Artificial intelligence in the environment and in photography

Photography exercise

Time: 50–60min

Tools: Computer, tablet or smartphone

Goal: Practice creating images with the help of AI and consider the meaning of photographic truth.

Transversal competences: L4, L5, L7

Artificial intelligence tools can be found in all areas of photography, from focus to exposure and image editing. New technologies and software enable photographers to create images that would have previously been impossible or very expensive to produce.

Image generators utilizing artificial intelligence can also create pictures that look like traditional photographs. Open access tools enable the creation of AI images for a large group of people. At the same time, they evoke threats of misuse and the spread of misinformation.

A vision of the future

Have a look at the picture and consider what is happening in it.
What draws your attention in the picture? What kind of details can you see? What is the picture about in your opinion?

Create images with AI

Make use of an online AI image generator, such as Copilot or Perchanche, and try to create a copy of Ilkka Halso’s artwork.
Experiment with different prompts to replicate the original artwork. A prompt is an instruction that guides AI to the desired result. Save the picture that is most successful in your opinion.
Next, use the same image generator and create an AI image on the theme “Environment of the Future”. Save your favourite image.

Presenting AI images

In small groups, share the AI images you created. You can discuss for example the following questions:

What was the image-making process like?
What kind of prompts did you use and why?
What differences and similarities can you find in your pictures depicting future environments?
In terms of art, what difference does it make if an image is truthful or not?
In what contexts is the photographic truth important?