Artificial Intelligence (aka AI)
Well, the inevitable finally happened. These past few weeks, in the spring of 2025, I started down that rabbit hole known as AI. I finally decided it was time I find out for myself what all the hubbub was about. Not because I had a ten thousand word term paper on Quantum Physics due tomorrow, but because I wanted to understand AI from a graphics standpoint.
While I touched on AI in the Photography > Special Effects section, clearly AI is in a world all its own. Sometimes AI is used to enhance / alter a photograph but more often than not, AI is used to create an image from little more than a text description, typically referred to as a "prompt."
The first two images below were created by yours truly using Microsoft Designer and the second two images were created by others. Beneath the two images created by me is the text prompt used to produce the end result, which occurred in a matter of seconds. The prompts used to produce the second two images were not divulged by their creators, however, beneath these two images I have provided links to the creator and the AI platform used.
Despite the fact that the prompts used to create the first two images are very simplistic, the amount of detail in the finished artwork truly boggles my mind. And some of the incredibly intricate images that I have seen in the past few days is well beyond boggling.
As I travel further through the AI rabbit hole, I will revise the content of this page. I am already beginning to visualize my main character and the backdrops in which he (and/or she) will take center stage.
It should come as no surprise, especially to those who know me well, that my partner in crime, would accompany me as I travel further through the AI rabbit hole. Yes, Albert will be my "model" as we journey through the make-believe land of AI.
Prompt: A macro, detailed, realistic portrait of a hummingbird moth facing sideways and sipping nectar from a red bird of paradise flower on an out of focus background of a red bird of paradise plant.
Prompt: Close up of a pretty girl with long, flowing red hair and blue eyes. Minimal makeup with perfect facial features. Aqua colored form fitting vinyl top with spaghetti straps. Soft, blurred forest background.
The above image was created by Yashamon using the DreamUp AI art generator developed and hosted by DeviantArt. Yashamon is one of my favorite artist. I can hardly imagine approaching his level of expertise - truly spellbinding.
The above image was created by @fox_impassioned_69 using the OpenArt AI art generator.
Albert, in the flesh - green though it may be. While I have been trying to get a picture of Albert without getting vaporized by his trusty blaster, I happened to realized that AI also stood for Alien Intelligence. Now I can finally put to rest all the doubters who have been saying that Albert is just a figment of my imagination.
Despite his advanced years - Earth years, that is - Albert is still just a kid at heart. And nothing warms his heart like a day of playing pirates with some of his younger friends.
Ever the free spirt, Albert is quick to find the thrill of living at the drop of a hat - or in this case, at the splash in the ocean.
You would think, that after all these years, Albert had most surely seen it all. Apparently not. If he's not under foot, there is no telling where he might be.
And somedays, he is just like you and I, and enjoys the simpler things in life - like a quiet walk in the woods.
And some days AI goes awry. Sometimes AI has a mind of its own. The prompt was "wearing a yellow dress shirt in diner, drinking a cup of coffee." Oh, so close. Notice the second cup, sitting on the table and notice that the handle on the second cup is incomplete. AI also is challenged when it comes to displaying text as evident by the signage above the counter in the background. And, while not evident in this image, for whatever reason, AI often has trouble getting fingers and toes just right.