This looks really great considering it started as a B&W plus-X image. Color rendition is very realistic, especially her hair. I wonder just how much guidance you provided to the AI process. I believe it is well worth continuing on this path of experimentation.

Just Fred said "The human form is most intriguing. I see nothing wrong with exploring it artistically."

My sentiments exactly. Well stated!

Jim, here is a thought for you to ponder:

Is it remotely possible that the tool you are using, touted as being AI, may actually be learning from the adjustments you have made with it in the past, and is now applying some of those techniques to images you process later? True AI is supposed to get smarter, learning and adjusting to improve the accuracy and quality of the results. It might be interesting to just run eight or ten images through the AI program now, (without any assistance) and save the results as a control set. Continue then to assist AI on additional images, in areas where you see a deficiency, such as the blue skin in the extremities. Then, after many more images have been processed, go back and re-process the eight or ten control images you set aside, (without providing any assistance) then carefully scrutinize the results, looking for any sign of improvement. If you see a significant change, then the AI tool is truly living up to its identity, and improving its intelligence as it goes through "life".

If you have some images that you processed, (without assistance), when you first started using the tool, maybe reprocessing one or two of these now would shed light on the situation with less effort.

The other question would be whether these improvements would only be realized with "your copy" of the program, or if they might be shared globally. If you are just running a downloaded copy, it is likely the improvements are not available to others; however if you are running a web-based tool, it is anyone's guess.

I do hope you will continue with your efforts. Your B&W images are a treasure trove time capsule, and the colorization simply adds to the value and enjoyment they provide.

Thank you,
Rick

Tim, thanks for sharing so many beautiful photos. Good to see one of gorgeous Christi, it is such a shame she is no longer with us, may she rest in peace.

That expression on Vada's face in the black wig before pulp fiction shot is very captivating. Seems she loves the shorter hair, but I have always wondered what she would look like with longer tresses? Is that totally out of character for her?

And Ms. KNOX is looking mighty-fine, as always!

Rick

Seems like the red-headed cowgirl was just a bit too much for that mirror!

Tim, she looks ready and anxious for the "Eclipse Shoot" How many of your other lasses have plans to attend? Certainly it will be a memorable event!

I wonder if you might convince her to wear some long blond tresses and throw everyone off on her identity? That would certainly be a hoot! What say?

Jim, Your original color photo is superb. The skin tones in both sun and shadow are natural, contrast is excellent. Her hair color is also very natural, nothing needs any adjustment of any kind.

The AI rendition seems like the software was assuming she was looking into a sunset, as the skin tones are reddish and have way to much contrast; the shadow area on her shoulder lost all natural skin color. Her dress looks purple, and I have no idea what the program thought to do with the flower. I can only surmise that you must be heavily guiding the AI process in colorizing your other photos, because they are so much better in all respects than number three in the experiment. AI obvioulsy has a long way to go before it is ready for prime time.

Thanks for sharing the samples,
Rick

Jim, Absolutely Beautiful, especially her hair!

She reminds me of my tour of the Rhine in Germany a few years ago. I was advised to stop and visit the "Lorelei", and when I saw your latest creation, the image from that vacation immediately came to mind.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorelei

What is the legend of the Lorelei?

Lorelei, German legend of a beautiful maiden who threw herself into the Rhine River in despair over a faithless lover and was transformed into a siren who lured fishermen to destruction.

In 1824, Heinrich Heine seized on and adapted Brentano's theme in one of his most famous poems, "Die Lorelei". It describes the eponymous female as a sort of siren who, sitting on the cliff above the Rhine and combing her golden hair, unwittingly distracted shipmen with her beauty and song, causing them to crash on the rocks.

Rick

Jim-
The texture and shadow detail on the boulders looks very natural. And the blue water with the tiny whitecaps truly looks like it is moving right along. Oh yes, stream lady is indeed stunning. Her hair coloring looks very pretty.

I suppose those who do not follow your posts would be looking in vain for two more colorized images. But now you have set a new "standard of measurement" - This image is rated at "three shots of rye" in colorization artistry! Will the accuracy and detail continue to increase at level four? I guess we will just have to wait patiently to know the answer.

We enjoy all your efforts every day.

Rick

Jim,

I thank you for processing my absolute favorite of Jim's Favs! You made her even more beautiful. Everything perfect, sky, sand, her skin tones, and even the necklace and manicure! It would be very difficult to tell this is not originally a color photo. Great job all around!

Thanks again, Rick

Yes, Jim, you are correct, the third one.

I have an entrapped ulnar nerve, no sensory capabilities on my left hand, so it makes touch typing problematic at best, thanks for catching my error.

No hurry, take your time and enjoy working on the colorization. I just saw number 15 - WOW! Not only the subject, but also the background nicely colored. Looks very natural. Kudos to you!

Rick

Jim, I am really enjoying the colorized Plus-X from olde. You have become very skilled in the rendering of the hues and density, they look very natural.

I have been waiting anxiously for a color rendition of Jim's Favorites Number 58, the second in the group of 56-60. Is this one on your list for re-release? I think it is one of the best-of-the-best, pose, smile, just a fun photo!

Thanks much, and have a Safe, Healthy, and Happy New Year!
Rick

Merry Christmas, Jim!

WOW, this one is quite a gift, such a beautiful young lady, her tan is perfectly rendered. Very happy smile, you both had fun with this one! Oh, and she is such a knock-out, I almost didn't notice the effort you put into the water, both on the sand and beyond the white surf. That is exactly what I was suggesting when you inquired about what to do with the water, and you pulled it off superbly!

Keep 'em comin!
Rick

Hello Jim,

Dawter looks so much better with her natural tan, she was kind of pale in gray, comparatively speaking.

As far as the water is concerned, perhaps you might find the right shade of green for the body of water beyond the white surf. The gray of the sand, and the color of the shallow water on the sand up to the surf should not need any treatment. Perhaps you might play with several colors of "ocean green" from the blue sky down to the white surf, which should easily delineate the water color area.

In my opinion, adding color to these classic photos really brings them to life, adding a whole new perspective to explore.

Have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday!
Rick

Exactly! That is the point of my sarcastic comment. Not only did she not know her picture was being taken, she has neither a body nor a mind. A computer in this context is about as far as you can possibly get from a camera and a model, thus it could not be considered photography.

True, she didn't even realize she was being photographed!