Title: Underwater Pirates

Ai Generated Photo in Photoshop

Good Evening,

This blog post a little more on the special side of photography. Not special as in rare but in the day and age we now live in. We as artists and photographers and graphic designers live in an age where AI is trying to take over. Don’t get me wrong, I have fun with AI as much as the next person but it has come so far that it is starting to get hard to decipher what is real and what is not. So let me help depict AI images and what is not.

Title: Evening Sunset Hunt
Photographer: Paige Brenneis Lost For Photography

What Is AI?

AI in photography refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to enhance various aspects of the photographic process. This can include everything from image editing and enhancement to automated shooting and organization of photos.

AI tools can analyse images to improve their quality by adjusting factors such as brightness, contrast, and colour balance. Advanced algorithms can also assist in removing distractions, enhancing features, or even generating entirely new elements within a photo, making retouching faster and more efficient for photographers.

In addition to editing, AI can streamline the workflow of photographers by categorising images, tagging them based on content, and suggesting organisational structures. This helps in managing large libraries of images, saving valuable time that can be redirected towards other creative pursuits.

Furthermore, AI-driven features are becoming commonplace in camera technology. Many modern cameras incorporate AI to aid in focus, exposure settings, and even scene recognition, enabling photographers to capture images with exceptional clarity and precision without complex manual adjustments.

As AI continues to evolve, it is likely to influence both amateur and professional photography, providing tools that not only enhance creativity but also simplify the technical aspects of the craft. Whether through quick edits or improved shooting capabilities, AI is shaping the future of photography in exciting and innovative ways.

Title: Paige As Black Widow
Photographer: Marvel And Paige Brenneis
How Was It Done: This was before AI was even invented. Doing this was matching poses, colour, facial expressions. Now, you select a face and copy it over and can ask AI to do all the hard work for you in matter of minutes. Personally I find the ease of AI for this disgusting as it takes the creativity, the hard work, and the time away from the artists.

Fake Photographs

Fake photography, particularly in the context of AI, poses significant implications for the art and ethics of visual storytelling. As technology advances, the line between authentic imagery and digitally manipulated content becomes increasingly blurred.

AI tools offer photographers the ability to enhance images beyond realistic representation, allowing for the creation of stunning visuals that may captivate viewers. While this is beneficial for artistic expression, it also leads to concerns about credibility, especially in genres like journalism where truth is paramount. Misleading representations can result in a skewed understanding of events and subjects, challenging the viewer's perception of reality.

Moreover, the distinction between staged scenes and genuine moments is often clouded. In certain contexts, such as fine art, the intent behind a photograph can justify manipulation. However, in commercial photography or reporting, viewers may expect genuine authenticity, making it crucial for photographers to be transparent about their processes.

With the explosion of content shared on social media platforms, the rapid spread of manipulated images underscores the necessity for critical assessment by both creators and consumers. Being aware of how easily photographs can be altered not only preserves the integrity of the medium but also encourages a more discerning audience that values authenticity in visual communication.

Title: Riding Outlaw AI
Photographer: Adobe Photoshop AI Generation

Fully AI generated photographs represent an intriguing frontier in the world of photography, blending artistry and technology in new and innovative ways. These images are created using complex algorithms that can produce a wide range of visuals, from breathtaking landscapes to realistic portraits.

One of the most striking aspects of AI generated photography is its ability to create images that would otherwise be impossible to capture in reality. For example, AI can synthesize elements from various styles and genres, allowing for unique combinations that push the boundaries of traditional photography. This capability is particularly exciting for businesses and creatives looking to explore fresh ideas and concepts without the limitations of physical reality.

Moreover, AI generated images can be tailored to meet specific needs or desires, offering endless possibilities for customisation. Whether it's for marketing campaigns, product promotions, or even personal projects, AI can quickly provide options that align with a brand's vision and aesthetic.

However, the rise of AI in photography also prompts discussions about authenticity and the role of the human touch in art. While AI can generate stunning visuals, the emotional and personal connections that come from capturing a moment in real life remain irreplaceable. This is where photographers, like those at Lost For Photography, bring unique perspectives, creativity, and personal experiences into the frame, making every shot a reflection of my artistic vision.

As I move forward in this ever-evolving landscape, the balance between AI generated content and traditional photography will likely continue to spark conversation within the industry. Embracing both can lead to innovative solutions that celebrate the craft while harnessing the advantages of technology.

