Jessica Chávez

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Use Artificial Intelligence To 10X your Portrait Photography Ideas!

On the right is the original Portrait Photography. On the left, is a fresh take from AI Software “MidJourney”.

Hey friend!

A few days ago I wrote a blogpost about the question: “Will Artificial Intelligence Replace Portrait Photographers?”. Quick answer, no, it will never replace Portrait Photographers, but it can surely help streamline certain processes and make the photography business a bit limber. So, for this blog post I wanted to dive into the question: How can Portrait Photographers use AI tools during the concept development process? Can we develop ideas faster?

Capturing a subject's essence through an image is not just a job, it's an art form! And with Artificial Intelligence becoming more and more prevalent in the photography industry, it's an exciting time to be part of this creative world. I mean, sure, technology is constantly changing the game, but one thing remains the same - the need for inspiration. That's where AI generated images come in, my friends. We're gonna explore how you can use AI to bring new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a whole lotta inspiration to your photoshoots. So, grab a coffee, kick back, and let's get ready to take your photography to the next level with the power of AI!

Understanding AI Generated Images:

First things first, let's talk about what AI generated images are all about. Simply put, AI generated images are digital images created using artificial intelligence technology. Cool and scary, right? Personally I never thought that would’ve been possible in my lifetime! But how does it all work? Well, AI algorithms analyze existing images and learn from them to create new ones that are unique and original. Basically, when you type a prompt idea, the algorithm will analyze thousands of images to create an image that will resemble your idea. And the benefits of using AI generated images in portrait photography? Endless! From finding new concepts to taking your photo shoots to the next level, AI generated images are the secret weapon every portrait photographer needs in their arsenal. So, don't be intimidated, embrace the technology and get ready to be inspired!

The Benefits of Using AI Generated Images in Portrait Photography:

AI generated images offer a wealth of benefits to portrait photographers looking for inspiration and bring a fresh perspective to their work. Not only can AI algorithms analyze existing images and uncover patterns and styles, but they can also generate new and unique images that would have otherwise been impossible to create. This allows you as a portrait photographer to think about crazy and otherwise impossible ideas for your portrait and have a visual reference of how it would look. Sometimes the results are plain and horrible, but other times it delivers awe inspiring results!

Furthermore, having a tool that helps you develop constant ideas can help overcome creative blocks and find new ways to approach your next photoshoot. With AI generated images serving as a starting point, you can then step it up another level and add your own personal touch, bringing your vision to life in a way that will be truly unique. It’s almost like a faster sketchbook.

Finding Inspiration and Developing Concepts with AI Generated Images:

With the ability to analyze existing images and generate new, unique, and original images, AI technology is a valuable tool for us because we can use our own images as a stepping stone to develop new concepts. Analyze the similarities and differences and think about how you can incorporate new ideas and styles into your photoshoots. You could inject one of your portraits and then say: “Imagine this as a Vaporwave style” and the AI will analyze your images and then give you a few options of how it would look as that art style!

These are the four iterations generated by “MidJourney” for the the prompt “As a Vaporwave Portrait”.

Imagine how the world of ideas and concepts will open up for you! You can then grab that new image and inject it again into the software to develop an even more unique image. You can then use that same image as part of your “Mood Board”. Do you see how your concept development workflow can be propelled by utilizing these tools?! Embrace this technology, have an open mind, and be willing to experiment. The results will be truly amazing!

Incorporating AI Generated Images into Your Workflow:

The first step is to unleash your creativity and take your portrait photography to new heights by incorporating these new images into your workflow. With little effort, you can easily integrate AI generated images into your existing processes to find new inspiration and give your work a breath of new ideas.

This is the development process from the first iteration based on the original Portrait at the Top of this article. You can use this iteration process to think about the Medium Shot to the Close-Up Shot!

Steps for Using AI Generated Images in Your Portrait Photography Business:

First, familiarize yourself with the various types of AI generated images and how they can be used. I like to use the software “MidJourney”. MidJourney has trained their AI model to process images that have a more artistic approach than other models. So, when you are developing new ideas, it is better to have a visual that feels more artistically developed, which will trace a clearer path towards your concept. Experiment with different styles and techniques to find what works best for you.

Next, start incorporating AI generated images into your research and concept development process. Start building your “Concept or Mood Board” with your generated images and see how you can complement each other artistically. Finally, don't be afraid to be bold and try new things. After all, that's what the creative process is all about!

Best Practices for Integrating AI Generated Images into Your Workflow:

When incorporating AI generated images into your workflow, it's important to find a balance between being inspired by the technology and staying true to your unique style and approach. This is very important! You don’t want to lose yourself in the process and forget about the reason you are using the image generation software. Utilize AI generated images as a starting point and then let your creativity guide the rest.

How to Ensure the Use of AI Generated Images Complements Your Unique Style and Approach:

The key to ensuring the use of AI generated images complements your unique style and approach is to not rely solely on the technology. There is no one-click to rule them all solution for this. We are creative beings, and this is what will set us apart from each other and from machines. Instead, use AI generated images as a tool to spark new ideas and take your portrait photography in new and exciting directions. As I’ve been saying through this blog post, using Artificial Intelligence is just another tool to engage with the creative fire in you. Remember, your unique perspective and creative approach are what sets you apart and makes your work truly special!

Conclusion

So, as we’ve learned through the blog post, AI generated images will not replace your creative process, but it can surely help you increase the amount of output of ideas you can generate. By having a higher output of images, you can then mix and match the best ideas that fit your style and photography concept, which can then be enhanced and turned into a masterpiece! By integrating this new tool, you are not replacing your creative process, but enhancing it by having an endless resource of imagination at your fingertips.

Remember, this is part of your concept development process, although it could be used as a finished product, it is not intended to. The intention is to use these generated images to ignite the fire in your creativity and enhance your Portrait Photography art style! Down the line I’ll write a short tutorial on how to use MidJourney to generate images that will push your creativity.


Thank you for taking the time to read this blog! I look forward to sharing more on being a portrait photographer.

Stay tuned for the next blog post!

xx, Yeya

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