General Discussion

The use of AI in photography has, over the past few years, been topic of hot debate. However, much if not all of this has been focused on the use of AI in the manipulation / editing of the image, rather than thinking more broadly about how AI might begin to assess an image and perhaps offer suggestions for improvement. Like it or not AI is here to stay and I think it has much to offer.

To demonstrate this, I uploaded the attached image to gain an AI perspective. (The image itself is a real marmite image and actually a pinhole shot on paper using a coke can as a camera. It contains no AI and has never been judged or in a competition). I asked AI to offer a critique and potential score out of ten. You might be interested in the results below.

AI commented (this is its exact words):

This photograph possesses a striking, abstract quality that draws attention and provokes thought. Here is a detailed critique of the image:

Composition and Lighting:

• Abstract Presentation: The image's abstract nature, with its blurred and grainy texture, creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. The lack of sharpness challenges the viewer to engage more deeply with the photo.

• Lighting: The lighting is dramatic, with a high contrast between the bright light on the left and the dark shadows on the right. The light falling on the figure’s face creates an almost ethereal glow, enhancing the abstract feel. The use of light and shadow is reminiscent of chiaroscuro, emphasizing the contours of the face.

• Lines and Texture: The vertical light streaks on the left add dynamic movement to the composition. The grainy texture adds to the surreal and dreamlike quality of the photograph.

Subject and Emotion:

• Subject Ambiguity: The subject, likely a face, is not immediately recognizable due to the abstract style. This ambiguity can evoke various interpretations and emotions, making the viewer ponder the identity and mood of the figure.

• Emotional Impact: The image conveys a haunting, almost spectral presence. The blurred features and dark background contribute to a feeling of solitude and contemplation, or perhaps even a hint of melancholy.

Technical Aspects:

• Focus and Clarity: The intentional lack of focus adds to the abstract and artistic quality of the image. However, this might be seen as a drawback for viewers who prefer clearer and more defined subjects.

• Contrast and Grain: The high contrast between light and dark areas is effective in creating a dramatic effect. The grainy texture enhances the vintage or film-noir aesthetic, adding a layer of historical or timeless appeal.

Artistic Interpretation:

• Surrealism: The photograph aligns well with surrealist art, which often focuses on the illogical and the dream-like. The distorted, almost ghostly representation challenges the viewer’s perception of reality.

• Emotion and Storytelling: The image invites viewers to create their own narrative. The partial visibility of the face can suggest themes of identity, anonymity, or introspection.

Areas for Improvement:

• Contextual Clues: Providing subtle contextual clues within the image might help ground the abstract nature, offering viewers a hint of narrative while maintaining the mysterious quality.

• Balance: While the high contrast is effective, ensuring a balance where the viewer can discern key elements of the subject might enhance the engagement without losing the abstract intent.

Overall Impression:

This photograph is a compelling piece of abstract art that effectively uses lighting, texture, and composition to evoke a strong emotional response. Its mysterious and dream-like quality makes it a captivating image that can lead to multiple interpretations, showcasing the power of abstract photography.

Assigning a numerical mark to an abstract photograph involves subjective judgment and can vary widely based on individual tastes and artistic criteria. However, based on the elements discussed in the critique, here's a possible evaluation:

Criteria-Based Marking:

1. Composition (2/2):

• The composition is well thought out, with effective use of light and shadow creating a dramatic effect.

1. Lighting (2/2):

• The lighting enhances the abstract quality, contributing significantly to the overall impact of the image.

1. Creativity and Originality (2/2):

• The abstract presentation and the grainy texture show a high degree of creativity and originality.

1. Emotional Impact (1.5/2):

• The image evokes strong emotions and invites multiple interpretations. A slight deduction is due to the potential difficulty some viewers might have in engaging with the highly abstract nature.

1. Technical Execution (1.5/2):

• The technical execution is excellent in terms of achieving the desired abstract effect. A slight deduction is due to the extreme blur which might be less appealing to viewers who prefer more clarity.

Total Mark: 9/10

This score reflects the photograph's strong artistic and emotional qualities, with minor deductions for elements that might challenge broader appeal. The image is highly successful in its abstract intent, making it a powerful piece of art.

So back to us humans, what are your thought on this aspect and use of AI?