<\/p>\n Of course, that is changing, with the announcement that Adobe Photoshop is now built into ChatGPT<\/a> for free. From what we’ve seen so far<\/a>, it looks as though this is going to be another great practical tool for photographers.<\/p>\n You may like<\/p>\n Since the dawn of generative AI, most of the conversation has been focused on the potential negative consequences for photographers \u2013 if it will take our jobs or render cameras redundant \u2013 but there has been relatively limited discussion about how the use of AI can enhance how we take images.<\/p>\n The internet is buzzing with articles describing technical features like AI-integrated autofocus systems<\/a>, subject recognition, and AI-driven upscaling etc., but what about the human element?<\/p>\n It\u2019s important not to forget that all AI models are trained on content created by humans. In other words, using all of the web as its inspiration, AI is actually geared to offer an overview of how humanity interacts with the world and how this makes us feel: the Human Condition.<\/p>\n I was recently contemplating why I take photos in the first place, and how my images reflect my personality. And what better way to explore this than with some healthy critique by someone (or something) that potentially knows me better than I know myself?<\/p>\n I decided to see how ChatGPT might approach a review of my images. I suspected that some feedback would be generic in its focus, clearly drawn from pre-existing reviews of similar photographic works. Understandably, AI would be technical in its choice of elements to review, but I was especially interested to see if it could offer tailored suggestions for how I specifically could improve my photography, while remaining true to my interests, values, and artistic preferences.<\/p>\n As a framework for testing how ChatGPT responds to my prompts, I\u2019m looking for each answer to hit one of three pillars: honesty, breadth of analysis and understanding. Honesty is fairly self-descriptive \u2013 how much does it tell me what I might not want to hear?<\/p>\n Breadth refers to the amount of detail responses go into and the demonstration of photographic expertise. Finally, understanding means the extent to which the AI can show it recognizes human traits and creative influences.<\/p>\n You may like<\/p>\n Question 1: basic query<\/p>\n Can you critique this cityscape image from my portfolio?<\/p>\n I thought I\u2019d start by giving ChatGPT as little direction as possible. I uploaded an example image in isolation, introducing myself to the algorithm, as it were, and let the AI pick which elements it thought worthy of analysis. Its first response was typically upbeat.<\/p>\n \n The first image I uploaded to ChatGPT was a fairly simple street scene (Image credit: Future\/ Peter Fenech)<\/p>\n \u201cThanks for sharing this\u2014there\u2019s a lot working very well here.\u201d<\/p>\n Thanks! However, if I were talking to a human, I\u2019d be expecting a \u2018but\u2019 to follow. I was pleasantly surprised.<\/p>\n \u201cThe lighting is the standout strength of this image. Golden-hour backlighting creates a warm, atmospheric mood and gives the scene a strong sense of time and place. The low sun adds depth through long shadows and rim light around the figures. The flare and haze feel intentional rather than distracting. They soften the scene and enhance the cinematic quality. Highlights are well controlled overall. The sunlit pavement is bright but not blown out, which suggests good exposure discipline.\u201d<\/p>\n I can already make an interesting observation: ChatGPT can identify which characteristics of my shot other humans are likely to find attractive. I\u2019d expected it to start with the technical aspects, such as my choice of shutter speed, metering mode, and f-stop<\/a> (later, it did identify that the camera \u2013 a Sony A7 V <\/a>\u2013 must have a good dynamic range), but instead it honed straight in on the aesthetics.<\/p>\n This is definitely a human-like reaction. When was the last time you showed someone an image and the first thing out of their mouth was \u201cI love your choice of ISO\u201d? It\u2019s far more likely they\u2019d reference the sunlight, the shadows, how autumnal the image looked, or what it made them feel. I then got my first bit of gentle criticism.<\/p>\n \u201cOne small consideration,\u201d ChatGPT begins, like a friend who\u2019s afraid to hurt my feelings. \u201cthe brightest area near the top center pulls the eye quite strongly. That\u2019s not necessarily a flaw, but slightly reducing highlight intensity there (either by framing or post-processing) could help keep attention more firmly on the pedestrians\u201d.<\/p>\n Hmm, okay, I take the point. I wanted to introduce a hazy wash of light, so it was intentional, but at least the AI seems to have guessed this was the case. Other suggestions included cropping in a little tighter using a telephoto lens<\/a>, a trend we\u2019ll discuss again soon, and lifting the shadows on the left of the frame. Overall, this response managed to hit two of our three pillars, Honesty and Breadth.<\/p>\n ChatGPT feedback: This is a strong, confident street photograph with a cinematic feel. The light is used deliberately, the composition feels thoughtful, and the technical execution supports the story<\/p>\n My impressions: ChatGPT is capable of seeing an image from the viewer\u2019s perspective, but given a generic prompt, it\u2019s likely to keep feedback generic.