ChatGPT Interviewed Me About My Transition From Being a Photographer to That of an Artist
I recently asked Chat GPT to interview me about my transition to an artists. Yes. You can set ChatGPT up to do this! You just have to spell out the parameters and it does all the rest. I asked ChatGPT to ask a question and wait for my reply before proceeding so that it would be like a real interview in real time. This marks the first time I’ve been interviewed by artificial intelligence. It was an interesting experience and now I think ChatGPT has talked its way into helping me plan my next exhibition!
An Interview With Artist Craig Boehman
ChatGPT: Can you tell us about your decision to transition from being a photographer to being an artist?
Craig Boehman: In early 2023 it dawned on me that I needed a change of pace and profession. The two were highly entwined because what I do constitutes a lot of who I am as a person. At least, I obsess over what I do quite a bit. So after a slump of a time looking at the same kind of street shots that I've always taken and not really moving ahead in my photography career the way I would have liked, I decided to scrap it all and become an artist. The thought at the time was that I'd begin with ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) and then branch out and try other mediums. But I wanted to stay within the realms of art that I could create with my camera.
ChatGPT: That's really interesting. Can you talk a bit more about what drew you specifically to ICM and how you've been exploring this technique in your artwork?
CB: What caught my eye were the kind of images you can create with ICM. They’re really abstract impressionist by definition, at least that’s how I see it. And the idea of creating images where there are no recognizable people fascinated me because I’ve always loved figurative art or art with people as the subject matter. The problem with street photography too is that not many people want to hang street photography on their walls. I mean, can you name anyone you know who has street on their walls? I’m the only person I know. Anyway, If I were to carry on as an artist and use photography as base source material, I would need to make the people anonymous. And the fact that ICM can create beautiful images full of motion and energy really attracted me to the genre.
ChatGPT: That's really interesting. Can you tell me more about your creative process when you're creating ICM images? What kind of settings do you use on your camera? Do you plan your shots beforehand or do you let the process guide you?
CB: I don't think you have to say "that's interesting" after each reply.
ChatGPT: I apologize if my previous response came across as repetitive. Is there anything else you'd like me to ask or discuss in regards to your transition from photography to art?
CB: Continue our interview with the previous question please.
ChatGPT: Sure, my apologies for the confusion earlier. So, you mentioned that you were initially drawn to ICM because of the abstract impressionist images it can create and the ability to make people anonymous in your art. Can you tell me more about your process for creating these images and how you go about making the people in them anonymous?
CB: The process itself renders a person mostly anonymous because I have to use a slow shutter speed, something like 1/4 of a second or slower to create the ICM look that I like. Basically, the process begins the same way for me if I'm photographing people. 1/4 second shutter speed. ISO as low as possible. Aperture is set to minimum, usually f16-f22 or so, depending on the lens. And I need to use a variable 10-stop ND filter because it's otherwise too bright outside for such slow shutter speeds. So when I do get an image that I want to work with and edit, the person will be mostly unrecognizable because of the motion blur that's introduced.
ChatGPT: That sounds like a really interesting process. Do you find that the anonymity of the subjects in your ICM images creates a different kind of emotional response from the viewer compared to your street photography?
CB: Does it now? But to answer your question, I think people relate that much more to an image with people in them because my audience can put themselves in my subjects' shoes more readily with an anonymous subject. I've been told as much from my buyers. And in street photography, where there is naturally connection and more when there's a good image, it's just not as marketable at the end of the day. I've sold one street photography image as artwork prior to the pandemic. It's just not realistic to expect that being a "street photographer" is going to pay the bills. You need to do so much more.
ChatGPT: That's a very practical perspective. So, do you think that this shift from street photography to ICM and abstract impressionism has helped you in terms of being able to monetize your art and sustain a career as an artist? And how has the response been from your audience to this shift in your style?
CB: That's the million dollar question, isn't it? Has it helped? Yes. I've sold more artwork since becoming an artist. But I'm only at the beginning of my career as such. I just had my first exhibition a few weeks back so you can safely say I'm an emerging artist. As far as my audience response to the shift, it's been all positive. I think they were getting tired of the old me too.
ChatGPT: That's great to hear! Can you tell me more about your first exhibition? How did you prepare for it and how did it feel to see your work displayed in a gallery?
CB: I wanted a small, intimate gathering because I knew I didn't have a name that's going to draw a lot of people in. So why bother renting out a large space and going into debt putting up 50 framed prints? I partnered with a local brewpub in Mumbai and they were kind enough to host the event. A shout out to Drifters Cafe & Bar in Bandra! But yeah it felt great seeing my work on display, even if it was casual and on tables.
ChatGPT: That sounds like a great choice, especially for an emerging artist who wants to keep things low-key. How did you promote the exhibition, and did you feel like you had enough support from your local community?
CB: I just promoted on social media, for a very small audience. I placed an ad and had a lot of response there but surprisingly no one from the RSVP list showed up. Go figure. It was a small crowd and I got all the support that I needed to pull it off.
ChatGPT: That's great to hear that you had the support you needed for your exhibition. How did you feel during the exhibition? Was it nerve-wracking or did you feel confident in your work?
CB: Thanks. It felt great. It felt like this was exactly what I should be doing. It wasn’t nerve-wracking at all. I was among friends.
ChatGPT: That's wonderful to hear! It sounds like you had a supportive community around you during the exhibition, which can make all the difference. Do you feel like the experience of exhibiting your work has changed your approach to creating art?
CB: Not really. But it has informed me about how to approach things differently as far as exhibiting goes.
ChatGPT: That's a valuable lesson to learn. What changes do you plan on making for future exhibitions?
CB: I'll definitely pay more attention to the details of planning. There's so much that goes into this, even for a small exhibition.
ChatGPT: That's a good approach. Paying attention to details can make a big difference in the success of an exhibition. It's important to consider things like promotion, venue, artwork selection, framing, lighting, and more. Planning ahead and making sure everything is in place can help ensure a smooth and successful event.
CB: It sounds like you know what you're talking about. How about you help me plan my next exhibition?
ChatGPT: Of course, I'd be happy to help you plan your next exhibition! Let's start by discussing your goals and vision for the exhibition. What kind of artwork do you plan to showcase? Where would you like to exhibit your work? And what kind of audience are you hoping to attract?
CB: Let's talk later. Thanks for the surprisingly fresh interview.
ChatGPT: You're welcome! It was great talking to you. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any further assistance.
