AI Blurs the Line Between Real and Fake: J.Crew's AI-Generated Model in Advertising | Release #593
Cover photo by 侑奈
The vintage-style ad photos released by J.Crew appear at first glance to be sophisticated photography. A model relaxing on a boat, a young man walking on a street corner, and someone painting in a studio—all seem like moments captured through the lens of a photographer.
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©︎ J.Crew
However, when it was revealed that all of these were actually 'digital art' created by AI, it sent shockwaves through photographers, fans, and creators. The seemingly realistic photographic expressions turned out to depict non-existent people and clothing. This incident prompts us to rethink what photography and authenticity truly mean.
AI Sloppiness Through the Eyes of Creators
Distortions and anomalies typical of AI-generated images are immediately noticeable to creators. For instance, a model's leg bending unnaturally, patterns on clothing not aligning, or hands blending into a bicycle handle.
Photo by uhe
While these images may appear realistic at first glance, to those who have honed their sensibilities alongside cameras for years, they clearly stand out as 'off.' This roughness, often criticized as 'AI sloppiness,' reflects the importance of integrity and respect for the craft of photography.
New Responsibilities for Creators
As AI technology advances into the realm of photography, creators face new choices.
Rather than rejecting AI, it is about clearly acknowledging its presence and finding ways to coexist with it in one's expression. Small considerations, such as specifying the tools used in captions or clearly distinguishing between real photos and AI-generated works, can foster 'trust.'
Photo by mori_hero
Since photography goes beyond mere visual representation to become a 'means of capturing truth,' maintaining its credibility is a responsibility shared by all photographers and creators.