Title: So Not Yeg
Photographer: Adobe Photoshop Ai Generation (I asked Photoshop to build Edmonton, Alberta and this is what I got. There is similarities but how can you determine real from Ai?)

How to Determine AI-Generated Images from Authentic Photographs

The rise of artificial intelligence in image creation has made it increasingly important to distinguish between AI-generated images and authentic photographs. Here are several key indicators to help you identify the differences:

1. Examine Details and Textures

AI-generated images can sometimes lack the intricate details and textures found in real photographs. Look closely at elements such as skin textures, fabric patterns, and natural landscapes. AI may produce overly smooth or unrealistic features that lack the nuances of real-life subjects.

Title: Fake Phantom
Photographer: Adobe Photoshop Ai Generation
(You know I get my own photographs of the Great Grey Owl. You can tell the inconsistencies in this image in the feathers, the neck feathers, and the body itself although close to reality.)

2. Check for Inconsistencies

AI models often struggle with maintaining consistency within an image. Watch for odd juxtapositions, unnatural shadows, or misplaced objects. If elements appear disjointed or out of proportion, it could be a sign of AI creation.

3. Look for Anomalies in Human Features

Human faces are particularly challenging for AI to replicate accurately. Watch for distorted proportions in facial features, such as asymmetrical ears, unnatural eye shapes, or uneven skin tones. These inconsistencies can indicate that an image is not genuine.

4. Evaluate Lighting and Reflections

Natural light behaves in specific ways, casting shadows and highlights that can often reveal the authenticity of a photograph. AI might produce lighting effects that seem overly staged or inconsistent with the environment, such as unnatural reflections or lighting angles.

Title: Hi There
Photographer: Adobe Ai Generation
Animal: Ai Generated Blue Roan Horse

5. Assess the Background

Backgrounds in AI-generated images may appear generic or overly simplified. Examine the surroundings of the primary subject; if they feel too perfect or lack depth, it might be an AI creation.

6. Use Reverse Image Search Tools

If you suspect an image may be AI-generated, consider using reverse image search tools. This can help verify the image's origin and whether it has been used in various contexts, which is particularly useful for identifying stock photos versus original works.

Title: Golden Mystery
Photographer: Adobe Photoshop Ai Generation

7. Ask the Source

If you’re viewing an image online or in a portfolio, don’t hesitate to inquire about its origin. Photographers and artists can often provide insight into the work process and whether the image has been manipulated or artificially created.

Through careful observation and critical evaluation, it’s possible to detect the telltale signs of AI-generated images and differentiate them from authentic photographs. Stay informed and keep your visual literacy sharp to navigate this evolving digital landscape.

Any artist or photographer who is genuine in the art of their field will never be offended on being questioned. It is like the ideology of questioning a truth and a lie. The truth will never be offended in being questioned and will appreciate in the confirmation. A lie will be offended on being questioned and will act out. That is how I look at AI.

Title: Alberta In Ai
Photographer: Adobe Photoshop Ai Generation

You Can Still Have Ai Fun

Now do not get me wrong, Ai can be a lot of fun to work with when creating art. I won’t lie, I love the Ai functions in Photoshop and in Lightroom because it has created ease in editing hard areas. Specifically when you have to edit the light in the eyes, enhance colour in the iris, smoothing skin without smoothing other features. It can come in handy that way in Lightroom and I used it multiple times in my photography to select specific areas that would have taken over an hour to do by hand. I find it helpful when I can use it in that way. Now when it comes to Photoshop, did I use it for some fun creativity? Yes I have. It is how I made my Wanted Posters of my dog and I.

Title: $1000 For Me?
Photographer: Paige Brenneis And Adobe Photoshop Ai Generation

You can create works of art when you have a base image. You can tell a story that you would have trouble telling otherwise unless you have the proper set up, location, and simply the correct light. If you know how to do the basics of colour matching and photo manipulation without Ai, then you can use Ai as a tool and bend it to your will. Backgrounds not so much but you can make Western Backdrops and then burn them, fade them, and distress them with your own tool after so that you warp it into your own. Yes you are still using lots of work to make a photograph but at least it is your own still. That is what I done with these next two photos and this is where I bid goodnight.

I leave you this before I say farewell, don’t always believe every photograph you see posted on social media. Instagram and Facebook are cracking down on AI images, especially if you do not label it as Ai before you post, and that I have to agree on. Tell how you got the photo, the work behind it, and if it is completely Ai, then disclose it. Remember that real artists and photographers will never mind being questioned. Just ask when you are unsure when they are posting about their work.

Tschüss!

Do You Believe What You See?