Exploring the Intersection of AI and Surrealism in Photography

Today I would like to put the spotlight on the work of Elizaveta Porodina. A Russian-born photographer, she is renowned for her surreal and emotive imagery that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. Her perfect blend of abstract art and digital photography provides a unique perspective into how AI can be used to enhance images with real-life elements and human models.

Here’s how I think her techniques and artistic philosophy could inspire AI-enhanced (not AI-generated!) photography:

1) AI as a tool for Surrealism in Photography

For example, Porodina's dreamlike aesthetic—characterised by soft blurs, deep contrasts, and painterly textures—relies on post-processing and experimental lighting. With AI tools, such as GAN-based image generation (like MidJourney or Stable Diffusion) and AI-assisted retouching, a photographer can apply surrealist concepts in a seamless, more time-efficient way.

• Generating otherworldly textures that mimic or extend painterly effects in images.

• Altering light and shadow dynamically to enhance mood.

• Transforming raw images into abstract visions that reflect inner emotions.

2) AI as a Storytelling Partner, not a replacement

One key takeaway from Porodina’s artistry is that photography is not just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling. AI should not replace photographers but rather act as a collaborator that assists in both the conceptual and post-production stages.

For example, AI can help photographers:

✅ Suggest alternative compositions based on past works.

✅ Instantly generate moodboards based on text prompts.

✅ Use AI-driven storytelling models to create narratives that align with a photographer's vision.

Additionally, AI could enhance printed photographs by helping visualise how applying effects onto physical images would look like in the end, expanding the ways in which photographers engage with their work before and after shooting.

3) AI and the Ethical Dilemma of Reality vs. Fantasy

There are things to keep in mind at this early stage of AI development and the potential regulations around it. With AI being used for both beneficial and controversial purposes, as it’s happening already, photographers and brands must be mindful of potential copyright concerns.

Both photographers and brands should keep these key considerations in mind:

✅ Be transparent about how AI tools are applied in the creative process.

✅ Use AI for creative augmentation rather than deception.

✅ Consider the ethical implications of AI-generated content.

Whilst Porodina’s work challenges perceptions of reality, she is still doing this using in-camera techniques and solutions, or through careful enhancement of existing image in post-production.

This is why, for the time being, I personally choose to use the AI tools to enhance an image, add an element of abstraction and surrealism when faced with production limitations, rather than create fully AI-generated images.

Final Thoughts

Porodina’s success is a result of vision, emotion, and artistry—three things that AI can enhance but never replace. The future of AI in photography isn’t about automating creativity; it’s about offering new tools to bring surreal visions to life, much like how Porodina does manually today.