Hi Bob sorry the late reply wow already 6 pages!

Replacing backgrounds is common in the film and TV industry where the actors perform in front of a green screen and the background is added later. A common use in TV is the weather woman standing in front of a big map. That map is not there when it’s recorded.

Funny aside my buddy told me they were using a blue screen one day the actress showed up in a blue dress.

Somebody had to tell her she needed to change the dress. She became angry 😡 didn’t want to do it. I guess there was a big scene. Ultimately she changed her dress.

Anyway it has been a common thing for quite a while. So that technology has been evolving and it’s available for purchase by the masses.

Is it good or bad? I say it depends on how it’s used.

Does a calculator make a student less proficient at math or enable greater things? The answer depends on the student.

So this leads to the bigger question since digital images require processing are computer and graphic arts skills part of the art? If so then the definition of “photographer” just got a lot wider. If not then tools to save time are acceptable.

Myself I’m not planning to run off and buy AI software to change sky’s. But for those who do that’s fine, it stimulates the economy and maybe some people will have some fun.

Now if there was something to change the background around a models hair....I might be interested. 😅

I am open to things that save me time behind the computer so I can spend more time as the nut behind the lens.

One of our members, Steve R, posited that technique has disappeared. He was referring to the discussions involving technique. It seems that the technique has been replaced with which camera and software will provide one with the satisfaction of creating a notable photograph. I've observed that trend myself but not really given much thought to that occurrence. Most notably, I've been opposed to Luminar's claim to fame of replacing skies, etc.

Up until recently, I was completely opposed to substituting incredible skies into a landscape photograph, etc. I prefer to capture what's there. If what I want isn't there, I'm not disingenuous to 'fake' it. I liken it to say one is going fishing and upon not catching anything, going to a fresh fish store, and purchasing a large fish to return home and announce oneself as a great fisherman to have brought this wonderful dinner home.

Well, I've had a change of heart. I can see where there is a good cause for substituting skies, or any other background, in a photograph. This change was due to viewing a commercial photographer's work. The subject was shot in a studio and then an incredible and related background was placed in the photograph.

In this photographer's case, these are commercial photographs. They are done for pay, a sizable payment to say the least, and done with a time limit. They would be impossible to accomplish with the deadline given, people's schedules, etc. To say nothing of having nature cooperate with the ideal weather for a backdrop. So, in these cases, it is quite acceptable to produce a product photograph as quickly as possible.

Now, to the average person who wants to be a photographer. There is the knowledge that is needed to produce a successful and pleasing photograph. Today's cameras and associated software remove a great deal of the burden of photographic knowledge and simply reduce a good many to being merely camera operators. Ask yourself, if you didn't take that path, or continue to look for that path. It comes down to whether you wish to be a photographer or a mere button pusher. The choice is yours.

You can't purchase talent. You can, anyone can develop talent if they are willing to invest in learning the necessary skills as a foundation and then continuing to build on those skills. The results will be far more satisfying than just mastering which button to push. Kodak used to have an advertising expression, "You push the button. We do the rest". If photography and photographic art were that simple, why didn't the notable photographers resort to letting Kodak do the rest?

So, it comes down to whether you want to be a photographer or just a button pusher? One will produce photographs. The other will be entangled in a constant search for the "next best thing" that will propel them to the heights of photographic accomplishments they couldn't achieve on their own.
--Bob