Ketaan Ram Kataria
Patna: A recent trend has emerged where users are leveraging ChatGPT to creatively restore and colourise old photographs. While not a traditional photo enhancement tool, ChatGPT can generate AI interpretations that mimic restored versions of aged images.
The process involves providing ChatGPT with a prompt such as “Please upscale and colourise this photo while keeping it faithful to the time period. Do not change the arrangement, expressions, background, or attire; only add period-accurate color and details. The new photo should overlay the original exactly.” This approach aims to produce a visually enhanced version of the original photo, complete with added color and improved resolution, while maintaining historical accuracy.
It’s important to note that this method doesn’t technically restore the original image. Instead, it creates a new interpretation that resembles a restored version. This distinction is crucial for users seeking authentic restoration.
For those looking to genuinely restore old photographs, tools like Adobe Photoshop’s Photo Restoration Neural Filter or specialised apps such as Remini and Face Restore offer more precise enhancements. These tools can repair damage, enhance details, and even colourise black-and-white photos, providing a more accurate restoration.
ChatGPT can offer a creative and visually appealing reinterpretation of old photos, it doesn’t replace traditional restoration methods for those seeking authentic enhancements.
