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I’m late to the AI bandwagon. As a wildlife photographer, I didn’t have much to do with AI. Recently, I discovered that AI can analyze photos. Curious, I uploaded my image to ChatGPT, and this is what happened.
Initial Analysis
To get started, I uploaded a picture of a common tern. I took this picture in the morning on a spring day. The light was mellow, and I wanted to elicit a calm and serene feeling in the viewers.
I didn’t use any crazyAI prompting techniques; I simply asked it to analyze the image.
The initial analysis was spot on. It clearly identified the key components of my picture: minimalism, overexposure, a sense of space, and the bird in motion. It also correctly identified the bird!
In-Depth Analysis
ChatGPT offered to tell me more about the photography techniques in its response. I took up the offer and I asked ChatGPT to find the photography techniques applied to the image. The prompt I used was, again, very simple.
Once again, it exceeded my expectations in decoding the methods I used. I used space to highlight the subject and keep the image airy and non-cluttered. ChatGPT explained that well, too. I take a minimalist approach to all my images. I like to call my style simple and minimal, so it’s no surprise that ChatGPT spotted it as the first photography technique.
While editing, I intentionallyupped the exposurefor a high-key lighting look. ChatGPT was quick to find this as well. It also noted that the soft blue horizon adds to the serene feel.
The popular AI tool accurately named technical things, like exposure and camera settings. For instance, ChatGPT could tell that the image was taken at ashallow depth of fieldwith atelephoto lensat a high shutter speed. It also pinpointed the rule of thirds, the compositional rule I used.
Suggestions for Improvement
When I prompted ChatGPT for tweaks, this is the list of things it suggested in detail.
ChatGPT recommended several edits to enhance my photo. It suggested adjusting the lighting and contrast to sharpen the bird’s wings, boosting mid-tones and refining highlights and shadows. To make the bird stand out, it advised enhancing the colors, particularly the beak, and playing with warm or cool tones.
For composition, it recommended cropping with the rule of thirds (although I already had) and considering symmetry or asymmetry. On the technical side, it proposed sharpening the wings and checking for noise in overexposed areas. Lastly, ChatGPT suggested adding a vignette,replacing the sky, and experimenting with creative effects likeadding lens flareor a watercolor overlay.
Lightroom Editing Process
ChatGPT gave me three options for specific editing in Lightroom, Photoshop, and GIMP. I asked for a detailed Lightroom process since it is my preferred editing tool for wildlife photos.
From importing and exporting to every little slide in between, ChatGPT gave me a step-by-step process, sometimes with a specific value. I followed the edits judiciously. I skipped some of the optional artistic effects, like overlays and lens flare, as I tend to keep my edits to a minimum in my nature photos. I generally don’t prefer extreme changes.
you may check the before and after in the screenshot.
As you can see, ChatGPT’s edits were subtle and didn’t dramatically change my photo. The main noticeable difference is in the sharpness of the bird. The edited photo shows more definition in the bird’s wings and a slightly darker sky.
However, I intentionally lowered the texture and clarity to achieve a tranquil and dreamy look. The increased brightness in my original image was also purposefully done to achieve a high-key effect. So, ChatGPT’s editing ideas are not exactly in line with my artistic vision.
AI Image Analysis Can Help You Improve Your Photography
I’ve tried the same process with different images and came to the same conclusion. As an experienced photographer with years under my belt for honing the craft, ChatGPT’s analysis and suggestions, although flawless, is not groundbreaking for me. But I would have greatly appreciated it 10 years ago, as anew photographer trying to find my style.
That said, I will continue to use ChatGPT to generate ideas and improve my photography. Above are the full images, before and after the edit.
If you’re a self-taught newbie photographer, my advice as a photography educator is: don’t shy away from AI. It can be a valuable tool in acting as your mentor and critic, guiding you to become a confident photographer.
