Tallus76 Photography

Hunting at dusk

Hasbro Transformers WOC Kingdom Blackarachnia
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Transformers MPU-01 Thrust

Trypticon destroy puny ships!

Hasbro Titans Return Trypticon 2017

Time well spent
Tigatron and Airrazor

Oh my. X they really like to get on me.

TO WHOM(AI haters) IT MAY CONCERN:

For the past few months, I have randomly received complaints regarding the use of AI within my action figure photography. Let me begin by stating that I appreciate your feedback and comments.

I have been taking photos of my action figures since long before it became a fad or a trend. For example, I have been photographing my Transformers figures since the mid-to-late '90s. Back then, I took photos with 35mm film, and once digital cameras became the norm, I transitioned to them as well. I can still remember the film camera diehards complaining and being angry with those who were using digital. That lasted a few years, and as those complaints faded, the hate shifted toward people using programs like Photoshop. Years later, digital SLRs took over the market and were an absolute game-changer. Once again, there were those who had negative things to say. Move ahead a few more years, and cell phones started including really good cameras. At that point, digital camera users were taking shots at people taking photos on their phones. Then software apps appeared. Who remembers when the first apps came out to add effects like glowing robot eyes and different styles of lens flares? Well, that got some negative feedback too.

Now, let’s fast-forward through generations of cameras, phones, filters, and apps to 2026. We are now dealing with AI. Personally, I believe that if it is used as a tool, it can be great for creators. I do not condone using it to steal or copy others' work. Personally, I won’t even use it to create full images, but that’s just me. I still prefer to take actual photos of my action figures, import them into software like GIMP or Photoshop, and turn them into PNG overlay files. In the past, I used to Google images for backgrounds, but now I find I can create a more fitting background with an AI app. That way, it isn't someone else's background. I add my figures to the created background, and then I use Photoshop to add effects and fix the lighting and shadows. That’s it.

Let’s look back at history. Do you see the pattern? Every time something new is released, there is a group of people moaning and groaning. Everyone is welcome to their personal opinions, and I have my own. I just ask people to respect mine.

I do this as a hobby. It is not for likes and follows; it is something that has been a part of me since long before social media existed. I share my work simply for people to enjoy.

To those who are concerned about AI: I understand where some of you are coming from. However, it is here, and it is only going to grow. Most software is now integrating it, and eventually, it won’t be something we can avoid. If you are asking Siri or Google questions, you are already using it. The future doesn’t stop for any of us.

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Transformers Head on!

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