‘AI Takes Away From the Artistry of Photography’ Says Robert Irwin

Famous conservationist, tv offered, and wildlife photographer Robert Irwin just lately did an interview with Parade, dishing on his lifelong of images, his different ventures like a profitable stint on Dancing With the Stars, and, importantly, his views on AI, particularly because it pertains to images.

Since PetaPixel spoke to Irwin in 2023, the now 22-year-old photographer/conservationist/tv presenter/victorious dancer has been very busy increasing his repertoire of experience. However, as he explains to Parade, he stays a particularly passionate photographer.

“This has been a passion project of mine and ours for a very long time,” Irwin says of images. “A lot of people might not realize this, but there’s this part of my life that’s been really probably the most formative part of my life and really created the person I am today, which is photography.”

Irwin is clearly a really expert and completed photographer, however he’s additionally keenly conscious of what’s taking place within the picture business with generative synthetic intelligence.

“As with any advancement in technology, I think we sometimes forget about the environmental destruction that it can cause,” Irwin says of AI. “I can definitely speak through, pun intended, the lens of photography.

“With AI, I think not only does it take away from the artistry of photography, but it also dilutes what is impressive. Because we’ve seen so many incredible things, we don’t realize that what is real and that’s more amazing because it’s real, you know?

“When you see the image of the, I don’t know, eagle riding the elephant or whatever ridiculousness it is that people genuinely think is real, when there is the actual real amazing photo, it almost dilutes it because we’ve seen so many incredible things.

“We don’t realize that what is real and, that’s more amazing because it’s real, you know?”

As Irwin admits, although, it may be exhausting to inform what’s actual and what isn’t.

He additionally has loads of actual wildlife images left to seize, he tells Parade. While Irwin typically encounters individuals who assume he has seen nearly each animal there may be, he says there are “so many” he hasn’t seen within the wild.

“Anyone who has a passion for wildlife will tell you they have a list that’s a mile of long of what they want to see next,” Irwin says, noting he has by no means been to South America.

“I’ve always wanted to see sloths in the wild,” Irwin says.

“I’ve always wanted to go to the Galapagos. I have a love for Komodo dragons. I’ve never photographed them in the wild. That is absolutely top of my list. Obviously, snow leopards. I think as a photographer, that is the pinnacle. Polar bears! That’s another one that I’ve always wanted to see. A polar bear in the wild. I think I would just squeal with excitement if I saw one of them.”

Even a photographer as completed and well-traveled as Irwin nonetheless has loads of animals left to see via the lens.

Irwin additionally believes that images generally is a highly effective device to assist defend animals and their houses.

“So I picked up a camera, and I started looking at it from an artistic perspective. It just became the biggest part of my life from about age ten, all the way through my teenage years. I’ve always got a camera with me. Now it’s about I know that feeling that it gave me as a kid, and I want to give other kids that feeling,” Irwin explains.

“I’ve spent many, many years of my life capturing nature through photography. And growing up, [it] was my kind of individual way of spreading this conservation message that I’m so passionate about.”

As a part of his drive to advertise actual, precise, wonderful wildlife images, Irwin and the Australia Zoo are teaming up for the tenth anniversary version of the Crikey! Magazine Photography Competition. This world platform showcases stunning, conservation-minded images. Competition entries are open till August 31, 2026.

“I’m looking for storytelling that shows nature as it’s intended. You’re not meddling with anything. You’re letting nature take its course, and you’re photographing it in its true and raw state. I don’t care how many AI photos you see. When you see a real, true representation of nature, there is a visceral feeling that hits you in the heart; you just can’t deny it. I think storytelling and art has to be authentic, and that is just so important. In wildlife photography, we need a true and authentic representation of nature. In our competition at least, there is no room for AI, that’s for sure. It ain’t happening.” Irwin says.

Irwin says massive picture competitions are an effective way for fellow photographers to take their work to the following stage. The Crikey! Magazine Photography Competition is open to all photographers worldwide, whether or not they’re a child who simply picked up the digicam for the primary time like Irwin did over a decade in the past or a longtime professional.

“There’s a category for you to tell your story,” Irwin says to potential entrants.

Image creditHeader picture by Kate Berry / Australia Zoo