Photographs Transformed with Neural Filters

Today’s post will present some photos created using Photoshop neural filters. First of all, the term neural refers to, relating to, or affecting a nerve or the nervous system, situated in the region on the same side of the body as the brain and spinal cord.

Neural networks, as they exist in software such as Photoshop is a method in artificial intelligence that teaches computers to process data in a way that is inspired by the human brain. It is a type of machine learning process, called deep learning, that uses interconnected nodes or neurons in a layered structure that resembles the human brain.

Adobe Photoshop’s neural filters are an easy way to create compelling adjustments and speed up your image editing workflows. Powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, neural filters use algorithms to generate new pixels in your photos. This allows you to add nondestructive edits and explore new creative ideas quickly, all while keeping the original image intact.

One set of Photoshop’s algorithms is designed to transfer an artistic style to a photograph, such as the photo below. This group of styles, is aptly termed Style Transfer. They have been learned by Photoshop through extensive exposure to the style of a particular artist or a widely used style of imagery.

This image is one of the iconic sights of Sedona Arizona, known as Cathedral Rock. I applied one of the Style Transfer algorithms to a photo I took there a few years ago. It is possible to make adjustments (strength, opacity, brightness, etc.) to personalize the final product.

I wish I could tell you the names of the filters I’ve used with today’s photographs but I’ve been unable to find that information.

This next image was created from a photograph I took while participating in a street photography shoot in the nearby town of Cave Creek, Arizona. It was taken at a popular saloon, which features rodeo events as part of the dining experience. I think these patrons were more focused on the bar than the bull riding ring.

This photograph for this last image was taken in 2018, near the small town of Fruita, UT in the course of a trip to Capitol Reef National Park.

I haven’t yet decided that this is a style of photography I would like to pursue in further depth. It is fascinating what one can create. On the other other hand, I prefer to play a larger part in the final outcome. It’s more satisfying than having one’s computer do most of it. For example, I don’t really like that green blob (cloud?) in the upper right corner. I didn’t nor would I ever put it there.