AI and photography

Since the introduction of ChatGPT3 the topic of artificial intelligence has been widely debated. With the arrival of GPT4 in March of this year, discussions exploded with millions of articles across all media and with the impending introduction of GPT5 and AGI (Artificial Generated Intelligence), which will fundamentally change our lives forever, there is a renewed urgency.

AI’s potential influence is enormous but of course we cannot and will not explore all of that here but we must ask; what does the creation of AI-generated images mean for see-zeen and the artists we select?

Photography has undergone many divisive changes in its relatively short history, starting with the uproar created at its inception, when some artists as well as the likes of French critic and poet Baudelaire questioned if photography could even be considered “art”. Many feared it would impact their livelihoods. Are we echoing that discourse more than 160 years later with AI?

Continue reading below…

In the 90’s with the advent of digital cameras and Photoshop and later the ubiquitous smartphone which all revolutionized the industry, each crushing a part of the industry while simultaneously creating new roles and new jobs for photographers. Artificial intelligence however takes it to a new level and it is already superseding jobs in the industry. The commercial world will suffer and already in the fashion industry Moncler is promoting its latest Genius collection with an AI campaign and Levis decision to use AI models alongside human models is prescient. Besides the loss of jobs, other major ethical concerns are the issues of ownership, copyright and originality. These issues are being debated in court .

Additionally of concern to us all, and particularly to documentary photographers, is how AI generated images will alter the tandem issues of authenticity and truth. The ability to alter history so dramatically that we can no longer discern what is a real and historical record of events (no matter how skewed) from AI-assisted re-creation of facts raises multiple questions about the diminished power of the photographic image to tell the truth.

New examples of the moral and ethical and legal concerns around artificial intelligence arise daily. The recent news that an AI generated image was selected by judges for a prize in the Sony World Photo Award added to the controversy although the awardee returned the prize in protest to draw attention to the topic that AI is not photography. Interestingly, this image by Boris Eldagsen is now part of a group show at The Ravestijn Gallery in Amsterdam. Meanwhile, Gagosian Gallery in New York has already hosted its first controversial exhibition with AI-generated work and The Photographers Gallery in London recently had a takeover of its Instagram account by an artist using artificial intelligence. Another uproar. We continue to notice a growing number of photographic artists experimenting and introducing AI to their process.

At see-zeen we remain mindful of all these ethical dilemmas. We too are photographers and we acknowledge that AI is not photography, it is a separate species! But change is inevitable and lines will continue to blur.

In figuring out where to go moving forward we decided to launch an open call for AI generated images for a feature in this issue. The results shown here range from thought-provoking work to more generic use of artificial intelligence. Julia Albrecht, whose (non-AI) work, we already featured in see-zeen issue #6 continues her research and uses AI in an additive way-as a tool to explore “the collective consciousness”. The architect duo behind the IG account Snapshots From A Near Future aims to raise awareness about climate change and create work that can offer possible solutions in countries around the world in the near future. Menno Aden uses AI to design entirely non-functional devices inviting us to critically consider the influence modern technology has on our lives. Pedro Bon aka Palanpuxeon explores the human condition in his AI generated portraits and Marta Contreras presents a stylized fashion editorial which hints at how quickly and easily fashion photography can be affected by the rise of artificial intelligence. And finally Vincent de Zutti compares his own photos to DALL-E 2 generated renderings of the same scenes in diptychs.

Even as we write this we are acutely aware of its fleeting relevance. The speed at which the world is changing is unprecedented and we feel we want to stay open-minded.
In conclusion, we believe that the future of AI-generated images for see-zeen depends on the artists’ intention and, as with all work, we look for its ability to convey a critical and thought-provoking concept. Transparency is important. We also recognize that our decisions on accepting AI-generated work or not may evolve over time but it will not take the space given to photography. This does not diminish the primary objective of see-zeen to support emerging talents from around the world who create inspiring photographic based work with different perspectives.

julia albrecht

Limping Racehorse

Concept:

Memories, dreams, and moments that never existed. – To think, think over, and think apart. Stories tell themselves through each narrative. In an in-between world in which thesis and antithesis lie very close together, the individual limits their flow of thought.
As we navigate the world of these creations, we can tap into a realm of pure imagination where anything is possible. The only limitation is our mind. In this world, such appearances can come to life, taking on a new form and meaning as they are captured in images that have never before been seen.
These images reflect the zeitgeist, a snapshot of the collective consciousness at a particular moment. They allow us to see the world through a different lens, one that is shaped by the individual‘s perspective and experiences. As we examine these creations, we can reflect on ourselves, our desires, and our fears, all captured in a diary that speaks of no real-time but rather the ever-shifting landscape of the human experience.

