FSP - EP 12: Algorithmic Alchemy with AI Conceptual Artist Todd Dobbs

Host Jim Reiman traces Todd’s path from traditional photographer to boundary-pushing conceptual artist, probing how generative tools can act as both collaborator and critic. Todd explains the prompt-hacking methods he uses to expose cultural biases in today’s most popular image generators, then reveals what happens when algorithms confidently “remember” events that never existed. You’ll hear why he prints Ai generations as cyanotypes of artificial houseplants, what he discovered when he asked AI for portraits of “Typical Americans,” and how all of this reshapes questions of authorship, ethics, and photographic history. Whether you’re skeptical of AI, thrilled by it, or simply curious about the future of lens-based art, this candid conversation unpacks the promises and pitfalls of inviting algorithms into the studio.

Links & extras

• Explore Todd Dobbs’s work: https://todd-dobbs.studio/

• Support Focus Stacked on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/FocusStackedPodcast

• Listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.

If Todd’s experiments spark ideas, concerns, or conversations—drop a comment below. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a deep dive into the creative process. Thanks for tuning in!

Welcome to Focus Stacked, the podcast where we layer conversations on creativity and photography. I’m your host, photographer and educator Jim Reiman, and each episode, I sit down with photographers to explore the stories, techniques, and inspiration behind their work. From creative breakthroughs to industry challenges, we go beyond the frame to uncover what shapes a photographer’s vision. If you enjoy the show, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps us reach more photography lovers just like you.

• No. of episodes: 13
• Latest episode: 2025-05-30
• Arts Visual Arts

Where can you listen?