After generating an AI image of a cat wearing a cone alongside his human, I decided to lose the cone.
"Remove cone", I typed. A seemingly straightforward task, right?
Haha! But as pixels rearranged and colors shifted, a curious twist emerged. The cone, once adorning the feline, vanished, only to reappear on the human counterpart!
Such is the delicate dance of AI-photography, where precision is paramount, and the choice of words holds immense power. It's not merely about issuing commands but crafting descriptions with the exactitude of a master wordsmith.
Another FAIL!
The above image resulted when I attempted to generate a photo of an Ikan Bakar street vendor as shared in my previous post. Notice the fish from another dimension in the upper right corner! Yikes!
And it looks like AI decided to go big or go home with that stingray! I mean, who needs a regular-sized fish when you can have a stingray that's practically the size of a coffee table? Just imagine trying to fit that colossal creature on the grill! That poor man certainly needs a bigger spatula and a whole lot of courage.
In this realm, the right words unlock the door to possibility, guiding the AI to manifest the desired vision. Each description is a brushstroke, painting a picture in the digital canvas, and every word holds the potential to shape reality.
So, while the process may seem deceptively simple on the surface, the reality is far more nuanced. It's a journey of trial and error, where success hinges on the ability to navigate the complexities of language and imagination with accuracy.
Yet, within these challenges lies the allure of AI-photography. It's not just about creating images; it's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible, one carefully chosen word at a time.
TURKEY TAKEOVER 🦃🍗
AI decided it's Thanksgiving in the kampong today!
Asked AI for an Eid al-Fitr celebration in a kampong(village) with chickens running around for
authenticity. Got a Malay family in a kampong with a Thanksgiving spread instead! Looks like the turkeys are having a serious existential crisis this Eid-al-Fitr.
After numerous attempts, I finally nailed the perfect Eid al-Fitr image I had in mind! I decided to remove the chickens. No more turkey confusion!
The fun and frustrating part of AI-generated photography? It's not knowing what to
expect! It's like a surprise party every time you hit that generate
button. Will you get a masterpiece or a hilarious mishmash of pixels?
The thrill lies in the unpredictability, keeping you on the edge of your
seat as you eagerly await the next quirky creation. Who needs to a computer game when you have AI-generated images to keep you entertained!
NOT YOUR TYPICAL STREET FIGHT
When AI serves up this scene instead of the durian showdown I envisioned...
Finally, after a series of comedic attempts...
Ah, here it is! The durian carnage! The curious scene that captivated my seven-year-old imagination, inspired by my aunt's vivid retelling of a street spectacle: two rival durian vendors locked in a battle, wielding the thorny fruits like weapons!
Lately, I've been really into using AI-generated photos because I am running out of real ones. Trying out AI-generated stuff has become a bit of a hobby for me. I enjoy how they look, and I've become pretty
obsessed with them. Even though they're not real, these AI images give me something to blog about until I get more real photos. Meanwhile, indulge me, my dearest bloggy pallies!
Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated images, photos and thoughts 📸
Among the vivid memories etched in my mind from my travels in Greece are scenes from the dark side of the beautiful country that continually haunt me.
Behind the postcard-perfect facade of the glorious tourist spots we
visited lies a disparate contrast, exposing a side of the country that
struggles with social issues, economic hardships, and the harsh
realities faced by certain communities.
When I first stumbled upon this impactful tableau, I was struck by a wave of conflicting emotions. On one hand, there was an undeniable urge to capture the raw essence of their existence, to immortalize their resilience in the face of adversity. Yet, on the other hand, it felt disrespectful to intrude upon their privacy, to reduce their lived experiences to mere pixels on a screen.
I grappled with the decision of whether to photograph them. Ultimately, I chose to respect their dignity and privacy, but those heartbreaking scenes left an indelible mark on my soul.
But now, through the lens of A1-generated photography, I find myself presented with a unique opportunity to revisit and share those visuals that continue to
resonate within me.
REVISITING GREECE TROUGH AI PHOTOGRAPHY
Through the power of AI-generated photography, I pay tribute to those whose stories often go untold, whose struggles are drowned by the cacophony of everyday life. It is my hope that these images serve as a reminder to amplify the voices of those who remain unseen and unheard in the shadows of society.
IKAN BAKAR
Grilled sting ray
Grilled stingray is a popular street food in Southeast Asia,
particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. The stingray, known
for its firm and meaty texture, is marinated in a flavorful mixture
typically consisting of spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, chili,
and lemongrass. Then, it's grilled over an open flame or charcoal,
imparting a delightful smokiness to the dish. The intense heat
caramelizes the marinade, creating a tantalizing crust on the exterior
while keeping the interior tender and juicy.
The banana leaf lends a subtle yet distinctive flavor, adding depth to every bite.
