Pictorealism is the fourth and final project in a series dedicated to AI-driven photorealism, following in the footsteps of Reflexorama, Boldenage, and Imaflash. Each of these projects explores different aspects of photographic history and aesthetic, from mainstream AI-enhanced photography to adult-oriented conceptual erotica and instant film-inspired imagery. With Pictorealism, the focus shifts towards the clean, classic photography of the 20th century, particularly between the 1920s and the 1970s.
THE CONCEPT BEHIND PICTOREALISM
Pictorealism draws inspiration from the photography magazines that began to emerge in the 1930s, which often featured extensive photographic spreads and even posters. The goal of this project is to recreate the essence of those eras using AI, mimicking the style and technical characteristics of vintage photography. To achieve this, the project primarily employs Flux and Midjourney, two AI tools that generate photorealistic imagery.
While I haven’t fully explored the potential of tools like Flux and Midjourney or experimented extensively with mimicking the styles of various photographers for this project, Flux has proven to be particularly effective. With the addition of carefully curated LoRAs, the AI-generated images achieve a striking resemblance to genuine vintage photography. Midjourney, as usual, produces stunning photographs, but it sometimes struggles to fully capture an authentic vintage aesthetic, often relying on artificial aging effects rather than replicating the true photographic techniques of the era. Flux, on the other hand, achieves this more smoothly with the right LoRAs, prompts, and settings. However, this is not always the case—for instance, Midjourney has shown strong results in vintage glamour photography inspired by George Hurrell or Claude Cahun, as well as in the street photography style of Brassaï, among others.Moving forward, the project will continue refining the use of both Flux and Midjourney to enhance accuracy and fidelity.
THE NAME
Pictorealism is a deliberate play on the term Pictorialism, a photography movement that flourished between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Pictorialism emphasized artistic interpretation over strict realism, often using soft focus, elaborate printing techniques, and staged compositions to create painterly images. Because this movement has been a major influence on my appreciation for photography, it was a natural choice to reference it in the name of this project. The replacement of “Pictori” with “Pictore” incorporates the word “realism,” aligning with the core mission of the website—achieving a heightened sense of photographic authenticity through AI.
OVERALL THEMES AND INFLUENCES
A major aspect of Pictorealism is its commitment to cultural diversity and representation, inspired by documentary and anthropological photography from the first half of the 20th century. Influential publications such as National Geographic, Life Magazine, and Picture Post played a crucial role in shaping visual culture, capturing both the everyday lives and extraordinary moments of people across the world. This project seeks to reflect that same ethos by embracing a broad range of subjects and settings.
Another new element introduced more prominently in this project is the inclusion of children as photographic subjects. Typically, I have avoided or rarely explored this theme in my previous projects. However, given that classic 20th-century photography frequently featured children in documentary and portrait settings, it felt appropriate to incorporate them into Pictorealism’s curated albums.
PHOTOGRAPHERS THAT INSPIRED THE PROJECT
Pictorealism pays homage to legendary photographers whose work has defined the eras it seeks to emulate. Some of the key inspirations include:
- George Hurrell – Master of Hollywood glamour photography, known for his dramatic lighting and elegant portraiture of classic film stars.
- Dorothea Lange – Renowned for her powerful documentary work, particularly her Depression-era photographs for the Farm Security Administration.
- Henri Cartier-Bresson – A pioneer of street photography and the “decisive moment” technique, capturing life with raw authenticity.
- Irving Penn – Famous for his sophisticated fashion photography and minimalist, striking portraiture.
- Edward Weston – Known for his sharply detailed black-and-white compositions, often capturing still lifes and nudes with masterful precision.
- Brassai – Celebrated for his evocative night photography, documenting the streets and nightlife of early 20th-century Paris.
- Claude Cahun– Surrealist photographer and artist, known for their avant-garde self-portraits that challenged gender identity and societal norms.
These photographers, among others, have provided the stylistic and conceptual foundation for Pictorealism’s AI-generated imagery.
Pictorealism marks the conclusion of a four-part journey in AI photography, joining Reflexorama, Boldenage, and Imaflash in exploring the evolving possibilities of AI-generated imagery. Each project has carved out its own distinct niche, and together they form a comprehensive exploration of photography’s diverse styles and cultural significance.
Visitors to the websites are encouraged to participate in shaping their future by voting in polls available on each site. Feedback and engagement will help refine the projects further, ensuring they continue to push the boundaries of AI’s potential in photographic recreation.
As AI continues to advance, Pictorealism will evolve with it—experimenting with new prompts, techniques, and tools to further refine its vision of classic photography reborn through artificial intelligence.