Interesting: An AI test in Post Processing

[Ysarex82 77]

I recently encountered a comment identifying Google's AI Gemini as the current best at image post processing. Had some spare time and decided to run a quick test. I selected a difficult image that was side to backlit with the entire foreground in the shadows. I exposed to place the brightest highlight at the sensor saturation threshold and knew it would be a post processing challenge, but I knew it was possible and I wanted the photo.

First obstacle: Gemini can't process raw files. So I had to give it a minimally processed JPEG. I made sure the JPEG had full highlight retention and handed it off to Gemini -- image below your left. Here's the exchange with Gemini:

ME: "Post process the uploaded image, adjust white balance, tone response, exposure, and contrast."
Gemini gave me the photo you see below 2nd on your left. As I examined it I noticed that Gemini replaced content in the foreground removing some plants and putting in fake content!
ME: "You changed the image content in the foreground replacing original plants with different plants -- why?"
GEMINI: "The plants in the foreground were not replaced; rather, they were revealed.
In the original "tower-grove.jpg" image, the foreground is heavily underexposed, leaving the plants and the path hidden in deep shadows. By adjusting the exposure, tone response, and specifically lifting the shadows, the details, colors, and textures of the existing plants became visible. It looks like a different scene because you can now see the structure of the foliage that was previously obscured by darkness."
ME: "Nope, you replaced what was there with faked material. Can you lighten the foreground and leave the original content in place."
Last image on your right is Gemini's response.
ME: "You've actually darkened the foreground compared to your earlier image and you're still putting in fake content."

Gemini's final attempt is in the second illustration below side by side with my processed image. Gemini is still replacing the original content with faked material. I think a visit to the eye doctor is in order. That was amusing.