I once came across a stunning photo on social media. I was about to make a compliment in the comment section on the uploader's strong photographic talent and distinctive aesthetic. Then, I noticed "#AI" and other hashtags pertaining to AI.

I was startled because I had no idea the photo was an AI creation.

"Will AI replace photography?" This thought suddenly crossed my mind.

That image merits a perfect score based on all aesthetic standards for photography. People in the real world may spend a lot of time finding angles, adjusting cameras, and waiting for the right timing, but still not be able to capture an image as flawless as the AI one. Since AI can virtually always meet all aesthetic requirements, I bet that AI photographs will win any photography competition.

However, I later remind myself that there is one thing that AI cannot satisfy: the underlying emotion and its unique connection of a photo.

I am aware that photography—or even just randomly taking pictures—is never merely a beauty contest, but a way to capture the moment you think is precious or significant to you.I never make comments about my old images using any aesthetic criteria. What I automatically do is recalling the memories associated with the images. Some photos capture my grandmother's pretty smile, which I barely get to see these days because I'm studying oversea. Some images display my old friends from middle school, and all the happiness brought by my friends reappear by just looking at those images.

Although I am unsure of the precise motivation behind the invention of the camera, I can surmise that someone might have wanted to freeze the precious, passing moment.

Maybe now I can answer my own question more succinctly: I don't believe AI will replace photography because I know that if I want a sweet family photo of my family, I will never type "Hey, AI, produce a sweet family reunion photo with one kid, one mom, and one dad in a background of a house" in the chatbox of the AI website.