Is CGI going to replace photographers? Should we all throw away our cameras and start learning computer graphics?

Are these even the right questions to ask?

There’s no doubt that CGI – Computer Generated Imagery – is changing the landscape of photography as we know it. Whereas ten years ago car ads, product brochures, architectural images and fashion spreads would have been shot with a physical camera, they’re now increasingly turning to CGI as a way to cut costs and increase artistic flexibility. These days it’s hard to find an image that wasn’t in some way touched by a computer. But, as it turns out, CGI isn’t the death knell to business that many photographers make it out to be. In fact, not only does CGI offer up new and exciting opportunities for photographers, but CGI simply couldn’t exist without “traditional” photography working behind the scenes.

Learn about the exciting new opportunities CGI affords photographers while also seeing how many of the old business models still hold. Using real-world examples from past projects, I talk about the how CGI and photography are natural colleagues, the inherent challenges of trying to do things "fully-CG" and why it's nearly always a hybrid solution in the end. I talk about CGI's parallels with traditional photography, the steps involved in creating an image from start to finish, and the tools, software and "digital assets" required. I talk about how photographers can see themselves as producers and designers, and not camera operators.

Photographers are called “artists” for a reason, and digital technologies - including CGI and Photoshop - are simply the tools of the trade that offer increased creative freedom and allow the ability to create better imagery at lower costs.

This seminar is not about convincing people that they need to learn CGI to survive. Ultimately, it’s about opening eyes to new tools and technology, allowing them to see it for what it is while dispelling the myriad misinformation constantly spread through the photography community.

Take your imagery further by understanding and exploring some amazing tools that enable you to do more.

Walt Jones is a professional still photographer and producer who has been utilizing CGI on a daily basis for over ten years.  After first dipping into the CGI waters for architectural rendering and theatrical design previsualization, he now spends much of his time in the creation of visual effects for clients such as 20^thCentury Fox, Universal Pictures, Warner Brothers and New Line Cinema.  He has contributed to numerous music videos and over a dozen feature films, including Superman Returns, Happy Feet, and The Chronicles of Narnia.  In 2008, Jones was part of the team that won an Academy Award for their work on The Golden Compass.

Walt’s Fine Art Photography can be seen at www.waltjones.com.

This program will be hosted at San Diego City College's Career Technology Center starting at 7:00pm on January 18th. Check-in and socializing begins at 6:30pm. SDCC students are free (with ID) if pre-registered. NOTE: Tickets are $5 more at the door!