Objective: To understand the evolving nature of photographic representation (photographicness) by creating and analyzing 3D scan, an AI-generated image, and a conventional photograph using a camera

This assignment consists of three parts

Select a personally significant object.


• Part 1: Traditional Photography
  Take digital photograph of the object. Reflect on how the significant object is translated into an image and how you interpret its significance
  
  
• Part 2: 3D Scanning
  Create a detailed 3D scan of the same object.
  
  
  • App based (iPhone, Android) Polycam
  • Web based tool Polycam Photogrammetry
  
  
  Reflect on how the significant object is translated into a 3D image and how you interpret its significance
  
  
• Part 3: AI-Generated Image
  Use a text-to-image AI program to create a photorealistic image of the object. Write a descriptive text for the AI, guiding it to accurately represent the object. [FYI: Say What you see - art of prompting]
  
  Reflect on how the significant object is depicted as an image and how you interpret its significance
  
  
  • DreamStudio from Stability AI (Open source project) -- should give you free credits when you make account
  . More customizable than Lexica Art.
  • Microsoft Copilot (free version) -- make an account to get access to Dall-E
  • Adobe Adobe Firefly - make an adobe account for 20 free images free credits to make
  • Lexica -- based on Stable Diffusion. Shows you AI generated images with prompt used
  • getimg.ai -- uses stable diffusion. Says free credit
  
  
  

Compare the three representations (traditional photo, 3D scan, AI-generated image).

Think about some of the theories and ideas that anchor photographicness.

For example,

• Indexicality: how each method maintains (or doesn't maintain) a 'fingerprint' of reality, affecting perceived authenticity and meaning.
  
  
• Punctum: identify and compare elements in each representation that emotionally resonate or create a personal connection.
  
• Studium: examine the cultural, historical, and aesthetic context present in each representation and their impact on general interpretation and interest.
  
  
  • wikipedia entry on indexicality
  • see Theories of Photography by Sabine T. Kriebel (2013) for more photography specific discussion on indexicality, punctum/studium
  • Punctum/Studium in Camera Lucida
  
  
• The implications of these technologies in contemporary photographic practices and theory.
  
  
  FYI:
  • "What's the Point of an Index? or, Faking Photographs" by Tom Gunning [PDF]
  • Say What you see - art of prompting
  • Prompt Guide from DreamStudio AI

Show all three representations along with your analytical insights using google slideshow. You can attach a screenshot (not actual 3D objects) of the images you generated.