<\/p>\n \n The same image with the amendments suggested by ChatGPT, including a closer crop and toned-down highlights (Image credit: Peter Fenech)Question two: chasing criticism<\/p>\n Give me a review of my cityscape photo. Tell me what you think about the quality of the lighting, the composition, and the technical considerations such as my choice of shutter speed, aperture, white balance etc. What can I do better?<\/p>\n Next, I provided a prompt with greater specifics of the parts of an image on which I wanted feedback. With this question, I was looking for harsher criticism on areas I might not have considered.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Peter Fenech)<\/p>\n \u201cThe image succeeds as a dynamic, energetic urban scene. The long-exposure light trails immediately communicate movement and modern city life, while the historic architecture anchors the frame and gives it identity. It\u2019s visually engaging and clearly well executed,\u201d is ChatGPT\u2019s initial observation.<\/p>\n Once again, it starts with a reinforcing positivity, which I suppose I would mirror when reviewing a stranger\u2019s photography. I do suspect this is to ensure people keep coming back to the app. This is followed by a more direct criticism.<\/p>\n \u201cSaturation is pushed fairly hard, especially in the reds and purples. It looks good at first glance, but on longer viewing it edges toward \u201cHDR<\/a> cityscape\u201d territory.\u201d <\/p>\n I was kind of hoping it would notice this, as it was the image parameter I would probably have highlighted first if I were performing a portfolio review. The saturation on this shot had been turned up in Affinity Photo<\/a> for a specific paper stock; in print it would look fine, but the JPEG does look overcooked. The rest of the feedback on my choice of camera settings was complimentary, but the final word surprised me.<\/p>\n \u201cThe composition is very centered and very balanced. While this works, it also makes the image feel a bit safe.\u201d<\/p>\n I don\u2019t actually agree with it in this case, since the placement of the clock tower was largely dictated by editorial requirements, but of course, ChatGPT didn\u2019t know that. What\u2019s interesting is that without too much of a detailed prompt, it was encouraging me to take risks with my framing.<\/p>\n This is excellent as many beginners don\u2019t really know what to ask or that central framing might be considered a bad thing. The AI was able to provide some professional insight, the type I\u2019d hope to receive on a one-to-one workshop with a pro. This fulfilled the second of our three pillars, Breadth of analysis.<\/p>\n ChatGPT feedback: This is a polished, technically accomplished cityscape, and it would sit comfortably in a curated urban portfolio. Bringing a bit more of your personal voice or risk-taking into images like this would be the next exciting step.<\/p>\n My impressions: Describing your intent is necessary for targeted, practical feedback, but AI can recognize common beginner mistakes and competently offer advice for improvement.<\/p>\n \n The cityscape image, complete with the ChatGPT suggestions applied. This includes a closer crop \u2013 something the AI seems to prefer \u2013 with the clock tower more closely on a third, and reduced saturation (Image credit: Peter Fenech)<\/p>\n Today’s best Affinity Photo 2 deals<\/p>\n Question three: advanced prompt <\/p>\n I’m curating a portfolio of seascape imagery. How would this more abstract image sit alongside other, more traditional, coastal photography? Can you give me some for improvement when capturing this style of image?<\/p>\n So far, ChatGPT has been able to point out minor areas of improvement, but I still suspect much of this is pulled from stock answers and generic photography reviews. Yes, it has pointed out some specifics in my images, but I\u2019m not yet convinced it understands my intentions and creative outlook. Therefore, for my next prompt, I gave it a more conceptual image to analyse along with a two-component question, asking for ideas on the frame itself and its wider use in a portfolio.<\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Peter Fenech)<\/p>\n \u201cThis image would actually strengthen a seascape portfolio\u2014provided it\u2019s curated thoughtfully\u201d, it begins, with the ubiquitous em-dash included to remind me I\u2019m talking to AI. \u201cIt plays a very different role from classic coastal vistas, and that contrast can be an advantage rather than a liability.\u201d<\/p>\n The model then goes into some depth on how an abstract image differs from something more literal. I guess this could be considered an understanding of intention, although my direct reference to abstract photography in my prompt could have given it a head start. I felt it was more creative in its advice for how I could incorporate the image in a portfolio or book.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere it wouldn\u2019t work is as an opener or a dominant style unless the entire portfolio leans abstract,\u201d it points out. \u201cInstead, this is best placed after a calm, minimal horizon image. Think of it as poetry between prose.