I was recently accepted into the DALL-E 2 closed beta a few days ago and my mind has been racing to think of clever combinations of camera related prompts to feed the AI. Each day, users get a limit of 50 submissions. Here are a few sets that I’ve enjoyed from my 50 attempts today using “origami” as the main modifier. It’s been a lot of fun seeing these “alternate universe” styled cameras come to life and how the AI interprets prompts (even if “medium format” was ignored or misinterpreted in most cases).

“Origami medium format camera, studio lighting, black background, 35mm lens, f/1.2, 4K Photograph”

I particularly liked how “colorful” added a much needed flair.

“Colorful origami medium format camera, studio lighting, black background, 85mm, f/1.2, 4K Photograph”

Out of all my attempts, the TLR was my favorite for it’s simplicity. I only wish I had a similar result with the “colorful” modifier added. Maybe, tomorrow.

What would you create? Let me know on Twitter!

I’ve started a project to document the diversity of fungi along a single trail of Patapsco State Park in Maryland over a one year period (June 2022 to June 2023) as a way to give myself a “SMART” goal.

I’ve wanted to have a focused project for a while now but have thus far lacked any kind of intent to create a larger, cohesive body of work or an idea that I would like to see realized. I am a very opportunistic photographer with only a small number of my photos having any type of planning around them beyond where I plan to travel and when.

My goals for this project are as follows:

• I will shoot every week as time, weather, and my physical health allow 
• Every shot will be pushed black and white film to accentuate the grain as a proxy representation of “dropping spores”
• The project will use every format I own (4x5, 6x17, 6x7, and 35mm)
  
• Each species will be identified correctly before being included in the final set
• A single image of each species will be selected at the end
• The project will result in a book if I am successful (and an online graveyard if I’m not)

• Photos will draw inspiration from and attempt to recreate the lighting style of Dead of Night.

While I will likely produce very pleasing images throughout this project either by luck or skill, the last goal will be the most difficult one to achieve. Here are a few shots I’ve taken that I think fall somewhere in the area of “getting there”.

Now, it’s time for plenty more trial and error.