I’ve been running a simple experiment: taking real photos from my life and recreating them with AI to see how convincing the results are.
In 2000, I traveled to New York City for a work conference and took this photo. Below are two versions of that moment. One is the original. The other is an AI recreation.
Take a moment and decide before scrolling.
AI Image Generated by Gemini
Prompt: Transform this modern photo into a realistic late-1990s candid photo taken in New York City.
Scene should resemble a casual corporate outing or work trip in 1999. Natural daylight. Slightly imperfect framing.
Clothing should reflect late-1990s professional casual style. Simple tops. Minimal accessories. No modern fashion elements.
Background should include the Manhattan skyline with the World Trade Center Twin Towers visible in the distance. Realistic scale and perspective.
Image should look like it was taken on a consumer film or early digital camera. Slight grain. Natural skin texture. No hyper-polished effects. No stylization. This is a respectful historical recreation. Do not dramatize or alter the Manhattan skyline from late-1990s. My face should reflect that of someone in her early 20s.
AI Image Generated by ChatGPT
Prompt: Transform this modern photo into a realistic late-1990s candid photo taken in New York City.
Scene should resemble a casual corporate outing or work trip in 1999. Natural daylight. Slightly imperfect framing.
Clothing should reflect late-1990s professional casual style. Simple tops. Minimal accessories. No modern fashion elements.
Background should include the Manhattan skyline with the World Trade Center Twin Towers visible in the distance. Realistic scale and perspective.
Image should look like it was taken on a consumer film or early digital camera. Slight grain. Natural skin texture. No hyper-polished effects. No stylization. This is a respectful historical recreation. Do not dramatize or alter the Manhattan skyline from late-1990s. My face should reflect that of someone in her early 20s.
This post is part of my ongoing AI vs. Reality series, where I compare real photos with AI recreations to explore how perception, context, and confidence shape what we believe online. Follow me on LinkedIn for more.
