Gallimaufry#124

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and random thoughts 📸

I believe I'm facing what some might call "photographer's block," if such a term exists. I find myself grappling with a lack of inspiration and motivation to pick up my camera. Moreover, without any upcoming travel plans, my creative well feels somewhat dry. AI photography is such a great way to break through this block. I have a wild imagination but no artistic acumen. That is why I love AI. It allows me to translate the vivid scenes in my mind into tangible images without the need for artistic skill. With AI photography, I can bring to life the fantastical worlds, surreal landscapes, and captivating characters that populate my imagination. Through this medium, I explore endless possibilities and transform abstract ideas into visual realities

BEGGAR'S CHICKEN

Legend has it that a starving beggar stole a chicken and had to hide it from pursuing authorities. Desperate, he wrapped the chicken in lotus leaves and mud, buried the chicken near a riverbank, then later retrieved it and cooked it over an open fire. To his surprise, the mud had sealed in the chicken's juices and flavors, resulting in an incredibly tender and delicious dish.

Beggar's chicken sold at a food court

Today, to ensure safety and for convenience, Beggar's Chicken is frequently prepared using alternatives like dough, oven bags, ceramic pots, or convection ovens instead of clay. However, even with these adaptations, the dish maintains its distinct flavor and tender texture, remaining a cherished component of Chinese culinary tradition.

AI-generated image

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

St James Park, 2011

St. James Park's squirrels are famously friendly, with one even boldly climbing onto Son#2's lap. However, as soon as I attempted to capture that enchanting moment with my camera, the playful creature darted away. 

Now thanks to AI, I can weave that cherished memory into tangible form.

Spotted this sign outside a restaurant

Thai dinner - Khao kha mu

Khao kha mu is a popular Thai dish consisting of stewed pork leg typically served with rice and a side of pickled mustard greens. The pork leg is cooked until it's tender and flavorful, and it's often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili.

AI-generated image

Did you know that the collective noun for ladybugs is called a ‘loveliness of ladybugs’? They can also be referred to as a colony, a cluster, or a swarm. Interestingly, in the UK, they’re known as ladybirds, and a group of them is also called a ‘loveliness of ladybirds’.

AI-generated image

"A loveliness of ladybugs" does indeed beautifully encapsulate the charm of these creatures, doesn't it?

Ah, do you recall our foster kitty who was blind and super clingy? The only respite from his incessant meowing, when left alone, was when he was curled up in deep slumber in this hammock my sister crocheted. We would rock him to sleep and then stealthily tiptoe away. The rhythmic motion lulled him into a peaceful repose, granting us precious moments of quietude.

AI-generated image

The only other time his meows would cease was during his sunbathing sessions on the balcony. There, basking in the sun's warmth, he would linger in serene silence, lost in his own world, until someone came to bring him back inside.

AI-generated image

Note - Every AI-generated photo you see here is a product of artificial intelligence, meticulously and painstakingly crafted through textual descriptions alone. No actual photographs were utilized or manipulated in the creation of these images.

Gallimaufry#123

Just a gallimaufry of AI fails and thoughts 📸

AI GONE WRONG!

After generating an AI image of a cat wearing a cone alongside his human, I decided to lose the cone.

"Remove cone", I typed. A seemingly straightforward task, right? 

Haha! But as pixels rearranged and colors shifted, a curious twist emerged. The cone, once adorning the feline, vanished, only to reappear on the human counterpart!

Such is the delicate dance of AI-photography, where precision is paramount, and the choice of words holds immense power. It's not merely about issuing commands but crafting descriptions with the exactitude of a master wordsmith.

Another FAIL!

The above image resulted when I attempted to generate a photo of an Ikan Bakar street vendor as shared in my previous post. Notice the fish from another dimension in the upper right corner! Yikes!

And it looks like AI decided to go big or go home with that stingray! I mean, who needs a regular-sized fish when you can have a stingray that's practically the size of a coffee table?  Just imagine trying to fit that colossal creature on the grill! That poor man certainly needs a bigger spatula and a whole lot of courage. 

