AI-Generated ‘Candids’: A Threat to Paparazzi?

Summary

AI-generated images of celebrities are becoming increasingly realistic, potentially impacting the paparazzi industry by creating convincing "candids" that could be mistaken for genuine photographs.

Abstract

The article discusses the advancements in AI image generation, particularly focusing on the implications for the paparazzi industry. With platforms like Midjourney v5 and Mage.Space producing highly realistic human images, there is a growing concern over the authenticity of celebrity "candids." These AI-generated images can be indistinguishable from real photos and may be used to create false narratives or be sold to news outlets, leading to potential issues for both photographers and celebrities. The author emphasizes the need for vigilance as deepfakes become more sophisticated, affecting not just celebrities but also the general public's perception of online content.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the potential financial incentive for using AI to generate and sell fake celebrity photos, which could fetch high prices similar to authentic paparazzi shots.
There is a prediction that many will attempt to capitalize on AI's capabilities to create and monetize images of celebrities, which may lead to news outlets being deceived.
The article suggests that AI-generated images could create scenarios where celebrities have to deny being in places or with people they were not actually with, due to the convincing nature of the fakes.
The author has tested the realism of AI-generated celebrity images using Midjourney v5 and found them to be quite convincing, indicating the advanced state of AI image technology.
Despite the potential for misuse,

Fake images of celebrities are becoming harder to distinguish from reality. What will this mean for the industry?

From author using Midjourney v5 AI. Not a real camera or laptop. Apparently, AI prefers Canon.

Whatever your opinion of paparazzi is, you probably like glancing at images of celebrities in the wild (like this one of Raquel Leviss of Vanderpump Rules looking like a teenager waiting for an adult to buy them liquor.)

It’s often lucrative for the photographers — who can fetch up to $6 million for a single photo (and can also benefit celebrities, who sometimes arrange these photos for publicity.)

Now, you’ve probably also at least heard about AI image platforms and how advanced they are getting. If you didn’t know, you can ask them to recreate a celebrity's likeness in any setting imaginable.

I’ve previously written about how photography as a craft may be immune to AI competition. It takes a very convincing AI output to fool the trained eye of a photo editor at a newspaper/magazine that would consider running paparazzi shots.

However, since you can sell photos of A-list celebs for a good amount of money, I predict a lot of people will attempt to cash in using the power of AI. News outlets may find they’ve been duped, and the celebrity may have to answer why they were at a certain place (or with a certain person) when they weren’t.

Midjourney recently released its v5 model, and Mage.Space has also released new models, which are quite convincing in terms of human realism – and will only get better. So I thought I’d put it to the test to simulate how artificially generated celebrities would appear using this technology.

Disclaimer: none of these images of celebrities are real. They are entirely AI-generated using a text-based prompt in Midjourney v5.

Bill Murray spotted in the busy streets. He is either acknowledging the photographer or warning what he will do to them if they keep snapping photos. From author using Midjourney v5 AI

Will Smith looking a bit angry about getting spotted by paparazzi. Careful, “news” photographer, you might get a slap. From author using Midjourney v5 AI

Selena Gomez caught looking over her shoulder at a paparazzi. Or maybe she’s actually taking a selfie? From author using Midjourney v5 AI

Leonardo DiCaprio with his random 24-year-old date. Notice how Midjourney made him younger, maybe to ease the age gap? From author using Midjourney v5 AI

Johnny Depp trying to blend in with the commoners. Although is that Amy Schumer to his left? From author using Midjourney v5 AI

Faking celebrities using AI is not new. But as you can see, it’s probably easy for someone (including an editor) to be fooled by one of these more recent, more convincing images. There is also the possibility of pairing random celebrities together in images to create buzz or controversy, which editors will likely pay more for. (I will never try to pass off an AI-generated image of anyone as real, or try to sell one. But I can’t speak for others.)

We are in an age where deepfakes are getting more difficult to spot, both in still photos and videos. AI is moving faster than anyone could have predicted, and we must be extra diligent about what we see online — both regarding celebrities and everyday people like me and you.