The AI Shutterbug: Transforming Photography with ChatGPT’s Intelligent Assistance

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is something you hear a lot about nowadays. You might already have your own thoughts on it, whether you’re not interested or find it confusing and/or to complicated. But dealing with AI doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s an insight on how I use it today, and how it might be usefull for you.

When I first started using ChatGPT, I thought it was just for writing texts. This tool helped me translate my Dutch writings into English and fix any mistakes in how the sentences were put together. It’s really useful! Basically, you can jot down your ideas, ask ChatGPT to organize them into a proper text, and then you can rewrite it exactly how you want, so it’s still your own writing. For instance, this article underwent 25 revisions before reaching my ok. While ChatGPT resolved language and sentence inconsistencies, the content was solely authored by me.

But as I explored further, I realized it’s much more than that. It’s like having a very smart friend who knows about almost everything. From helping with photographic software to writing scripts for command line photo tools like Enfuse, ChatGPT has become an indispensable tool for me.

One of the things I’ve found particularly helpful is its ability to assist with technical tasks related to photography. For example, it can help calculate flash distances for macro photography or determine long exposure times for night shots. These are tasks that can be complex and time-consuming to figure out on your own, but with ChatGPT’s assistance, it becomes much simpler.

But what really sets ChatGPT apart is its versatility. It’s not just limited to photography-related tasks. ChatGPT can help with a wide range of topics and queries. Whether it’s providing information on a specific topic, offering suggestions for things to do, or even just engaging in casual conversation, it’s always there to lend a hand.

One thing that’s particularly convenient is the availability of a mobile app. This means I can access ChatGPT wherever I am, whether I’m out shooting photos or just relaxing at home. It’s like having a personal assistant in my pocket, ready to help whenever I need it.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of ChatGPT is its ability to solve real-life problems. Unlike other digital assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, ChatGPT doesn’t just provide generic responses or direct you to other websites for solutions. It offers practical suggestions and real help. For example, if I’m working on my website, or editing pictures on my computer, and really want to continue working, but the chicken has to go in the oven and I don’t want to waste time searching various websites for cooking times, i just bring up ChatGPT, tell him what i want to do, give him the weight, and he gives in an instant what I need to do; the oven temperature and time settings. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend who’s always available to offer guidance and assistance.

Do you want to try a different kind of recipe? Like one for your camera? Well, you can do that too. Here’s an example of a Fujifilm recipe that mimics the famous Kodachrome 25 film. It’s designed specifically for cameras with X-Trans 5 sensors, including the Fujifilm X-H2.

I no longer have a Fujifilm camera myself, but I used to have good experience with the X-H1, so I thought I would have ChatGPT make a recipe for the new X-H2, I don’t know if it already exists somewhere, Kodachrome 25 is popular so that is always possible. However, the intention is only to show what is possible.

And here’s the recipe written out :

Creating a recipe to mimic the look of Kodachrome 25 on a Fujifilm X-H2 camera involves adjusting various settings to achieve the desired color rendition, contrast, and grain. Since the X-H2 features the X-Trans 5 sensor, we’ll take advantage of its capabilities to tailor the settings. Below is a detailed table outlining the recipe:

SettingValueDescription
Film SimulationClassic ChromeKodachrome 25 has rich colors and a distinctive look. Classic Chrome can emulate some of its characteristics with its subdued colors and slightly desaturated tones.
Grain EffectStrong or WeakKodachrome 25 had a fine grain structure, so adding a grain effect can help replicate its texture. The strength can be adjusted based on personal preference.
Grain SizeMedium or SmallChoose a grain size that closely resembles the fine grain structure of Kodachrome 25. Medium or small sizes work well for this purpose.
Color Chrome EffectWeakColor Chrome Effect enhances the depth and gradation of colors, but for Kodachrome 25, we want to keep it subtle, so a weak setting is preferable.
Color Chrome FX BlueWeakColor Chrome FX Blue enhances the depth of blue tones, but for Kodachrome 25, we aim to maintain a balanced color palette, so a weak setting is suitable.
White BalanceAuto or DaylightKodachrome 25 had a characteristic warm tone, so using Auto or Daylight white balance can help achieve a similar color temperature. Adjust as needed based on lighting conditions.
WB ShiftR: +1 B: -1Fine-tune the white balance shift to add a slight warmth to the image. Increasing the red channel and decreasing the blue channel can help replicate the warm tones of Kodachrome 25.
Highlight Tone-1 or 0Kodachrome 25 had a tendency to preserve highlight detail while maintaining vibrant colors. Adjusting the Highlight Tone to -1 or 0 can help achieve this balance.
Shadow Tone+1 or 0Increase the Shadow Tone slightly to add depth and richness to shadow areas, mimicking the characteristic look of Kodachrome 25.
Color+2 or +3Kodachrome 25 was known for its vibrant and saturated colors. Increasing the Color setting can help replicate its vivid color rendition. Adjust to personal preference.

Keep in mind, while ChatGPT can provide a lot of information, it doesn’t guarantee it’s always right. It’s essential to be cautious with the details you receive. Take film recipes, for instance; they’re complex and need testing and tweaking. ChatGPT doesn’t do that. But it can offer a recipe that gets you close to the desired result. You might not need much fine-tuning afterward. Think of it as a helpful starting point. For me, that’s the perfect way to use ChatGPT: as a helpful tool.

Overall, my experience with ChatGPT has been incredibly positive. What started as a tool for translating and writing texts has evolved into so much more. It’s become an invaluable resource for all aspects of my photography, as well as a reliable companion for everyday tasks. Whether I need help with technical calculations, practical advice, or just want to chat about the latest photography trends, ChatGPT is always there to assist me. And with the convenience of the mobile app, I know I can rely on it wherever I go.

Even if it is for wishful thinking 🙂

Thanks for stopping by Open Source Photography! I look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

Credit: my header image was created with the help of Gimp and an Image by callmetak on Freepik.

This article was written by Marc R.
While I primarily speak Dutch and have some knowledge of English and a little French, ChatGPT helps ensure my writing is grammatically correct. I often mix Dutch and English in my drafts, and ChatGPT steps in to translate and correct.


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La Gallerie

The photo gallery of Open Source Photography, Olympus micro 4/3 system, Vintage Lens Photograpy, Film Simulation, PictureFX, HDR – Photographer : Marc R.


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6 thoughts on “The AI Shutterbug: Transforming Photography with ChatGPT’s Intelligent Assistance

Add yours

  1. I’ve enjoyed played with ChatGPT and other chat clients this last year or so, and I’ve seen a noticeable difference in how good it is now compared to how it was.

    I asked it to make me a classic chrome like colour profile for the Nikon, and it not only tried to make it, but explained why it might not be 100% accurate because of the colour science and sensor technology etc. it is certainly exciting times!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey Mark,
      Same here, in the beginning the options were really limited,
      but when you see what it can do today!
      Sometimes it really amazes me.
      As far as film simulation recipes go, you know it’s untested, but even if it’s just to get you started, that alone is worth it.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Wel Joke, dan heb je geluk, want gewoon Nederlands verstaat hij ook. Een account op ChatGPT 3.5 is gratis – en die gebruik ik ook. Je geeft een email en paswoord op en je kan het gebruiken.
      Ik kan het zeker aanraden !

      Liked by 1 person

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