Natural Intelligence

Summary

Nikon's "Natural Intelligence" advertising campaign emphasizes the value of real photography by showcasing stunning images from real-world locations, accompanied by creative prompts similar to AI-image generators.

Abstract

Nikon's new advertising campaign, titled "Natural Intelligence," aims to demonstrate that artificial intelligence-generated images cannot replace real photography. The campaign features breathtaking images from actual locations, paired with creative prompts akin to AI-image generator inputs. The goal is to highlight the artistic and creative talent of real photographers and emphasize that the beauty of real photography lies in the vision and skill of the photographer, not the latest equipment. The campaign has reportedly been successful, with overwhelmingly positive feedback and inspiring people to explore the outdoors with their cameras.

Opinions

The author respects Nikon's decision not to make the equipment the primary focus of the campaign but rather the uniqueness of the images shown.
The author believes that the campaign has been successful based on the reported positive feedback and increased interest in exploring the outdoors with cameras.
The author appreciates Nikon's message that you don't need the latest equipment to create amazing images.
The author had fun creating their own series of images based on the company's campaign.
The author encourages readers to watch the 2-minute video showcasing the images created for the campaign.
The author suggests trying out an AI service that they recommend as a cost-effective alternative to ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4).
The author's tone throughout the article is positive and engaging, expressing enthusiasm for Nikon's campaign and the value of real photography.

The campaign against AI

Photo by author

Nikon’s ingenious new advertising campaign sets out to prove that Artificial Intelligence-generated images cannot replace real photography.

The campaign titled “Natural Intelligence” features stunning images from real-world locations accompanied by creative prompts similar to what you would input in an AI-image generator.

The tagline : Don’t give up on the real world seemed to strike a chord with the public.

For example, the prompt “a realistic Minecraft cliff at the seashore in winter season” was used for a picture taken by Marco Nurnberger of Iceland’s Reynisfjara beach. (To see the images watch the video at the bottom on this story)

All of the images in the ad campaign were shot by photographers carrying a variety of Nikon cameras. They were not showcasing the latest and greatest gear, but rather, some older DSLR models similar to my own old clunkers. I respect Nikon for not making the equipment the primary focus of the campaign, but rather, the uniqueness of the images shown.

The goal of the campaign was to bring attention to the artistic and creative talent of real photographers. It not only illustrates that the beauty of real photography is in the vision and skill of the photographer, but that you don’t even need to use the latest equipment to create amazing images.

The campaign has apparently been a huge success. “The reactions were incredible,” according to Nikon. “99% positive sentiment. 95% brand recognition. And inspired hundreds of people to go outside with their cameras.” (source)

Well, been there done that. I’ve gone outside with my camera, so I could not resist creating a series of images based on the company’s campaign.

I had a bit of fun creating these mock ads. I hope you enjoy them.

Natural Intelligence

The campaign against AI

/image prompt::twin trees and a happy face drawn in the desert sand

/imagine prompt::a militia of bare trees surrounding an alien organic form

/imagine prompt:: army of monochrome structures protecting the forest

/imagine prompt:: organic portal leading into synchronicity

/imagine prompt::giant spider webs protect the territory from invisible forces

/imagine prompt::beams of light guide the monoliths towards history