AI-generated image of an Ikan Bakar street vendor. Haha! AI photography is addictive!
FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES
Mount Titlis 2019
STATIC MEMORIES
The mere sight of this vintage radio fills me with nostalgia, conjuring
memories of my late father. I can still hear the crackle and hiss
of static that filled the room each evening as he turned the knobs,
searching for his favorite station playing timeless songs. Amidst the
warmth of the radio's glow, songs like "Good Old Summertime" and "The
Titanic (When That Great Ship Went Down)" would fill the air, marking
moments of pure joy and connection that I'll forever treasure.
Dad's favourite song
This AI-generated depiction perfectly captures a cherished memory precisely as I envisioned it.
Chin Swee Pagoda, Malaysia
I've always imagined a dragon coiling around the pagoda! Sorry, I just couldn't help myself!
It has been 5 years since our beloved guinea pig crossed the rainbow
bridge. I think of her often and imagine her frolicking amidst fluffy
clouds in the celestial plains. She waits patiently, watching over me
with a tender gaze, knowing that one day, we will reunite in a joyous
embrace, forever connected by the unbreakable bond we shared.
Last year, we fostered a stray kitty who survived a harrowing car
accident. Son #2 rescued the helpless and disoriented feline in the
middle of the road one late evening. The brave kitty battled for his
life in the ICU of a veterinary hospital for 3 weeks. The accident left
Kitty blind and robbed him of his sense of smell. Our home became his
sanctuary upon his discharge from the veterinary hospital. Adjusting to life without sight and smell was a daunting task for our furry friend, and his newfound disabilities made him extremely needy and clingy. He refused to move from where he was placed and had to be cuddled all the time, meowing mournfully when left alone.
One evening, as I stood in the kitchen preparing dinner, I felt a gentle nudge against my feet. To my surprise, it was our dear kitty, who had
bumped into furniture and obstacles all the way from the living room
through sheer determination. Without
sight, smell, and with his whiskers obstructed by the cone he was wearing, it must have
been quite a feat for him. His cries fell silent as he found me,
resting his head on my feet in a moment of profound connection. I wished
I had captured that scene on camera, but it would have meant I had to
step away to reach my phone, and the spell would have been broken.
Though he has since found a loving forever home, I miss him dearly, and
whenever I think of him, I am transported to that tender encounter in the
kitchen.
AI-generated image of that profound moment
Love it or hate it, AI photography allows us to conjure memories and
imagination into tangible form, unlocking a realm of creativity
previously inconceivable.
Thai mookata is a popular style of barbecue in Thailand that combines elements of Korean barbecue and hot pot. The name "mookata" is a combination of two Thai words: "mu" meaning pork, and "kratha" meaning pan. In essence, it involves grilling meat, seafood, and vegetables on a domed grill pan while simultaneously using the moat around the edges of the pan to cook noodles, vegetables, and other ingredients in a flavorful broth.
FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES
Keukenhof 2019
Ramadan Bazaar
Stall selling chicken rice at the Ramadan Bazaar
Essentially, a Ramadan bazaar is a month-long street market specially dedicated to the fasting month, where mostly food and beverages are sold. Muslims (and non-Muslims) get to pick from a smorgasbord of halal foods on their way home from work for breaking their fast just before dusk.
Chinese dragon
FUN FACT
Chinese dragons are intertwined with creation myths and are thought to
wield power over natural elements such as weather and bodies of water,
while also serving as guardians of the celestial realms. Conversely,
Western dragons are commonly depicted as formidable creatures capable of
breathing fire, notorious for hoarding treasure and instilling fear in
villages.
Nestled in a humble, dilapidated hut on the outskirts of my hometown, lies the unassuming home of the legendary Heong Peah 362.
Heong Peah in Hokkien literally translates as fragrant biscuit. Essentially, Heong Peah is a pastry with a flaky crust encasing a sticky, sweet filling made from malt and shallots.
Traditional earthen kilns fired by coconut husks are used to bake the biscuits.
These delectable biscuits have garnered a loyal following, both locally and internationally, for their irresistible aroma, delicate texture, and rich flavor.
It's a common sight in the bustling streets of Ipoh to see friends and
relatives who have migrated overseas eagerly clutching bags of Heong
Peah before they embark on their journey back home. These beloved
pastries hold a special place in the hearts of those who have left their
hometowns in search of new horizons.
CAT SPOTTING 👀😺
Dinner—sushi
Sushi can definitely hit the spot when you're craving something light
yet flavorful. The combination of fresh fish, rice, and vegetables makes
it a refreshing choice. Do you have a favorite type of sushi or a go-to
sushi roll? Mine is Maguro Sushi (tuna).
FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES
Dijon, Burgundy 2019
A FUNNY TO SHARE
Looks like this jelly found its true calling – as a dental impressionist! Who knew lychees could be so toothsome? 😂
