AI has become an all-consuming topic in advertising lately, with discussions revolving around how to utilize it and/or how to address its implications. Personally, I’m treating AI as a new tool with fresh possibilities for my work.

Recently, I decided to experiment with a new bit of AI software that generates an entirely new face, matching the look and feel of the original photograph. 

Within 10 minutes, I successfully crafted a completely "new person" using AI. I selected the ethnicity, age, hairstyle, hair color, eye color, expression, and more, creating a new face that doesn't exist in reality, yet matches the mood of my original image impeccably. 

In my opinion, the AI used here introduces two advancements. First, the face I created is not that of an actual living person, and second, the speed and accuracy at which this transformation occurred is truly astounding. Traditional methods would have entailed photographing a different person (ensuring a close match in terms of pose and lighting), and then meticulously retouching the new head onto the existing image to achieve a seamless and believable result. As many of you can likely relate, this conventional approach would have consumed far more than the ten minutes I spent crafting the "after" image in the examples below. 

As I delve deeper into the realm of AI, my experience in its applications continues to grow. This newfound expertise enables me to harness AI as a valuable tool in my image making. By immersing myself in its intricacies and pushing the boundaries of what is achievable, I have developed a profound understanding of how AI can augment and elevate various aspects of my work. 

The transition from film to digital photography had a profound impact on my creative process, as images showed almost immediately allowing for creative changes in almost real time. The swift emergence of images empowered me with newfound efficiency and inspiration, transforming the way I approached my craft.

 Similarly, embracing AI is again expanding my horizons, igniting a fresh wave of inspiration utilizing these new tools to create images. I’m truly inspired and am now approaching my work with renewed passion and innovation. See more of Tom’s stories and client work at his site. And follow Tom for his latest updates @tomhusseyphotography.