In this realm, the right words unlock the door to possibility, guiding the AI to manifest the desired vision. Each description is a brushstroke, painting a picture in the digital canvas, and every word holds the potential to shape reality.

So, while the process may seem deceptively simple on the surface, the reality is far more nuanced. It's a journey of trial and error, where success hinges on the ability to navigate the complexities of language and imagination with accuracy.

Yet, within these challenges lies the allure of AI-photography. It's not just about creating images; it's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible, one carefully chosen word at a time.

TURKEY TAKEOVER 🦃🍗

AI decided it's Thanksgiving in the kampong today! Haha! Thanksgiving is not a holiday celebrated in Malaysia!

Asked AI for an Eid al-Fitr celebration in a kampong(village) with chickens running around for authenticity. Got a Malay family in a kampong with a Thanksgiving spread instead! Looks like the turkeys are having a serious existential crisis this Eid-al-Fitr. 

After numerous attempts, I finally nailed the perfect Eid al-Fitr image I had in mind! I decided to remove the chickens. No more turkey confusion!

The fun and frustrating part of AI-generated photography? It's not knowing what to expect! It's like a surprise party every time you hit that generate button. Will you get a masterpiece or a hilarious mishmash of pixels? The thrill lies in the unpredictability, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you eagerly await the next quirky creation. Who needs to a computer game when you have AI-generated images to keep you entertained!

NOT YOUR TYPICAL STREET FIGHT

When AI serves up this scene instead of the durian showdown I envisioned...

Finally, after a series of comedic attempts...

Ah, here it is! The durian melee! The curious scene that captivated my seven-year-old imagination, inspired by my aunt's vivid retelling of a street spectacle: two rival durian vendors locked in a battle, wielding the thorny fruits like weapons!

Lately, I've been really into using AI-generated photos because I am running out of real ones. Trying out AI-generated stuff has become a bit of a hobby for me. I enjoy how they look, and I've become pretty obsessed with them. Even though they're not real, these AI images give me something to blog about until I get more real photos. Meanwhile, indulge me, my dearest bloggy pallies!

Note - Every AI image you see here is a product of artificial intelligence, meticulously and painstakingly crafted through textual descriptions alone. No actual photographs were utilized or manipulated in the creation of these images. 

Gallimaufry#122

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated images, photos and thoughts 📸

Among the vivid memories etched in my mind from my travels in Greece are scenes from the dark side of the beautiful country that continually haunt me.

Behind the postcard-perfect facade of the glorious tourist spots we visited lies a disparate contrast, exposing a side of the country that struggles with social issues, economic hardships, and the harsh realities faced by certain communities.

When I first stumbled upon this impactful tableau, I was struck by a wave of conflicting emotions. On one hand, there was an undeniable urge to capture the raw essence of their existence, to immortalize their resilience in the face of adversity. Yet, on the other hand, it felt disrespectful to intrude upon their privacy, to reduce their lived experiences to mere pixels on a screen.

I grappled with the decision of whether to photograph them. Ultimately, I chose to respect their dignity and privacy, but those heartbreaking scenes left an indelible mark on my soul.

But now, through the lens of A1-generated photography, I find myself presented with a unique opportunity to revisit and share those visuals that continue to resonate within me.

REVISITING GREECE TROUGH AI PHOTOGRAPHY

Through the power of AI-generated photography, I pay tribute to those whose stories often go untold, whose struggles are drowned by the cacophony of everyday life. It is my hope that these images serve as a reminder to amplify the voices of those who remain unseen and unheard in the shadows of society.

IKAN BAKAR

Grilled sting ray

Grilled stingray is a popular street food in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. The stingray, known for its firm and meaty texture, is marinated in a flavorful mixture typically consisting of spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, chili, and lemongrass. Then, it's grilled over an open flame or charcoal, imparting a delightful smokiness to the dish. The intense heat caramelizes the marinade, creating a tantalizing crust on the exterior while keeping the interior tender and juicy.