We can unravel the threads of our narratives, piecing together a story that is uniquely our own. As we explore the world of creations, we can uncover the deepest and most intimate parts of ourselves, unlocking the true potential of our subconscious minds. We are given a chance to explore the intersection of imagination and reality, where the lines between the two become blurred, and we are free to roam the true essence of ourselves.

About:

The series „The Limping Race Horse“ shows AI-generated artwork that incorporates poetry and personal diary fragments into its creation. Using AI DallE2, a language model developed by OpenAI, textual prompts were generated that combined the poem „Injured Pigeon“ and pieces from the artist‘s diary.

These prompts were then fed into an AI Text-to-image generator that utilized a combination of advanced techniques to create the final images. Inpainting was used to fill in missing or damaged parts of the pictures, while outpainting generated new elements to extend the image beyond its original boundaries. Prompt whispering allowed for adjustments to the textual prompts, producing the desired artistic effect.

julia albrecht
@albrechtjulia.de

snapshots from the near future

**2038 - Lagos**, **Nigeria**
Lagos is a coastal city that is vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and changing rainfall patterns could all potentially significantly impact the city and its residents.
The city is already facing several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, which could be exacerbated by the impact of climate change. The rapid population growth and urbanization in Lagos is putting a strain on resources and infrastructure, and the city is at risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and inadequate drainage systems.
To address these challenges, there have been efforts to implement more sustainable development practices and to enhance the city's resilience to the impact of climate change. This includes the development of green spaces and parks, improving the city's waste management system, and investing in more sustainable transportation options.

**2051 - Oman Desert**
Floods in the Oman desert are relatively rare, as the region receives very little rainfall throughout the year. However, when heavy rainfall does occur, it can lead to flash floods that can cause significant damage to infrastructure, property, and even loss of life. The country is facing a number of climate-related challenges, including rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and cyclones.
According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Arabian Peninsula, is expected to experience a significant increase in temperature and a decrease in rainfall. This could have serious implications for Oman's agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity. More needs to be done to address the impact of climate change in Oman. This includes investing in adaptation measures to protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems, as well as working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit the severity of future climate impact.

**2044 - The Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica**
The Thwaites Glacier is smaller than it was in the past. In recent decades, the glacier has been losing mass and retreating due to increased ice melt and calving ice into the ocean. This loss of ice from Thwaites and other glaciers in the region is contributing to global sea level rise.
The exact timeline for the complete melting of Arctic ice is uncertain and depends on various factors such as global warming, ocean currents, and natural variability. However, based on current projections, it is estimated that the Arctic could become ice-free in the summertime anywhere between the mid 21st century to the end of the century.

Visual Diary
The consequences of Climate Change on People and Architecture

We are two architects based in Venice.
We started this visual diary on climate change with a specific goal. Our aim is to raise awareness in the hope that we can still intervene to improve the dire situation humanity has created. We present a creative invitation to encourage us all to change our habits to contribute to lowering emissions and ensuring a better, more sustainable future for generations to come. The diary we are creating is a future fictional journey through some places exposed to climate change. We imagine a positive future where people adapt and find a way to live in a sustainable way.
With every picture (see IG) we describe the climate situation and possible solutions to site related problems.

For the past 15 years we were already using photography and computer graphics (3d modeling lighting and shading, photo-realistic rendering and Photoshop collage) as a communication tool, so we are not new to this media, but AI gives us the opportunity to speed up the process and make many variations and options to evaluate for the final image selection.
We use Midjourney on the cloud (they say Google Cloud service is now more sustainable - we hope that is right) and Stable Diffusion + Photoshop on our machines in Italy (powered with renewable energy), but we are still working hard on reducing our studio carbon footprint according to IPCC’s latest reports.

