Is That Image Real? How to Spot the Difference Between AI-Generated and Real Photos
It’s no secret—AI images are everywhere now. From perfect-looking product photos to surreal landscapes and even fake social media influencers, AI-generated images have quietly crept into our daily scroll. While the technology is fascinating and has opened new doors for creatives, it also raises a big question: how can you tell if an image is real or made by AI?
Whether you’re a business owner looking to use images responsibly, a marketer sourcing visual content, or just someone with a curious eye, learning how to spot the differences between AI and real photos is more important than ever. In this post, we’ll break down the signs to look for, why it matters, and how to protect your brand in an AI-enhanced world.
Why It’s Getting Harder to Tell What’s Real
Let’s face it—AI tools like Midjourney, DALL·E, and Stable Diffusion have gotten scary good. These platforms can create photorealistic images in seconds, often so convincing that even seasoned photographers have to do a double take.
That’s because modern AI doesn't just "guess" what an image should look like—it uses a massive pool of real-world images to learn patterns, lighting, shadows, lens blur, and perspective. The result? Images that look like they came from a high-end camera and an expert behind the lens.
But as the line blurs, so does trust. If you’re selling a product, promoting your brand, or simply trying to build credibility, you want to make sure your images are authentic—or at least clearly marked if they aren’t.
Telltale Signs an Image Might Be AI-Generated
So how do you spot the fakes? Here are a few key clues that an image may not be as real as it looks:
1. Look at the Hands (and Fingers)
This is the big one. Many AI tools still struggle with hands. You’ll often see:
Too many fingers (6 or more)
Fingers that are oddly long or short
Fingernails that seem painted on or missing
Hands doing things that defy physics
Even the latest models sometimes glitch on hand anatomy, so it’s always a good place to start when analyzing portraits or lifestyle shots.
2. Strange Background Artifacts
Backgrounds in AI images can get...weird. You might notice:
Repeating patterns (like three identical birds in a row)
Blurry or melted areas that don’t match the foreground
Text that looks like gibberish (AI is notoriously bad at generating readable type)
These quirks are common, especially if the image has a complex scene or multiple objects interacting.
3. Perfectly Imperfect Faces
AI-generated people often look too perfect. That’s because the algorithms aim to produce images that align with common beauty standards. Watch for:
Flawless skin with no pores, freckles, or blemishes
Perfectly symmetrical features
Unrealistic lighting that doesn’t match the rest of the image
Zoom in and you'll often find that things fall apart slightly—maybe the earrings don’t match, or one eye sits just a bit too high.
4. Unnatural Shadows and Lighting
AI isn’t always great at getting light sources right. You might see:
Shadows pointing in multiple directions
Light falling inconsistently on faces or objects
Strange reflections that don’t make sense
If your brain says “something’s off,” trust that instinct—it often is.
5. AI Watermarks or Signature Styles
Some image generators leave behind subtle clues—like faint watermarks, visual styles, or even bizarre "ghost signatures" in a corner. These are usually more visible in low-resolution images or when you run the image through a detection tool.
Why It Matters for Businesses and Creatives
If you’re running a business—especially in e-commerce, advertising, or content creation—knowing whether an image is real or AI matters more than ever. Here’s why:
1. Trust and Transparency
Your customers want to know what they’re getting. If you’re using AI images to promote a product or brand, being transparent builds trust. Misleading visuals can lead to complaints, chargebacks, and even public backlash.
2. Image Licensing and Authenticity
Not all AI images are free to use. Some tools produce images under specific licenses or terms, and not crediting or using them improperly can lead to copyright issues.
3. Brand Identity and Voice
Real photography—especially custom photos—adds authenticity to your brand. A real product on a real model, in a real setting, says more about your brand than any AI render ever could. If you’re building long-term brand equity, real images still win.
Tools to Help Detect AI Images
Not sure if an image is AI-generated? There are tools popping up every month to help:
AI Image Detector by Hive – Scans images and gives a confidence score.
Illuminarty – A browser tool that flags AI-generated faces and textures.
Google Reverse Image Search – Helps see where else an image appears (good for checking stock or AI databases).
Photo Forensics – Useful for spotting inconsistent metadata, compression, and visual noise.
These tools aren’t perfect, but they’re a great place to start.
Can AI Images Be Used Ethically?
Absolutely. AI images aren’t the enemy—they’re a tool. When used clearly and ethically, they can enhance your content, help with ideation, and even save time or costs in mockups or early-stage marketing.
Just make sure to:
Label AI images when used commercially
Avoid deception, especially in advertising
Invest in real photography for anything product-related, especially if you’re doing Amazon Product Photography or e-commerce listings
Final Thoughts: A World of Blended Visuals
We’re entering a new era where real and AI-created images will often live side by side. The best approach isn’t to fear the tech—but to understand it.
If you’re a business owner, use it when appropriate, but don’t overlook the power of authentic, human-made photography. Especially for product shots, team photos, or anything that builds connection—nothing beats the real thing.
And hey, if you ever need help spotting the difference—or better yet, need professional photos that are 100% real—reach out to EO Photographic. We’re here to make your brand look its best, no AI tricks required.