Fake Memories, Promptography, and Generative AI, with Boris Eldagsen
Sep 28, 2023
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German media artist Boris Eldagsen discusses generative AI, including topics such as shared creativity, biases in AI training data, AI agencies, and the classification of generative AI. Eldasgen emphasizes the need to categorize photographs and AI-generated imagery differently and the advantages of a background in traditional photography and visual arts when dealing with AI.
The controversy surrounding AI-generated images in photography competitions and the need for clear categorization of photographs and AI-generated imagery.
The process of generating AI images using text prompts and the importance of precision and specificity in prompts for desired results.
The constant evolution of AI and the importance of knowledge, skills, and staying informed about the latest developments in working with AI in photography.
Deep dives
AI-generated images and the impact on photography competitions
The podcast episode discusses the controversy surrounding AI-generated images in photography competitions. It highlights the case of Boris Eldickson, who won the top prize in the open category of the Sony World Photography Awards with an AI-generated image. The podcast explores the questionable reputation of photography competitions and how the organizers failed to address the AI aspect of the winning image. The episode raises questions about the role of AI in photography and the potential threat it poses to traditional photography techniques. It also touches on the changes made by the Sony Awards guidelines regarding the use of AI-generated images in future competitions.
Exploring the process of generating AI images
The conversation delves into the process of generating AI images using text prompts and existing images. It discusses the importance of experience and knowledge in image-making to create effective prompts. Boris Eldickson explains the various elements that can be included in a text prompt, such as subject, action, location, emotion, style, composition, lighting, colors, and more. The episode emphasizes the need for precision and specificity in prompts to achieve desired results. It also highlights the role of post-production in refining and enhancing AI-generated images.
The evolution of AI workshops and platforms
Boris Eldickson shares his experience in conducting AI workshops and the refinements he has made over time. He explains how his understanding of AI and the text prompt elements has evolved as he continuously works with AI. The episode mentions the live prompt battles held on platforms like Dali 2, Mid-Journey, and Adobe Firefly, and discusses the differences between them. It suggests that the choice of platform depends on individual preferences and backgrounds, and recommends Dali 2 for beginners interested in learning text prompting.
The artist sees similarities between working with AI and collaborating with fellow artists
The artist discusses how working with AI in upcoming projects is a logical continuation of their artistic journey, allowing for creative freedom without the constraints of traditional photography. They highlight the importance of knowledge and skills in using AI effectively and distinguish promptography as a term that encompasses the generation of images using prompts, including text, images, and existing videos. The artist acknowledges that AI is constantly evolving and recommends staying informed about the latest developments.
The complexity of human hand rendering in AI-generated images and the use of promptography
The podcast delves into the challenges of rendering human hands in AI-generated images and draws a parallel with artists struggling to depict hands in traditional art. The artist explains that limited training data on hands in certain genres contributes to these challenges, but new AI platforms are improving hand rendering through features like composition reference and premade hand templates. The podcast also touches on the ethics of image use in AI datasets, highlighting the complexity of the issue and emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between non-profit organizations and commercial entities utilizing AI.
Artificial intelligence is a polarizing topic, and its rapid evolution within content creation has set our once familiar world on edge. To help demystify this gargantuan subject and add clarity to important concerns, we’re turning to an artist positioned at the very center of the debate between photography and AI imagery.
German media artist Boris Eldagsen made global headlines after entering his AI-generated image, “The Electrician,” in the Sony World Photography Awards. He won a top prize, and then ultimately declined the award due to a lack of open discussion about the need to categorize photographs and AI-generated imagery differently.
Join us for this frank and informative discussion about generative AI. Some of the diverse topics we cover include ways creativity is shared between man and machine, the effects of different languages (and even phrasing) when creating text prompts, inherent biases in AI training data and ways to counter this, the emergence of AI agencies, the newly created job title of Prompt Engineer, and much, much more.
And for those listeners who fear AI as a threat to their photo careers, our discussion ends on an upbeat note, with the classification of generative AI as a knowledge accelerator, being most beneficial to practitioners with a solid background in traditional photography and the visual arts. To quote Eldagsen, “For the first time in history, the older generation has an advantage...” We’ll let you listen to hear the end.
Guests: Boris Eldagsen
For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/fake-memories-promptography-and-generative-ai-with-boris-eldagsen
Stay Connected: Boris Eldagsen Website: https://www.eldagsen.com/ Boris Eldagsen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boriseldagsen/ Boris Eldagsen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boriseldagsen Boris Eldagsen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EldagsenBoris/ Boris Eldagsen Workshops: https://www.eldagsen.com/lecturingworkshops/ Boris Eldagsen Panama Exhibition: https://www.eldagsen.com/pseudomnesia3/
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