08/30/2026
I'm thankful to say that this didn't come from a subject or client—
A friend fed my images through AI to create a promotional event poster.
Here's what I noticed:
1) the colors had been filtered in a deep bronze overlay
2) the contrast had been boosted so high that the subjects seemed like caricatures.
I stopped looking. Later, it was pointed out to me that clothing and props had morphed… one pictured boy was separated from his forearm.
Honestly, it seemed so vicious, I was relieved to learn that AI had created the graphic rather than a human hand.
Speaking of *contrast*, here's what I look for, which AI cannot comprehend:
• True skin tones. Sunrises and candle glow change lighting, but I preserve skin tones to be true… with a hint of warmth.
• Juxtaposition. Lace and tulle swishing among stone columns; sunlight glamorously peeking through treetops; a dancer's form lifting between rigid towers.
• Attentive details. Fingertips, shoulders, a playful grin—the little expressive elements that determine a pretty picture from a memorable portrait.
• Candid emotion. Stand back, AI. I've got this one.
If AI is the competitor, then there's no competition at all. Skip to the end, the poster was discarded.
p.s. I'll still use AI to remove a trash bin from a background. And I'll stick with the human touch everywhere else.