The banana leaf lends a subtle yet distinctive flavor, adding depth to every bite.

AI-generated image of an Ikan Bakar street vendor. Haha! AI photography is addictive!

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Mount Titlis 2019

STATIC MEMORIES

The mere sight of this vintage radio fills me with nostalgia, conjuring memories of my late father. I can still hear the crackle and hiss of static that filled the room each evening as he turned the knobs, searching for his favorite station playing timeless songs. Amidst the warmth of the radio's glow, songs like "Good Old Summertime" and "The Titanic (When That Great Ship Went Down)" would fill the air, marking moments of pure joy and connection that I'll forever treasure.

Dad's favourite song

This AI-generated depiction perfectly captures a cherished memory precisely as I envisioned it.

Chin Swee Pagoda, Malaysia

I've always imagined a dragon coiling around the pagoda! Sorry, I just couldn't help myself!

It has been 5 years since our beloved guinea pig crossed the rainbow bridge. I think of her often and imagine her frolicking amidst fluffy clouds in the celestial plains. She waits patiently, watching over me with a tender gaze, knowing that one day, we will reunite in a joyous embrace, forever connected by the unbreakable bond we shared.

Last year, we fostered a stray kitty who survived a harrowing car accident. Son #2 rescued the helpless and disoriented feline in the middle of the road one late evening. The brave kitty battled for his life in the ICU of a veterinary hospital for 3 weeks. The accident left Kitty blind and robbed him of his sense of smell. Our home became his sanctuary upon his discharge from the veterinary hospital. Adjusting to life without sight and smell was a daunting task for our furry friend, and his newfound disabilities made him extremely needy and clingy. He refused to move from where he was placed and had to be cuddled all the time, meowing mournfully when left alone.

One evening, as I stood in the kitchen preparing dinner, I felt a gentle nudge against my feet. To my surprise, it was our dear kitty, who had bumped into furniture and obstacles all the way from the living room through sheer determination. Without sight, smell, and with his whiskers obstructed by the cone he was wearing, it must have been quite a feat for him. His cries fell silent as he found me, resting his head on my feet in a moment of profound connection. I wished I had captured that scene on camera, but it would have meant I had to step away to reach my phone, and the spell would have been broken.

Though he has since found a loving forever home, I miss him dearly, and whenever I think of him, I am transported to that tender encounter in the kitchen.

AI-generated image of that profound moment 

Love it or hate it, AI photography allows us to conjure memories and imagination into tangible form, unlocking a realm of creativity previously inconceivable.

Note - Every AI-generated photo you see here is a product of artificial intelligence, meticulously and painstakingly crafted through textual descriptions alone. No actual photographs were utilized or manipulated in the creation of these images.

Gallimaufry#121

Just a gallimaufry of photos 📸

Mookata

Thai mookata is a popular style of barbecue in Thailand that combines elements of Korean barbecue and hot pot. The name "mookata" is a combination of two Thai words: "mu" meaning pork, and "kratha" meaning pan. In essence, it involves grilling meat, seafood, and vegetables on a domed grill pan while simultaneously using the moat around the edges of the pan to cook noodles, vegetables, and other ingredients in a flavorful broth.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Keukenhof 2019

Ramadan Bazaar

Stall selling chicken rice at the Ramadan Bazaar

Essentially, a Ramadan bazaar is a month-long street market specially dedicated to the fasting month, where mostly food and beverages are sold. Muslims (and non-Muslims) get to pick from a smorgasbord of halal foods on their way home from work for breaking their fast just before dusk.

Chinese dragon

FUN FACT

Chinese dragons are intertwined with creation myths and are thought to wield power over natural elements such as weather and bodies of water, while also serving as guardians of the celestial realms. Conversely, Western dragons are commonly depicted as formidable creatures capable of breathing fire, notorious for hoarding treasure and instilling fear in villages.