my opinion on Ai has changed. While I still refuse to use Ai fully, I have on occasion, tried using "Generative Fill" in Photoshop and it has made my work easier. Least wise when it works. I'm not always happy with the results, so I revert to old school methods. I feel the issue with Generative fill is Adobe's. You have to watch your prompts. If it goes outside their "guidelines" then it simply won't produce the results you want. Honestly, my using my own acquired stock images and skills I've learned in Photoshop work quicker then fighting with making sure I word something right.

I have also used Grok Ai to make 6 second videos of my work. This has been great for getting my work seen. I only use my own images and I'll be honest, it is exciting to see them come to life. Yes! I have used the Ai Video concept to the extent to make a website devoted to it. I will be completely honest in that the art around it intrigues me. BUT, all the work in the videos are my work. None of it is pulled from outside sources.

Currently I use the following...Grok Ai Video, Adobe Firefly, Meta Ai, and just recently, MidJourney. MidJourney has so far been with mixed results. My only interest is in video production and I find that MidJourney works best with set images (stills).
I'll also be honest in that the cost to do any of the above programs/apps are insanely expensive which is why I play with it and don't use it under a normal work flow. While I have created a website around it, the website is more for fun then anything that I deem serious.

My work involves a great deal of overlays and composites. ALL, retouching, color rendition, formatting, concept creation, compositing, positioning, etc. Is all done by me using Photoshop, Corel, and Nik. I have a large library of stock images I have either shot on my own or I have bought years ago. Plus there are free sites you can pick up stock images if need be. While I have tried, Ai stock images, it has never seemed to generate exactly what I want. So, old school has saved me every time.
So... will I give in and begin to use Ai fully? No! In fact, for me, I've found that while I do use it to promote my work on Instagram, I use it less and less when I sit down to create a concept piece. I do find various areas of it interesting, but it cost way too much for a small effort.

What I have considered doing is reverting back to using film and none of that endeavor would include Ai. I seeing many artist shooting with film, then shooting the negative in digital and inverting the image in Photoshop. I've seen some cool work done this way. I was once a "darkroom rat", so this idea pulls at me much more than Ai ever could. I would love to process film again.
Let's all remember something. When plate photography was invented it was scoffed at by those who paint, when film was created, it was scoffed at by plate photographers, when digital was invented, it was scoffed at by film photographers, and now...there's Ai. Doesn't mean just because the new kid has moved into the block, that you have to befriend it and play with it. Stay your course in whatever you do, but don't tell someone that they can't do what you refuse to do, nor judge them for it.

YES! There are two images on my website that do indeed have Ai, created around them. TWO!! I challenge anyone to figure out which two images they are. You know my email if you figure it out.

To further explain my use and how I use Ai, I have a new alternate website called, 5th LIGHT STUDIO. This site will include prop builds videos, studio information/highlights, time lapse edits and Ai Videos. These Ai videos were created using my images and not from prompts. See link below...