I used ChatGPT for photo analysis
And I was shocked by the results
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly weaving its way into many aspects of our photographic lives (in addition, of course, to many other parts of our lives). It’s in our photo processing software and in our cameras and, unless we go back to using film again, we’re not going to be able to escape its advance. I’ll admit I’m old school and not really interested in utilizing A.I. to improve my photo processing or to create images from a few text prompts, but it does peak my curiosity.
I have a basic ChatGPT app on my phone and have used that for a few photography type enquiries such as ideas for projects, potential locations etc. Some of the information provided was useful but it’s not something I’ve felt the need to use on a regular basis.
However, about a year ago, I asked ChatGPT if it was able to analyze my photos and this is the response I received:
“I can certainly provide feedback on photos based on descriptions you provide, but I can’t view images directly. Feel free to describe the photo, and I'll do my best to offer insights or comments”
I wasn’t too surprised by that response as ChatGPT is (or at least was at that point) pretty basic and I didn’t bother attempting to describe any of my images as it seemed like a pointless exercise.
More recently though, I asked it what it could tell me about the photographer, Mark Foard. I had originally asked it what it knew about me but it said it didn’t have enough info to answer that. By being more specific, this is how it responded:
“Mark Foard is known for his photography work that often captures landscapes, nature, and urban scenes. His style frequently emphasizes natural beauty, dramatic lighting, and unique perspectives, making his photos visually striking and emotionally evocative. Foard’s work tends to highlight the interplay between light and shadow, creating depth and texture in his images.”
Interesting! I’m not disputing what it said, but, if it can’t “see” my photos, how was it able to describe my style? Where was this information coming from? I couldn’t find any information I had previously provided to ChatGPT that would have helped it come up with that description. Maybe it was just picking up information from various responses I’ve had from my online postings (for example my, now discontinued, Instagram account, my Vero account and now Substack). Anyway, I found the whole thing intriguing and, maybe, a little disturbing.
However, it gets more “interesting”. This weekend, in a moment of boredom (and also a moment of forgetfulness that I’d tried previously) I asked the app again if it could analyze my photos. To my surprise, this is the response it gave:
“ Yes, I’d be happy to analyze your photos. Feel free to send them over whenever you’d like and I can provide feedback or discuss any specific elements you’re focussing on.”
I certainly wasn’t expecting that answer. But, I was intrigued so I uploaded a couple of recent images and, literally a few seconds later, this is what ChatGPT had to say:
Composition: The isolated chair placed against a backdrop of graffiti and weathered walls evokes a strong sense of abandonment or loneliness. The vibrant graffiti contrasts with the muted, weathered surroundings, and the chair in the centre adds a focal point that draws the viewer’s attention. The lighting enhances the mood, with the chair being highlighted by direct sunlight, almost spotlighted, against the shadowed background.
Mood: The image has an urban decay feel, capturing a mix of neglect and unexpected beauty, with the chair acting almost as a silent observer in the scene
Composition: The textures are beautifully highlighted in black and white, allowing the viewer to focus on the intricate, organic shapes of the roots as they snake through the rocks. The natural patterns formed by the roots lead the eye upward, almost mimicking the growth of the tree itself.
Mood: There’s a sense of timelessness and resilience in this shot. The monochromatic tones emphasize the starkness of nature reclaiming its space, with the interplay of light and shadow giving depth to the rugged terrain.
Both shots show strong attention to detail and texture. The chair photo leans more into storytelling through color and contrast, while the tree roots photo focuses on the raw beauty of nature.
WTF! How did it do that? How was it able to now “see” my photos? My mind was (and still is) BLOWN.
I decided to try one more time with another photo that has a number of different elements to it to. Maybe I could trip it up and confuse it?
This photo was taken in Toronto in a place called Underpass Park. It’s known for its murals, public art and kids playground.
Here’s what ChatGPT had to say:
This is a visually captivating image! Here are some thoughts on its elements and impact:
1. Composition: The image is dynamic and layered, with an intriguing blend of textures and shapes. The interplay between the graffiti and the mirrored hexagons above creates a sense of movement, as the reflections disrupt and distort the scene below. The reflection adds depth, making the viewer look twice to decipher where each element begins and ends.
2. Use of Light and Shadow: The shadows cast onto the mirrored surfaces add an abstract quality, enhancing the visual complexity. This use of light draws attention to different areas of the image, creating a rhythm as the viewer’s eye moves from one section to another.
3. Color Palette: The vivid colors in the graffiti contrast with the more muted tones in the mirrored reflections, adding energy to the image. The pinks, blues, and purples in the graffiti mural are bold and expressive, giving it a strong street-art feel, while the reflections appear more subdued and mysterious, almost monochromatic.
4. Symbolism and Mood: There’s a sense of urban grit in the image, amplified by the graffiti and the industrial setting under the bridge. The reflections create a surreal atmosphere, as if blending reality with a dreamlike or distorted perspective. This creates an intriguing contrast between the tangible graffiti art and the more abstract, elusive reflections above.
5. Artistic Intent: This image feels like it’s exploring the relationship between structured man-made art and organic, unpredictable reflections. It raises questions about perception, reality, and how environments can shift our view of familiar elements.
Overall, it’s a fascinating photograph that balances structured art with abstraction. You’ve captured a moment that invites the viewer to linger and interpret the scene, making it thought-provoking.
Now, it’s pleasing to my ego that ChatGPT has had some very complementary things to say about these photos but I wonder if it’s just sucking up to me to pull me further into its wicked web. And how was it able to view them and then, a few seconds later, provide such an in depth critique? Was it wise of me to be sharing my photos and information with an app that could potentially use that information for other purposes to my detriment? Or am I just being overly cautious about a new technology, albeit something that has the potential to eventually rule the world and destroy mankind. What if ChatGPT is reading this? Holy shit! What if ChatGPT is one of my subscribers?
This is all too overwhelming for my tiny human brain to comprehend. I think I need a stiff drink.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of my substack. If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to receive future posts.
Also, don’t forget to hit Like or leave a comment.
If I were an art critic or curator, I would be worried. Throw in a few 'fancy' words and you almost have the writing on the wall at the entrance to the gallery! I am glad you did this. I agree with the drink, though. This is scary. But, there is hope, as Stanley Kubrick said: “The test of a work of art is, in the end, our affection for it, not our ability to explain why it is good.”
What an interesting experiment Mark, love it! I'm glad you gave it a try and managed to experience how fast AI is evolving.
I use it a lot for my daily life, drafting newsletters, researching different points of view on certain topics, finding out what it knows about specific information, it is a very powerful tool but lacks the eye and experience of say a photo editor, a curator or even a photographer who can give you better constructive criticism rather than flattery.
As you say, it's great to pamper your ego but not a great tool to help you improve as a photographer.