Artificial Firmament: Eight Visions of Shanghai

Photographer

Juanyong Xiang

Category

Special Category - AI-Generated Photography

Company

East China Normal University

Submission Group

Professional

Year

2026

Country / Region:

China

This eight‑piece series is built upon real‑world Shanghai cityscape photographs I personally captured at the observation deck of Shanghai Global Harbor. AI is utilized to render eight distinct urban‑weather scenarios. Four frames portray pleasant urban visions: sunrise, fire‑cloud sunset, rainbow, and firework displays against dim night‑time city lights. The other four visualize severe‑weather scenarios: sandstorms, heat‑induced architectural distortion, heavy snow, and thunderstorms. These two groups create a striking visual contrast. Through such virtual simulation, the series reflects on real‑world climate‑change issues triggered by rapid urban development. It urges people to cherish our favourable living environment and confront various challenges stemming from the global climate crisis. All original city‑background materials are my own on‑site photographs; only the weather‑related effects are generated via the Start AI banana plugin within Adobe Photoshop.

Credits

More Silver Winners
Amateur
2026

Photographer

Kylo-Patrick Hart

Category

Architecture Photography - Interior

Country / Region

United States

Amateur
2026

Photographer

Klaus Bernhard

Category

Minimalist Photography - High-Key Imagery

Country / Region

Austria

Professional
2026

Photographer

Maria Savina

Category

International Photography - Australia Photography

Country / Region

Austria

Amateur
2026

Photographer

Victor A Mirontschuk

Category

Special Category - Night Photography

Country / Region

United States