Back in my university Prague City University days, I wasn’t behind the camera—I was in front of it. I got called in for auditions, modeling, and creative projects. What started as a side hustle quickly became part of how I expressed myself and connected with others.
That picture of me (yes, that is my in the cover image) from those days still makes me smile—funny times. But looking at it now, it also makes me think: how different would those opportunities look today in the age of Generative AI?
Then vs. Now: The Changing Gatekeepers
In those days, auditions meant showing up in person, flipping through casting calls, hoping to be chosen. The gatekeepers were photographers, agencies, and brands.
Today, the gatekeeper is often a machine-learning model.
- Brands can now generate “models” without models—AI avatars that smile, pose, and sell products convincingly.
- Photoshoots can be simulated digitally before a camera is ever lifted.
- Stock libraries are being flooded with AI-created images, cutting costs for agencies but squeezing real photographers.
For creators—whether you’re in front of the lens or behind it—the rules of the game are being rewritten.