There is a new image image of AI that extends on the Internet, one that could bring new life to those boxes of shoes and dusty family albums. Chatgpt users have discovered that the AI assistant can take old photos and imitate a restored and colorful version.
I saw it for the first time discussed in a Reddit thread, one that was initially skeptical of Chatgpt’s restoration capacity for a good reason.
The AI was much more likely to take an old shot in the head and ‘restore it’ shooting in the head of someone who could be the cousin of the person in the original photo. Thanks to the tips shared by others in Reddit and Instagram on how to make it work correctly, I improvised a notice that does a fairly good job.
The notice I decided is: “Please exclude and color this photo while keeping it faithful to the period of time. Do not change the disposition, expressions, background or clothing; just add the color and details with precision of the period. The new photo must overlap exactly.”
Actually, it is not to restore the image, but I could consider it as a recreation of an art fodder with a modernist streak. The results are in color, with a better resolution, any damage repaired and even some lost lost details.
Once again, it is important to remember that this is not the same as improving the real photo, but it is fun, and certainly feels less problematic than sliding the style of Studio Ghibli.
To prove the trend, I took some public domain photos of the Library of the Congress, which is really an incredible resource. Check out some of the results below.
Rugged pilot restoration
First is President Theodore Roosevelt. The photo catches Teddy in the middle of a writing session on his desk. The desktop has a large plaque and, a liquor decanter, with glasses. After Chatgpt does his work, he can see some fine details and colors.
Now, not all those details are correct. Hand positions, chair arm shape, a radio replaced so it looks like a large candle and much more. However, he managed to capture much of the man himself quite well.
Bicycle to the future
Then came the bicycle deliveryman. Again, the person seemed incredibly to the original. The original photo was already animated, with puddles on a street that is clearly dirty. The colorful version decided that this meant that the street had a good wooden floor for some reason.
Even so, the sign in the building behind the cyclist, along with the crowd in the background, all are really. He even managed to obtain the reflection of the bicycle on the ground.
Jerk
Advance a bit over time is this fool. A happy partner smiling while I can assume is only an egg cream or a flotation of root beer with the touch of a Broadway actor playing “Guy Who Loves Sethzer”.
Chatgpt delivered a restored version that nailed his face and expression, not to mention the loop tie. Of course, the hair is a bit off, and I am not sure how appetizing the modern drink is seen, but it seems that he enjoys his work in the black emptiness behind the counter.
Iterar, Iterar, Iterar
Then the two policemen came in their long coats and high hats. I guess the serious mustaches were part of the uniform. The colorful version gave life to its uniforms with navy blue tones and brass buttons that practically shine.
Officers are a bit higher than their black and white counterparts, with a somewhat better tailoring, but it is a photo that belongs to the same application portraits of the law.
Mr. Bigote
Speaking of mustaches, that is the true star of the last photo. I almost doesn’t even notice the gentleman behind him. It’s not just facial hair, it’s architecture. The restored version cleaned the street hairs very slightly, but otherwise, this was the most impressive result.
The face, the haircut, the coat and even the fold in the shirt are there. Each sow is crispy, and wherever it is directed, I would love to see the rest of the barbershop quartet.
