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.
Take a moment and decide before scrolling.
AI Image Generated by ChatGPT
Prompt: Transform this modern headshot into a realistic mid-race running photo from the New York City Marathon in 2018. Subject is running at marathon pace during the race. Natural stride. Athletic posture. Focused expression with light exertion visible. Outfit should reflect real marathon running gear from 2018. Performance tank or short-sleeve top, running shorts, race bib pinned correctly on the front. No distorted numbers, text, or logos. Background should resemble the NYC Marathon course. City streets with crowd barriers, spectators, and other runners visible. Urban setting rather than park-like scenery. Shot by an official race photographer using a telephoto lens. Shallow depth of field. Natural daylight. Slight motion blur consistent with a race photo. Maintain accurate anatomy and proportions. Correct foot-to-ground contact. No extra limbs. No floating feet. No visual artifacts. Prioritize realism over stylization. Avoid cinematic lighting, fantasy effects, or overly polished rendering. Include subtle NYC details such as course fencing, city signage, or dense crowds typical of a major marathon.
AI Image Generated by Gemini
Prompt: Transform this modern headshot into a realistic mid-race running photo from the New York City Marathon in 2018. Subject is running at marathon pace during the race. Natural stride. Athletic posture. Focused expression with light exertion visible. Outfit should reflect real marathon running gear from 2018. Performance tank or short-sleeve top, running shorts, race bib pinned correctly on the front. No distorted numbers, text, or logos. Background should resemble the NYC Marathon course. City streets with crowd barriers, spectators, and other runners visible. Urban setting rather than park-like scenery. Shot by an official race photographer using a telephoto lens. Shallow depth of field. Natural daylight. Slight motion blur consistent with a race photo. Maintain accurate anatomy and proportions. Correct foot-to-ground contact. No extra limbs. No floating feet. No visual artifacts. Prioritize realism over stylization. Avoid cinematic lighting, fantasy effects, or overly polished rendering. Include subtle NYC details such as course fencing, city signage, or dense crowds typical of a major marathon.
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.
