I’ve recently been toying with using Google Cloud Vision API to automatically tag and describe photos on 75CentralPhotography and have been taken aback at how good it is at understanding and describing a photo. Below, I’ll share some of the descriptions for a few photos from the 75CentralPhotography archive along with a few others to give an example of Cloud Vision’s prowess.

Photo	Cloud Vision API Description
Beach Dogs	The image shows a wide, sandy beach stretching from the foreground to the horizon. In the foreground, several people are walking their dogs. The background features a coastline with lush greenery covering the hills, and houses are visible on the hillside. The sky is overcast, giving the scene a moody atmosphere. The overall impression is one of serenity and quietude. The houses appear to be high-end properties, suggesting an affluent neighborhood.  The beach appears relatively secluded despite having a few people on it. The photo appears to have been taken on a Sunday, around 11:46 AM, March 27th, 2022. The people in the image appear to be of diverse ethnicities, ages, and economic backgrounds. They seem relaxed, enjoying a leisurely stroll along the beach with their dogs. They look like they are predominantly middle to upper-middle class and have an active outdoor lifestyle. The photo was captured using a SONY ILCE-7RM2 camera. One couple is noticeably more engaged with each other, paying less attention to their dog, while others appear more focused on their pets. The sand shows patterns created by water and/or wind, illustrating the natural forces at play on the coastline. There is a subtle difference in the color of the sand in the immediate foreground compared to the further parts of the beach; this may be caused by dampness or different sand composition. The fog on the horizon adds depth and suggests that the beach may stretch further than what is immediately visible. The overcast sky, while seemingly dull, provides an even light distribution across the scene, creating a soft ambiance.
Let’s Take Her for a Spin!	The image shows the interior of a classic car, specifically a red Ford Mustang.  The foreground is dominated by the steering wheel and the gear stick, both gleaming with a metallic finish.  The background includes the dashboard, featuring classic round gauges and a vintage radio, all consistent with the car’s era. The overall color scheme is a rich, deep red, creating a sense of luxury and nostalgia. The carpet is a textured reddish-brown that looks soft and plush. The photo, taken on June 1st, 2024, around 2 PM CDT, with an Apple iPhone, focuses solely on the vehicle’s interior, and thus no people are present. However, one can imagine the driver, perhaps a middle-aged man with an appreciation for classic automobiles, carefully maintaining this cherished vehicle, reflecting a lifestyle that values vintage style and automotive history. The car’s interior suggests an owner with above-average economic status, someone who can afford to maintain such a well-preserved classic car. The small, embroidered Mustang galloping horse logo on the floor mat is a subtle yet significant detail. Another hard to spot detail is a slight wear or imperfection on the leather seat, suggesting the car is not just a showpiece, but a vehicle that’s been enjoyed and driven. These subtle details hint at the car’s history and the care—or lack thereof—it has received over the years.
Step Down to the Sea	The foreground showcases a set of weathered concrete steps leading down towards the ocean, their surfaces marked by time and the elements. A metal railing runs alongside the steps, providing a sense of structure against the natural backdrop. In the background, the vast expanse of the ocean stretches to the horizon, meeting a vibrant sunrise. A pier is faintly visible in the distance, a subtle mark of human presence in the otherwise untamed landscape. The scene is set in Galveston, Texas, offering a tranquil view of the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico. The photograph appears to be devoid of human presence, focusing instead on the serene beauty of the natural world. The image was captured using a Panasonic DMC-GX8 camera on Sunday, December 1st, 2019, at 7:07:29 AM CST, suggesting a leisurely observation of the dawn. The lack of people in the frame allows the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the calmness of the seascape and the drama of the sunrise. The colors of the sunrise are reflected subtly in the wet stones and the metal railing; this detail requires a closer look to fully appreciate. Additionally, there’s a small patch of green algae visible on one of the steps, providing a tiny pop of color against the browns and oranges of the surrounding environment. These minute details add a layer of richness to the overall composition of the photo.
