Abstract
Conventional photography education, rooted in experiential learning with analogue tools, faces a significant paradigm shift due to the proliferation of digital technology, AI-driven image generation, and computational photography. The current times have given rise to a new language of photography subjects. Using AI tools or incorporating them has also intensified the debate for democratisation of the art and skills. The adaptation of this change is necessary for the faculty and students. This research investigates the pedagogical transformations within photography education and the language used, necessitated by these advancements. It examines how educators integrate digital tools and AI into curricula while preserving foundational photographic principles and fostering conceptual understanding of these new technologies. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including semi-structured interviews with photography instructors, surveys of students’ perceptions of AI in photography, and curriculum analysis to assess AI integration. Furthermore, case studies of universities prioritizing AI in their photography programs and qualitative data from focus groups and classroom observations provide nuanced insights into effective teaching methodologies and students’ practical experiences with AI tools. This research addresses the critical need to reconcile traditional photographic practices with the evolving technological landscape, exploring the ethical implications and the cultivation of critical thinking skills necessary for navigating the future of image-making. The study offers a comprehensive perspective on adapting photography education to the digital era, providing valuable insights for educators and institutions navigating this transformative period.
Presenters
Himanshu DhandaResearch Scholar, Media Studies, School of Social Sciences, Christ University, Karnataka, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—From Democratic Aesthetics to Digital Culture
KEYWORDS
Photography Education Democratisation of Art Artificial Intelligence Computational Photography