@snapshots-from-a-near-future

**Philippines - 2077**
The Philippines is an archipelagic nation, and rising sea levels caused by climate change are threatening the country's coastal areas. This can lead to flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion in freshwater sources.

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, landslides, and droughts. Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of these events, leading to more destruction and loss of life.

Nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and agricultural practices that promote soil health, can help to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to the impact of climate change. These solutions also provide co-benefits, such as protecting biodiversity and supporting livelihoods.

**Scotland - 2062**

Rising temperatures in Scotland can have significant impact on coastal cliffs, including increased erosion and instability. Higher temperatures can cause increased melting of glaciers and ice caps, leading to rising sea levels and more frequent and severe storms. These factors can contribute to increased erosion and the destabilization of coastal cliffs, which can pose risks to coastal communities and infrastructure.

Research is being carried out to better understand the impact of climate change on coastal cliffs and to develop strategies to adapt to these changes. This includes exploring the use of nature-based solutions as well as the use of engineered structures.

**Tokyo- 2072**

In Tokyo higher urban density can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in several ways.
It can reduce transportation emissions and promote energy efficiency by reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool buildings.
Dense urban areas can support a range of renewable energy options, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems.
Increasing urban density must be accompanied by careful planning and management to avoid negative impacts such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, and pollution.
Increasing urban density can also have negative impacts on biodiversity and soil consumption. To mitigate these impacts, cities can prioritize the preservation and restoration of green spaces, such as parks, gardens, and green roofs, which can serve as habitats for a variety of plant and animal species.

menno aden

Devices

"The best way to predict the future is to design it," said Buckminster Fuller, and Menno Aden's latest series “Devices” takes this idea to a whole new level. Aden is showing images of speculative devices for "improving our lives“ that he has created using AI-based text-image generators. In doing so, he explores the possibilitIes of shaping the future through artIficial intelligence and offers a reflectIon on the often unquestioned belief in technology as progress and a solutIon to our problems. By highlightIng the limitatIons of AI-generated objects as oddly pleasing but non-functional or nonsensical, Aden opens up a slightly disoriented space to think critically about the role and meaning of technology in our lives and the future we wish to create.

The specific-but-random devices were generated from text-prompts to improve human living conditions, such as safety, freedom, or nutrition ("bionic devices to ensure safety“, "devices for stabilization of freedom“, etc).

Based on the premise of the AI, the devices are created from a pool of pre-existing objects, a process that again implies human desires and fantasies. After all, technology not only helps us, it influences us, or as Marshall McLuhan famously said, "We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us."

menno aden
@mennoaden

Pedro Bon aka Palanpuxeon

As an artist, my goal is to visually express the complex range of human emotions. I am deeply interested in the feelings and moods of individuals, and believe that experiences of suffering and trauma can be reflected in the human face. That’s why I have focused my work on portraits - they have always fascinated me as a medium for capturing the essence of human emotion. Through my work, I aim to explore the ways in which our inner lives are conveyed through our external appearances, and to create powerful and moving representations of the human condition.

@palanpuxeon
@pdro.bon

marta contreras

I used Midjourney to show a monochromatic Haute Couture collection with a little bit of futuristic vision.

@mylovelyviews

vincent de zutti

A slightly low angle photo of a “Do Not Enter” sign. Taken with a flash at night. The sign is bright and the rest of the photo is black. Taken with an Instax camera and has a white instant film border.

Medium shot of a grove of white and black birch trees with moss on the trunks. A plastic orange safety fence is stretched across the trees at about a 10 degree angle and is higher on the left side of the frame. Caution tape runs along the top of the fence. On the left side of the frame is a set of wooden stairs. Taken with a flash. Taken with an Instax camera and has a white instant film border.

Doppelganger

Project Statement
For this project, Doppelganger, I used AI to attempt to recreate my own photography. This project was designed as an opportunity for me to learn more about how to create AI generated images as well as give myself a challenge: who’s the better photographer, me or AI? It has also prompted me to think more about how to be a photographer going forward in a world where AI generated photography exists.

Description of Work
The work in this project is a series of four diptychs featuring an original photograph on the left and the AI “doppelganger” on the right, and the prompt I wrote based on the original photo below. I used both digital and analog photography for my images and OpenAI DALL-E 2 to create the AI images.