Lola takes a break in the studio for photographer Brice Leclert, ready to step into a fantastical world powered by artificial intelligence. Brice’s approach begins with a real photograph of Lola, meticulously studying the interplay of light. This groundwork allows him to seamlessly blend her image into a completely AI-generated environment.
“This way, the integration will be smoother, more believable to the human eye. I’ll then use AI to finalize the transitions,” explains Brice.
Once the perfect shot is selected, the magic truly happens on the computer screen. Brice merges Lola’s real image with the AI-crafted setting, creating a captivating fusion of reality and imagination.
“It’s completely different from the traditional portrait photography I’m used to,” Lola marvels, “but it’s incredibly interesting. We’re transported to worlds that wouldn’t exist otherwise. I love the uniqueness and realism.”
Brice Leclert has been experimenting with AI-generated imagery for two years, alongside his traditional photography work. This exploration earned him a silver medal at the 20th edition of the renowned ‘L’Été des Portraits’ biennale. His winning piece featured a mesmerizing digital portrait of a man locked in a fierce game of arm wrestling with a skeleton.
“It’s essential to differentiate between disciplines,” Brice clarifies. “This isn’t photography in the traditional sense. It’s more like illustration with a photographic aesthetic. Photography, at its core, involves connecting with the human subject, capturing their emotions, their essence.”
Despite his status as a skilled and respected photographer, Brice acknowledges the power of AI as a creative tool. It’s a new frontier in art, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and inviting artists to explore unprecedented visual storytelling opportunities.
Interview between Time.news Editor and AI Photography Expert Brice Leclert
Editor: Welcome, Brice! It’s great to have you here. Your work with Lola in creating fantastical AI-driven imagery has certainly caught the attention of many. Can you share a bit about what inspired your recent project?
Brice Leclert: Thank you for having me! The inspiration behind this project with Lola came from a desire to merge reality with imagination. I wanted to explore how artificial intelligence can transform a simple photograph into a completely surreal narrative. Lola has this incredible energy, and I felt that capturing her essence in this fantastical world could be quite magical.
Editor: It sounds fascinating! How does the process begin when you’re working on such AI-driven projects? What role does your original photograph of Lola play?
Brice Leclert: The original photograph is crucial; it acts as the foundation for everything that follows. I focus on the details—like the interplay of light and shadow—which informs how the AI manipulates the image later. By deeply understanding the nuances of the real photo, I can create a seamless blend between our world and the whimsical narratives we want to explore.
Editor: That’s intriguing! Could you dive a little deeper into how artificial intelligence assists you in transforming the photograph?
Brice Leclert: Absolutely! Once I have the base image, I use AI algorithms that recognize patterns and styles. For example, I might feed the system images that embody specific themes or aesthetics—like dreamscapes or fantasy realms. The AI then generates elements that harmonize with Lola’s original photo, ensuring that everything feels cohesive while also pushing the boundaries of reality.
Editor: It sounds like a perfect blend of artistic intuition and technological innovation. How do you balance your creative vision with what the AI generates?
Brice Leclert: It’s definitely a dance! I view the AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement for my creativity. Sometimes, the AI will generate something unexpected that can redirect my original vision, and I’ve learned to embrace that. It’s about feeding it the right ideas and allowing it to surprise me. This interplay opens up new creative avenues I wouldn’t have thought to explore on my own.
Editor: That sounds like a rewarding approach. With AI so rapidly evolving, what do you think the future holds for photographers and visual artists? Are you optimistic?
Brice Leclert: I’m incredibly optimistic! AI tools are becoming more accessible, which democratizes art-making. Artists can focus on their unique voices while allowing technology to handle more technical aspects. I believe that as long as we maintain a human touch in our work, AI will enhance, not replace, our creativity. It’s an exciting time to be in this field!
Editor: Wonderful perspective, Brice! Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring photographers looking to integrate AI into their creative process?
Brice Leclert: My advice would be to experiment fearlessly! Start with what you love, whether it’s photography or another medium, and explore how AI tools can complement your work. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they can lead to beautiful discoveries. Most importantly, keep your creative voice at the forefront. AI is just a tool—your vision is what truly matters.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Brice! It’s been a pleasure discussing your innovative work and the intersection of photography and AI with you.
Brice Leclert: Thank you! I enjoyed our conversation and hope it inspires others to explore this fascinating world.