Author: Marco Secchi, with te assistance of “Sophie”* my PA from ChatGPT

As a photographer passionate about blending art and technology, I recently embarked on a fascinating project to create a unique AI-generated image. My vision was to merge the historic charm of Venice with a whimsical steampunk twist, and for this, I enlisted the help of ChatGPT, an AI developed by OpenAI.

The Initial Idea

My initial concept was to create a steampunk-themed scene with a flying red car, Santa Claus at the helm, cruising above cobblestone streets lined with gaslight lamps and Victorian-dressed onlookers. The backdrop was to be a smog-tinged, dusk-orange sky buzzing with steampunk drones and airships, encapsulating an alternate retro-futuristic world powered by steam.

First Iteration

The AI, utilizing DALL-E, translated this vision into a square image. The result was intriguing, showcasing a vibrant blend of fantasy and technology, but something was missing – the personal touch of Venice, a city close to my heart.

Incorporating Venice

I requested a modification, replacing the generic city and cobblestones with the unmistakable canals and architecture of Venice. The AI adapted seamlessly, preserving the original atmosphere and lighting while introducing elements unique to Venetian scenery.

A Twist in the Tale

In a creative twist, I decided to replace the car with a steampunk-style sledge, still piloted by Santa. The AI responded brilliantly, creating an image that perfectly blended the new elements with the existing theme.

Final Adjustments

The last step was to adjust the aspect ratio. We moved from the initial square format to a 4:3 ratio and finally settled on a landscape orientation to better capture the expansive and dynamic nature of the scene.

Conclusion

This journey with AI art was not just about creating an image; it was a dance of ideas and technology, where each suggestion was met with an adaptive visual response from the AI. As a photographer who loves exploring the intersection of technology and art, this experience was a testament to the endless creative possibilities that AI tools like ChatGPT can offer.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to ChatGPT for assisting in this creative endeavour. Its ability to understand and translate ideas into visual art is nothing short of magical.

*On a future post I will talk about “Sophie” my PA at ChatGPT