Star Princess	The image shows the Star Princess cruise ship in a narrow channel, with towering mountains on either side. The foreground is dominated by the dark water reflecting the ship and sky, while the background features dramatic, dark-colored mountains that seem to almost touch the sky. A smaller boat is visible near the port side of the Star Princess. The scene is tranquil and awe-inspiring, with the ship creating a striking contrast against the imposing natural surroundings. Many people can be seen on the upper decks of the Star Princess cruise ship, likely enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Their emotions likely range from excitement and wonder to relaxation and contentment. The diverse group of people, representing various ages, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds are united by their shared experience of this cruise. The photo was captured on July 3, 2019, at 7:10 AM using a SONY ILCE-7RM2 camera. The atmosphere suggests a leisurely and luxurious lifestyle. The subtle discoloration on the hull of the Star Princess near the waterline may indicate minor wear and tear from prolonged exposure to the elements. Also, note the detailed design of the ship’s railing and the faint reflection of the clouds on the water’s surface. These are fine details that add to the overall realism and visual appeal of the photograph.
Sunrise Strip	The photograph, taken at sunrise in Las Vegas, Nevada, showcases a vibrant cityscape. In the foreground, a busy street is filled with cars, their taillights reflecting the warm hues of the dawn. Palm trees line the roadside, adding a touch of tropical flair to the urban landscape. The background is dominated by towering hotels and casinos, their illuminated signs creating a dazzling display of light and color. The Eiffel Tower replica at the Paris Las Vegas hotel is a prominent feature, standing tall amidst the other buildings. The image also shows traffic signals and various street signs that add to the city’s atmosphere. The image appears to capture a moment of early morning activity in Las Vegas. There are various vehicles moving along the roads, suggesting commuters or tourists starting their day. The photograph was taken on January 14, 2018, at 6:34 AM, using a Panasonic DMC-GX8 camera. No individuals are clearly identifiable in the image, preventing the determination of their age, ethnicity, emotions, or lifestyles. The lighting of the scene, suggestive of the early hours, adds a distinct ambiance. Several subtle details add to the image’s complexity. The slight variations in the brightness and color saturation of the building lights indicate different levels of illumination, perhaps due to differences in energy consumption or lighting types used by various establishments. Also, the subtle variations in the color of the sky indicate a very brief period of time in between dusk and dawn. Lastly, the reflection of the city lights on the wet road surface creates a visually appealing effect, enhancing the overall aesthetics. The subtle atmospheric perspective, where objects in the distance seem hazier than those in the foreground, enhances the depth of field of the photo and gives an impression of a big city.
	The foreground is dominated by an adorable Great Pyrenees puppy, lying in the grass. Its fluffy white fur contrasts beautifully with the green blades of grass. The background shows more grass and a hint of a brown wooden fence or wall. A small, partially visible piece of terracotta-colored object can be seen behind the puppy. The overall setting appears to be a backyard or garden. The image captures a moment of pure joy and playfulness. The puppy’s tongue is hanging out, and its eyes sparkle with mischief. The puppy seems happy and healthy, suggesting a loving home. The picture was taken on June 8th, 2023, at approximately 11:10 AM using an Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max. There are no people present, but the image evokes a sense of warmth and care. The picture likely depicts a puppy in the process of playful exploration in its owner’s yard. Upon closer inspection, one can see small details often missed at first glance. The grass shows signs of dryness in some areas, suggesting the image might have been taken on a warm day or in a part of the yard receiving less consistent watering. The puppy’s fur shows subtle shading, indicating variations in light reflecting off its coat. Also, the puppy’s paw has a slight discoloration suggesting a small injury that is healing well.
	The photo shows two men standing in front of a wooden building, possibly a lodge or a community center. The foreground is dominated by short, green grass and a gravel path. In the background, there’s a stunning mountain range with snow-capped peaks under a clear sky. To the left, a small red structure, perhaps a utility box or storage unit, sits near a wooden fence. The building in the middle ground has several large windows, suggesting it’s a relatively spacious building. The two men appear to be middle-aged, possibly in their 40s or 50s. One man is wearing a yellow short-sleeved shirt and dark green pants, while the other man sports a brown jacket over a lighter shirt and dark pants. They seem relaxed and possibly engaged in casual conversation; their postures suggest comfort and familiarity. The picture was taken with an EPSON Perfection V600 on Friday, October 7th, 2022, at 1:04 PM. The man in the yellow shirt is wearing a light-colored hat, and the shadows cast by the men and the building indicate the sun’s position. The photo’s quality suggests it might have been scanned from a physical print, given the slight color fringing and graininess that is common with scanned photos from film.
