Overview
- ChatGPT accurately identified the essential elements and photography techniques in the bird picture analysis.
- Editing recommendations concentrated on improving the image’s lighting, composition, and color vibrancy.
- The thorough Lightroom editing tutorial suggested subtle changes, but these alterations sometimes clashed with the original artist’s intent.
- AI-driven photo analysis serves as a useful resource for novice photographers aiming to enhance their skills.
I have been slow to embrace AI. As a wildlife photographer, I hadn’t explored much of its potential until now. Recently, I learned that AI can analyze images, so I decided to upload one of my photos to ChatGPT. Here’s what I discovered.
First Analysis
To kick things off, I shared a photo of a common tern that I captured one serene spring morning. The gentle light was perfect for evoking a sense of tranquility in my audience.
I didn’t employ any complex prompting techniques; I simply requested a photo analysis.
The initial analysis proved accurate. ChatGPT effectively pinpointed the main elements of my photograph, including minimalism, overexposure, the sense of open space, and the motion of the bird. It even identified the bird species correctly!
Detailed Analysis
ChatGPT was eager to dive deeper into the photography techniques used in the image, and I took it up on its offer. My prompt was straightforward once again.
Once again, it surpassed my expectations in breaking down the techniques I employed. I utilized open space to emphasize the subject while keeping the image airy and uncluttered—something ChatGPT articulated effectively. I often describe my style as simple and minimalistic, so it was no surprise that ChatGPT recognized this as my primary technique.
During editing, I intentionally increased the exposure for a bright, high-key lighting effect, which ChatGPT quickly identified. It also pointed out how the soft blue horizon contributed to the calm ambiance.
Moreover, the AI tool accurately identified technical aspects such as exposure settings. For instance, ChatGPT noted that the shot was taken with a shallow depth of field using a telephoto lens and a fast shutter speed. It also recognized the rule of thirds, a compositional guideline I applied.
Improvement Suggestions
When I asked ChatGPT for some editing suggestions, here’s what it recommended:
ChatGPT proposed several enhancements for my photo. These included adjusting the lighting and contrast to make the bird’s wings crisper, boosting mid-tones, and refining highlights and shadows. To make the bird pop, it suggested enriching the colors, especially on the beak, and experimenting with warm versus cool tones.
In terms of composition, it advised cropping based on the rule of thirds (which I had already implemented) and considering symmetry or asymmetry. On a technical level, it suggested sharpening the wings and checking for noise in the overexposed areas. Additionally, ChatGPT recommended adding a vignette, modifying the sky, and playing with creative effects like lens flare or a watercolor overlay.
Lightroom Editing Steps
ChatGPT provided three options for editing in Lightroom, Photoshop, and GIMP. I opted for a detailed Lightroom guide since it’s my go-to tool for wildlife photography.
ChatGPT provided a thorough step-by-step process, including options for importing and exporting and specific slide adjustments. I diligently followed its guidance, though I bypassed some optional artistic effects, such as overlays and lens flare, as I prefer to keep my nature edits subtle. Drastic changes aren’t my style.
You can see the before and after results in the screenshots below.
The difference is subtle; ChatGPT’s edits enhanced the definition of the bird’s wings and slightly deepened the sky’s hue. However, I intentionally reduced the texture and clarity to create a calm, dreamy effect. The increased brightness in my original image was a deliberate choice for that high-key aesthetic. Therefore, while ChatGPT’s editing suggestions are technically sound, they may not fully align with my artistic vision.
How AI Image Analysis Can Enhance Your Photography
I have repeated this process with various images and arrived at a similar conclusion each time. As someone with significant experience in photography, ChatGPT’s insights and recommendations, while impressive, aren’t revolutionary for me. However, I would have found them invaluable a decade ago when I was just starting to develop my style.
That said, I will continue to use ChatGPT for inspiration and guidance in my photography. The images displayed above showcase the original versus the edited versions.
If you’re a self-taught photographer, my advice to you as an educator is: embrace AI! It can serve as a fantastic resource, acting as your mentor and guide, helping you become a more confident photographer.
