Using ChatGPT for photoshoot ideation

I’m currently planning a couple of photoshoots that are a lot more elaborate productions, and I’m looking forward to working with different brands and other creatives for these, however, I was craving a smaller project just for myself, for my own exploration and play - no expectations or pressure to create anything particular. I strongly believe that opportunities and ideas are all around us, and we can use very little of what we have in front of us to create something interesting and unique. Plus, it’s always great to hold the camera:)

I knew I wanted to do product / still life photography at home, and so I gathered the few things I have laying around that might look nice on camera. I only have one small Canon speedlite to use as flash light, nothing too fancy, but it will have to do!

Preparing a moodboard as I usually do, I’ve collated few visual ideas that I thought I could work with given what I had in front of me. And then, I thought - why not run these things through ChatGPT, see what new, interesting things I can get from it?

I received 6 different ideas using the props I had, and at it’s invitation to discuss these further, I followed through with one of the suggestions it offered. In turn, it gave me 3 different layouts for that particular idea, then it listed ways of setting up the shots, props and lights, step by step.

As much as most of it can be figured out on your own, what I found really helpful was a concise and clear plan of action - you can follow through and see if it works, making tweaks in the moment. I think this can be super helpful and beneficial when planning photoshoots - using ChatGPT to create different variations of the mood, exploring ideas and set ups, and having it write it down very clearly for everyone involved to know what we’ll be doing and how.

I followed up with some additional Adobe Firefly touches, to elevate it a little bit. Exploring these artificial elements is really fun and exciting, it's definitely letting my imagination wander and realise the kind of ideas I wouldn't be able to do myself (not so great at drawing or beautiful calligraphy;). 

Of course, you can also use Midjourney to create a clear, full visual of what you want to achieve, but I think ChatGPT has the potential to find clear steps of how to achieve that, especially if you are producing your own work, or are in the phase of ideating. And it’s also great to see what other options might be out there!

The original image without AI additions