by Tony Karp

Some of my AI-Plus images - Part 3

As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. In the past, I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.

Now I'm looking at AI as a new source of stock images to start my artworks. There's an advantage to using AI over stock photos as you can give prompts to direct it, rather than searching through stock photo catalogs for something interesting.

With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus.

Here are some examples of AI-Plus. They all started as images from an online text-to-image AI. On some of the images, you can click to see the original AI image I started with.
 - If you're planning a new movie, <br>and you want to have a set of magical lenses, <br>made just for your movie, <br>this is who you want to speak to. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
If you're planning a new movie,
and you want to have a set of magical lenses,
made just for your movie,
this is who you want to speak to.
 - Here, a lens element receives <br>a microscopic coating of Chanel #5 perfume<br>to enhance the sweetness of the bokeh. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
Here, a lens element receives
a microscopic coating of Chanel #5 perfume
to enhance the sweetness of the bokeh.
 - This is a viewer used by the bokeh-puller.<br>It allows him to control <br>the out-of-focus part during shooting. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This is a viewer used by the bokeh-puller.
It allows him to control
the out-of-focus part during shooting.
 - This is the very latest model of the Unsteadycam (tm).<br>It's used for a first-person view <br>of an unsteady walk to show drunkeness, etc. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This is the very latest model of the Unsteadycam (tm).
It's used for a first-person view
of an unsteady walk to show drunkeness, etc.
 - We know you're planning Blade Runner #17.<br> We know you're going to want a set of lenses<br> made especially for your film.<br>
We're ready. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
We know you're planning Blade Runner #17.
We know you're going to want a set of lenses
made especially for your film.
We're ready.
 - -- Click on picture to see original version -- - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future - - -- Click on picture to see original version -- - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
-- Click on picture to see original version --
 - This instrument can create 'molecular reticulation'<br> in the cement between lens elements.<br>This will create beautiful negative diffusion. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This instrument can create "molecular reticulation"
in the cement between lens elements.
This will create beautiful negative diffusion.
 - This is our teenage de-ager.<br> If your vintage lens is too old, <br>he can reset it from Boomer to Millenial or Gen X. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This is our teenage de-ager.
If your vintage lens is too old,
he can reset it from Boomer to Millenial or Gen X.
 - This is our new 'Golden Hour' lens adapter.<br>Now you can change the golden hour<br> to fit your shooting schedule. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This is our new "Golden Hour" lens adapter.
Now you can change the golden hour
to fit your shooting schedule.
 - This lady reads old photography magazines<br>looking for lenses with bad reviews.<br>These will become our magical vintage lenses. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This lady reads old photography magazines
looking for lenses with bad reviews.
These will become our magical vintage lenses.
 - We are working on our first 'All Bokeh' lens. <br>No sharp parts -- just bokeh. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
We are working on our first "All Bokeh" lens.
No sharp parts -- just bokeh.
 - Testing one of our new retro lens designs.<br>Newly-made lenses, but using a vintage lens design.<br>We call them 'Curated Lens Reproductions.' - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
Testing one of our new retro lens designs.
Newly-made lenses, but using a vintage lens design.
We call them "Curated Lens Reproductions."
 - This machine installs gears, sensors, and encoders <br>that extract metadata from a lens.<br>We can read things like f/stop, distance,<br> and the emotional state of the lens. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This machine installs gears, sensors, and encoders
that extract metadata from a lens.
We can read things like f/stop, distance,
and the emotional state of the lens.
 - We're not out of the woods yet. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
We're not out of the woods yet.
 - If shooting film is not low-tech enough for you: <br>Our new Polaroid Cine Camera.<br>It shoots 24 Polaroids a second and <br>leaves them in a big pile on the floor. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
If shooting film is not low-tech enough for you:
Our new Polaroid Cine Camera.
It shoots 24 Polaroids a second and
leaves them in a big pile on the floor.
 - One of our lens techs in a hazmat suit, <br>supervising a lens being de-tuned with heat.<br> To give the lens that 'Cooked Look.' - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
One of our lens techs in a hazmat suit,
supervising a lens being de-tuned with heat.
To give the lens that "Cooked Look."
 - -- Click on picture to see original version -- - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future - - -- Click on picture to see original version -- - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
-- Click on picture to see original version --
 - This is a lens re-tuner.<br>After you get bored with your de-tuned lens, <br>we can bring it back to the future. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This is a lens re-tuner.
After you get bored with your de-tuned lens,
we can bring it back to the future.
 - This technician works exclusively with 3D vintage lenses - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This technician works exclusively with 3D vintage lenses
 - This device takes optical measurements of older lenses<br> to determine if they've become vintage. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This device takes optical measurements of older lenses
to determine if they've become vintage.
 - Our new cine lens with 12 separate metadata ports.<br>We're vying for the<br>'Most cables on a cine camera' Sci/Tech award. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
Our new cine lens with 12 separate metadata ports.
We're vying for the
"Most cables on a cine camera" Sci/Tech award.
 - This tool softens the look of a lens by adding circles of diffusion. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This tool softens the look of a lens by adding circles of diffusion.
 - You probably think we're not serious<br> with all this 'magical lens woo-woo.'<br>
We're not. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
You probably think we're not serious
with all this "magical lens woo-woo."
We're not.
 - This lady works in the field, searching for<br> homeless lenses, waiting to be rehoused - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This lady works in the field, searching for
homeless lenses, waiting to be rehoused
 - This is a vintage, hand-cranked lens de-tuner.<br>It's in a glass case in the reception area.<br>Along with the inventor. - As an artist, I have sometimes used a stock photo as the starting point in creating a new image. I used a CD-ROM that had thousands of low-quality images as my source.<p></p>With AI-Plus, I'm using an AI-created image as my starting point. It's where I take it from there that adds the Plus. - - art  - photography - by Tony Karp - Discovery Technology - Cinematography - The Godfather - Designing the Future -
This is a vintage, hand-cranked lens de-tuner.
It's in a glass case in the reception area.
Along with the inventor.
After working with AI images for a while, I can see the possibilities, but also the drawbacks. Creating AI images is, in some ways, too easy. And, for me, it won't replace photography. I see AI as another tool, adding to the things I can do.

Copyright 1957-2024 Tony & Marilyn Karp