Photo credit: www.techradar.com
A new trend is emerging in the realm of artificial intelligence, captivating internet users by offering fresh perspectives on old family photos. ChatGPT users are discovering that the AI can transform vintage photographs into vivid, restored versions, breathing new life into forgotten memories.
This phenomenon was first highlighted in a Reddit discussion that expressed skepticism about ChatGPT’s capabilities to accurately restore photographs. Concerns were valid, as the AI was prone to taking an old image and generating a ‘restored’ version that often featured completely different individuals, suggesting a whimsical rather than a historical fidelity.
However, through shared insights from users on platforms like Reddit and Instagram, I devised a specific prompt that yielded impressive results.
The successful prompt reads: “Please upscale and colorize this photo while keeping it faithful to the time period. Do not change the arrangement, expressions, background, or attire; only add period-accurate color and details. The new photo should overlay the original exactly.”
This process is not true restoration, but rather a thoughtful recreation, as if envisioned by an artist with a creative touch. The outcome is a colorful, high-resolution image with restored visual integrity, even capturing some details that may have been lost over the years.
It’s essential to note that this method does not enhance the original photograph; rather, it provides an intriguing take on nostalgia that many find enjoyable and less contentious compared to alternative art styles.
To experience this trend firsthand, I selected several public domain photographs from the Library of Congress — a remarkable repository of historical imagery. Here are some highlights of the results.
Rough Rider Restoration
One of the first images features President Theodore Roosevelt in the midst of writing at his desk, which is adorned with a noteworthy plaque and a vintage liquor decanter. After processing through ChatGPT, intricate details and vibrant colors emerged.
Yet, not every detail aligned perfectly; some hand positions were awkward, and the chair appeared differently with features altered, like a radio turning into a candle. Nonetheless, the essence of Roosevelt is well-captured.
Bike to the Future
The next image showcases a bicycle delivery boy, reminiscent of the original lively scene filled with puddles and a busy street. However, the colorized version creatively transformed the street surface into what seems like hardwood flooring.
Despite this shift, the sign on the building and the crowd behind the cyclist truly stand out, and the bicycle’s reflection on the ground adds to the image’s flair.
Soda Jerk
A further leap into time reveals a cheerful soda jerk, grinning while serving what seems to be a root beer float. The AI’s rendition was remarkably accurate in capturing his joyful expression and stylish bow tie, although some details like the hair were not quite right.
Nonetheless, his enthusiasm is palpable, even against the shadowy backdrop of the counter.
Iterate, Iterate, Iterate
The next image features two police officers dressed in long coats and tall hats, their serious mustaches adding to their authority. The colorized rendition electrified their uniforms with rich navy tones and gleaming brass buttons.
While the new images may portray a slightly different stature and tailoring, they successfully reflect the authentic atmosphere of the historical portraits.
Mr. Mustache
In one of the more memorable transformations, the focus shifts to a gentleman with an impressive mustache. This facial feature became the centerpiece, overshadowing the man behind it. The AI effectively cleaned up stray hairs while maintaining impressive detail throughout, from the person’s face to the texture of his shirt.
As the final visually stunning rendition of this subject, the mustache alone invites curiosity about the broader ensemble of characters in the imagined barbershop quartet.
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Source
www.techradar.com