\u201d <\/p>\n ChatGPT feedback: This image doesn\u2019t dilute a seascape portfolio\u2014it deepens it. It shows sensitivity to time, movement, and human presence, which are all intrinsic to the coast. The key to improving this style isn\u2019t more blur or more abstraction\u2014it\u2019s precision within softness. The more intentional your choices feel, the more powerful these images become.<\/p>\n My impressions: The more detailed your enquiry, the more targeted and specific ChatGPT\u2019s response. It helps if you already know what you\u2019re looking for and the types of feedback you require.<\/p>\n Question four: testing understanding<\/p>\n I’m having trouble defining my photographic style. Based on these images and the ones you’ve already seen earlier, how would you describe my artistic style? How do my images stand out from other photographers and what more can I do to further develop my signature ‘look’?<\/p>\n For my final attempt, I thought I\u2019d really test ChatGPT\u2019s ability to demonstrate that it understood me as a photographer, and what I am often trying to achieve as a creative person. This is often what separates a good tutor from a great one. General overviews of someone\u2019s portfolio are useful, but it won\u2019t always help a student learn to express themselves creatively. After showing it a selection of images, the AI opened with predictable optimism.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a really good\u2014and very honest\u2014place to be in your development. The fact that you\u2019re questioning your style now usually means one is already emerging.\u201d <\/p>\n Image 1 of 3<\/p>\n ChatGPT was able to identify that I prefer cinematic color and lighting in my images, and that I prefer to capture atmosphere rather than specific subject types<\/p>\n Helpfully, it then goes on to give its impression of what my style actually is, something I\u2019ve not been able to easily extract from other human photographers over quite a few years. And this is where things got really interesting.<\/p>\n \u201cYou photograph atmosphere more than subjects, and time more than place,\u201d it highlights. Yes, I\u2019d say that\u2019s true. I rarely chase specific subjects and find myself trying to isolate details in whatever location I happen to be in. I don\u2019t often go somewhere with a precise idea of what I\u2019m going to shoot.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are not a \u201cdecisive moment\u201d photographer. You are closer to a temporal photographer, someone interested in what happens between moments,\u201d it tells me. I was quite taken aback by how insightful this comment is, and am somewhat relieved to hear confirmation of something that has long concerned me about my style.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re Consistent in Intent (Even If Not in Genre). Although your subjects vary (city, coast, landscape, abstraction), your intent is consistent. Many photographers shoot multiple genres without coherence. You don\u2019t. The emotional register of your images is remarkably steady. That\u2019s already a style.\u201d<\/p>\n I\u2019d say that just about hits our third pillar, understanding.<\/p>\n \n With only a limited sample of my images, ChatGPT was able to identify what aesthetic elements I prefer to focus on in my photography (Image credit: Peter Fenech)Conclusion<\/p>\n The Instagram gods don\u2019t especially like my wide variety of chosen subjects, but that hasn\u2019t deterred me from exploring them. I do indeed like a cinematic lighting style, and I have always tried to apply this to a multitude of genres. AI successfully identified this and I was surprised by its interpretation of my creative intent. It was spot on. And it was good to hear some reaffirmation that I have been able to apply something resembling a uniform style across all of my subject matter.<\/p>\n I do have some general observations of ChatGPT\u2019s ability to interpret a prompt in this context. Firstly, don\u2019t think that just because it isn\u2019t a person that it won\u2019t try to people-please. Unless you ask it to be harsh, and even when you do, there is a trait of cautious positivity. Inevitably, AI companies want happy users, because these are more likely to continue using the product. While this might do wonders for your ego, it\u2019s better to ask for specifics.<\/p>\n AI is very good at technical analyses. After all, it has literally billions of images from which to draw inspiration. It can tell you if something is sharp, if the composition adheres to established framing conventions, and if your f-stop is appropriate. However, ChatGPT has demonstrated that it can also identify the elements of an image that a human would find appealing.<\/p>\n I wouldn\u2019t choose to speak to AI before going on a workshop with another photographer, or reading a succinct piece of editorial on an esteemed tech website just yet (cough*), but with careful prompts, it can work as a fantastic mirror to discover what you hope to get from photography.<\/p>\n Follow TechRadar on Google News<\/a> and add us as a preferred source<\/a> to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!<\/p>\n And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok<\/a> for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp<\/a> too.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/xTs6iyBgpKttZTX8YVpWi5.jpg\")
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