How to Spot AI-Generated Images (and Why It Matters for Your Brand)

Recently, AI seems to be taking over things as more people have begun utilizing it. Whether for business or personal use, it can be a helpful tool. However, it can also be harmful if not used correctly. As things continue to progress and AI shows up in more places, it is going to be increasingly important to learn how to spot AI-generated images. Here’s some tips on recognizing them and why it matters for your brand.   

Why It Matters For A Business

AI-generated images are everywhere now, and using one of a person who doesn’t exist sends the wrong message to potential clients. When using AI images, clients don’t know who to expect when contacting a business. It also might signal lack of care or effort. Real branding photography showcases the person behind the business and beautifully communicates what your business does, how you work, and even reveals a bit about the business owner by incorporating items of importance. For example, if you’re a reader, maybe you have a few images of you reading, or sitting next to a stack of books. This allows you to connect with clients who share common interests, and people like connecting with people – not robots! Connection and authenticity is what matters most in brand photography and those are the two things AI lacks.

How to Spot AI-Generated Images 

Look at the hands

The hands always give it away first, and is the most reliable tell. AI-generated content still struggles with fingers, often showing too many, too few, or ones that bend in ways hands don’t. This also goes for teeth, ears, and jewelry that melts into skin. If you look close enough, you’ll begin seeing subtle mutations that indicate it is not a real person. In these AI generated images, some are more obvious that others, but when you look closely enough it is clear that these are not real people or real images! 

Check the Background

Next, look at the background for things that don’t add up. Sometimes you’ll see text on signs turn into nonsense letters, patterns repeat where they shouldn’t, and objects blur or warp at the edges. A real photograph holds together when you look closely.  These AI generated images below all reveal something that’s off, whether its a background that doesn’t fit, plastic or fake looking skin and people, or inconsistent lighting. 

Skin And Lighting That Feels Off 

AI-generated images tend toward a plastic, overly smooth look, and the light often doesn’t match across the face and the setting. Real photographs carry texture, real shadows, and small imperfections. Basically if something looks off, or seems overly fake or unnatural and you can’t name what it is, it’s likely AI. Again, these AI images show barbie looking people that are clearly not real humans. 

What A Real Photograph Does That An AI Generated One Can’t

Actual brand photography captures a real person in an actual moment, which is the whole point of brand photography. When I work with business owners we incorporate storytelling and interaction that translates to potential clients and makes them want to work with you, because it communicates trust, expertise, and professionalism. AI generated headshots or brand photos on the other can’t showcase you in the same way, and often miss the mark entirely. Instead of communicating warmth and transparency like real branding photos, AI images communicate coldness and ambiguity. These AI photos attempt to include interaction, but lack human connection and warmth and are clearly fake. 

Trust Your Gut

We innately know when something doesn’t feel human. It just feels off, and when you get that vibe, it’s probably AI. Also, if everything looks too perfect at first glance, like the hair is usually a dead give away, then it is most definitely AI. Once you look a little closer though, the imperfections and inconsistencies are obvious. 

Knowing how to spot AI generated images is extremely important in this digital world we live in where AI content is everywhere. One thing I know as a Nashville brand photographer, is that people want to connect with people. Business owners who take the time and invest in brand photography show they want to build trust with their audience and really care about the image of their business. I’m not anti-AI, just pro-human!  AI has its place and usefulness in the world, and I recognize it can be a helpful tool to help with research and generating ideas. However, when it comes to creative work, we should not be relying on AI, especially when it comes to creating music, art, writing, and photography – This should be left to the people!