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I don't know if it constitutes a trend, but I've noticed several thought experiment projects like this that attempt to automate decision making in some way. The

I don't know if it constitutes a trend, but I've noticed several thought experiment projects like this that attempt to automate decision making in some way. The other one that comes to mind is the cell phone signal-blocking chair [1] that's somehow more convenient than turning off your phone (?) It's kind of funny to watch us all try to use technology to save us from the adverse effects of technology. [1] http://inhabitat.com/take-a-break-from-the-wired-world-with-this-awesome-signal-blocking-offline-chair/ http://inhabitat.com/take-a-break-from-the-wired-world-with-...

Someone1234 11y ago
I'm not sure this project does "automate decision making." I'd argue that the intent is to encourage you to expand your photographic reputare beyond generic tourist snaps and other bland over-done photos. My biggest criticism isn't the intent which I think could be legitimately useful. My issue is that they make assumptions about a photo's originality based purely on GPS coordinates, which is too simplistic. I've taken terrible photos in unusual locations (e.g. taking pictures of pretty flowers in a field). I've also taken amazing photos in tourist traps by finding a different perspective, or just happened across a great picture opportunity. In an ideal world this camera would use GPS and aim to determine how generic your picture really is (e.g. shooting straight up into the bottom of the Eiffel tower isn't original, sorry. But shooting the Eiffel tower with a bunch of toy Eiffel towers on a souvenir stand in the foreground is at least a little).
- riebschlager 11y ago
  What I meant by "automate decision making" is that there should be some measure of critical thought that goes into taking a photograph. How will I compose the frame? What am I really trying to capture? This camera answers "Do a lot of other people take photos here?" which, as you point out, is an overly simplistic measure of a good photo. But if you take this idea a little further and run some of that fancy deep-learnin' stuff of on your photos to search for common photography tropes (Oh, a macro shot of a flower? Pfft. Been done!), then you're just relegating more of your critical thinking to a machine.
  - Someone1234 11y ago
    I just see it as a way to snap people out of their patterns. I try to be a photographer, and I know I myself get caught in patterns of shitty bland photos that I look at a year later and roll my eyes ("this thing has RUST on it!!! [snap] [snap] [snap]." We both agree it may not work, but the concept is compelling if nothing else. PS - To be frank however, if you really want to escape patterns one of these "one photo a day" challenges for a year that give you specific themes might be a better answer. If the themes are thoughtful it can help.

Someone1234 11y ago

I'm not sure this project does "automate decision making." I'd argue that the intent is to encourage you to expand your photographic reputare beyond generic tourist snaps and other bland over-done photos. My biggest criticism isn't the intent which I think could be legitimately useful. My issue is that they make assumptions about a photo's originality based purely on GPS coordinates, which is too simplistic. I've taken terrible photos in unusual locations (e.g. taking pictures of pretty flowers in a field). I've also taken amazing photos in tourist traps by finding a different perspective, or just happened across a great picture opportunity. In an ideal world this camera would use GPS and aim to determine how generic your picture really is (e.g. shooting straight up into the bottom of the Eiffel tower isn't original, sorry. But shooting the Eiffel tower with a bunch of toy Eiffel towers on a souvenir stand in the foreground is at least a little).

riebschlager 11y ago
What I meant by "automate decision making" is that there should be some measure of critical thought that goes into taking a photograph. How will I compose the frame? What am I really trying to capture? This camera answers "Do a lot of other people take photos here?" which, as you point out, is an overly simplistic measure of a good photo. But if you take this idea a little further and run some of that fancy deep-learnin' stuff of on your photos to search for common photography tropes (Oh, a macro shot of a flower? Pfft. Been done!), then you're just relegating more of your critical thinking to a machine.
- Someone1234 11y ago
  I just see it as a way to snap people out of their patterns. I try to be a photographer, and I know I myself get caught in patterns of shitty bland photos that I look at a year later and roll my eyes ("this thing has RUST on it!!! [snap] [snap] [snap]." We both agree it may not work, but the concept is compelling if nothing else. PS - To be frank however, if you really want to escape patterns one of these "one photo a day" challenges for a year that give you specific themes might be a better answer. If the themes are thoughtful it can help.