As technology continues to play an ever-expanding role in the creative industry, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) continues to advance. We spoke with Hong Kong-based photographer Leungmo on the creative process with A.I. and her insights into the future of fashion photography.

MANIFESTO: What inspired you to experiment with A.I. techniques and photography?

LEUNGMO: I first encountered the use of A.I. in photography through observing the work of international creatives. The combination of a futuristic style with a vintage aesthetic intrigued me. Despite my budgetary constraints, I had always hoped to experiment with surrealism in my photography. A.I. offers a cost-effective way to realize these concepts, which were previously challenging to execute in Hong Kong.

M: How did you create your 'burger conquers the earth' A.I. photo series? What message are you trying to convey?

LM: When creating my 'burger conquers the earth' photo series, I used the A.I. software, Midjourney. I challenged myself to create a concept that was impossible to see in the real world, using ordinary elements like a hamburger and making it exaggerated and larger than life. While initially focused on making visually appealing art, I later began to incorporate more meaningful concepts and stories. The series uses fast food culture as a reference to reflect on the unhealthy aspects of our fast-paced lives. By portraying the act of eating a burger to its extremes, I aim to spark thought and reflection on the realities of our world.

M: Did you face any difficulties when using A.I. to create the different images in the 'burger conquers the earth' series? If so, what surprised you?

LM: At first, it was difficult to learn how to communicate with the A.I.. You could think of an idea and type related words into the software but it might not get what you want. After countless tries, I started to understand what would be created from certain prompts to the point I could collaborate well enough with the A.I. to visualise my concept. Sometimes, the A.I. would surprise me too! As it generates its own ideas based on the prompts, the A.I. also inspired me with the images it generated. This would then influence me to experiment and build on prior ideas.

M: How does your creative process differ with A.I. photography versus with what you've done previously?

LM: My creative process wasn’t that different. In the beginning it’s exactly the same, you think of an idea or what you want to convey. Then you try to form a concept that visualises it. But I think the creative process with A.I. is even more creative. With traditional photography, sometimes you have ideas that you know you might not have the resources or ability to actually do it. But with A.I., when you think of something you can actually do it.

M: What do you think the future of A.I., fashion and photography will be like?

LM: In the fashion and commercial industries, the use of A.I. is predicted to increase. Currently, up to 90 per cent of commercials depict a false reality through the use of manipulated backgrounds and hired talent. While A.I. has limitations, such as generating overly realistic content, it may be used to merge with real subjects for future photography. Endorsements from celebrities will still be necessary.