	The image shows St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, viewed from an elevated perspective. In the foreground, the vast expanse of the square is populated with numerous people, many of whom appear to be tourists, strolling about. There are several buses parked near the colonnades, suggesting organized tours. The background is filled with the imposing architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica and other Vatican buildings, along with the cityscape of Rome extending into the distance. Several cars are parked along the edges of the square, adding to the overall bustling atmosphere. The scene is filled with a diverse group of people, of varying ages, ethnicities, and likely economic backgrounds, all enjoying the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square. Their emotions seem mostly relaxed and content, suggesting a pleasant tourist experience. The photo was taken using an EPSON Perfection V600 on February 20, 2024, at 5:09 PM CST, capturing a moment of typical afternoon activity in the famous square. Most people appear casually dressed, indicative of a relaxed sightseeing experience. A closer inspection reveals subtle details such as the wear and tear on the cobblestones of the square, suggesting years of foot traffic. The subtle differences in the color and model of the parked cars hint at the passage of time since the picture was taken. The slight haze in the distant background also suggests atmospheric conditions of the day.
	The image shows a teal Ford Bronco parked in a parking lot. The foreground is dominated by the Bronco, which is the main focus of the photograph. In the background, there are other cars parked in the lot, some trees, and a building that appears to be a commercial establishment, possibly a restaurant or retail space. The parking lot appears to be relatively empty, suggesting it may be early morning or a less busy time of day. The photo seems to have been taken outdoors on an overcast day, judging by the lighting conditions. It appears to be a candid shot, with no people visible in the frame. Given the vehicle’s condition and the setting, the picture might have been taken by an enthusiast documenting a classic car. Considering the vehicle’s age and condition, the owner appears to be someone who appreciates vintage vehicles and possibly has a keen interest in restoring or maintaining them. The image was likely captured on a smartphone or a digital camera, given the quality, at approximately 9:07 AM on April 7th, 2019. The Bronco’s license plate is visible and appears to be from Texas. There is a small amount of moisture or dew on the car’s surface, hinting that it may have been recently washed or that there is some humidity in the air. The condition of the Bronco suggests that it has been well-maintained. The paint job is pristine, and there is no visible rust or significant wear and tear.
	The image shows a sunny day at Aquatic Park in San Francisco. In the foreground, there is a wooden pier extending into the calm waters of the bay. A sandy beach is visible to the left of the pier. The background features a cityscape with several high-rise buildings and residential structures on a hill. The Ghirardelli Square sign is visible in the mid-ground, and lush green trees dot the landscape around the park. The overall ambiance is peaceful and inviting, showcasing the juxtaposition of urban development and natural beauty. The photo appears to have been taken on a Saturday morning, April 2nd, 2022, at approximately 10:06 AM, using a Panasonic DMC-GM1 camera. Several people are seen on and around the pier, appearing relaxed and enjoying the waterfront. They are diverse in age and likely represent a mix of ethnicities and economic backgrounds, participating in various leisure activities, some may be swimming. The overall mood suggests a casual, carefree lifestyle, indicative of a pleasant day of recreation. A closer look at the pier reveals signs of age and wear, with some wooden planks showing signs of weathering. Also noticeable is a buoy floating calmly in the bay, a subtle detail easily missed in a quick glance. The clear blue sky with few clouds indicates good weather conditions. The image provides a sense of a vibrant urban waterfront scene during a relaxing day.
	The image shows a sunny day at Salt Lake City International Airport. In the foreground, there is airport tarmac with markings, a yellow bridge clearance bar, and several ground support equipment units, including containers labeled “Frontier.” The midground features three commercial airplanes belonging to Delta, United, and another airline whose logo is partially visible. The background shows airport terminal buildings and a mountain range under a clear blue sky. The photo appears to be taken by an Apple iPhone 7 Plus on Sunday, October 29, 2017, at 11:09:18 AM. No people are clearly visible, but there is at least one person near the Delta aircraft, possibly a ground crew worker. It is impossible to determine people’s emotions, racial characteristics, ethnicity, age, economic status, or lifestyle with certainty from this image. They could be airport employees going about their daily tasks. The Delta airplane’s registration number, N357NB, is visible on the fuselage. A small portion of the United airplane’s tail number, N35271, is also visible. The image’s overall quality is good, suggesting that the camera was likely positioned at a distance with optimal light conditions, and the image was taken from a elevated position above the ground level, rather than from the ground.

Anyhow, kind of spooky and weird.