Changing any facial expressions easily with Live Advanced Portraits

We recently delved into Live Advanced Portrait to understand how this AI technology could support our work with our clients in fashion, retail and beauty sectors.

What Is “Live Advanced Portrait”?

Live Advanced Portrait is an AI tool that animates static portrait images, infusing them with realistic facial movements and expressions. Building on the research from the original Live Portrait white paper, it uses advanced neural networks to breathe life into still images.

In the context of fashion, this means adding a dynamic layer to our visuals without the need for extensive video shoots. Animated portraits can subtly showcase expressions that align with the desired mood of the creative and brand objectives.

How Did We Use It?

1. Setup: We downloaded the tool from the GitHub repository and followed the installation instructions for ComfyUI. (The MIT License allows for commercial use, provided we include the original copyright notice).
2. Selecting Images: We chose high-quality portraits of our (AI) models, as the effectiveness of the animation relies heavily on the input image quality.
3. Customization: The tool lets you apply various facial expressions and movements. We experimented with different settings to match the aesthetic of our brand.
4. Generating Animations: After adjustments, we created animated portraits ready for digital platforms and presentations.

Our Experience in a Fashion Project

Here are some insights from our experience:

• Mood Conveyance: Adjusting facial expressions allowed us to align the visuals with the themes of a brand’s “mood” and creative direction collection to add depth to brand’s storytelling.
• Enhanced Engagement: The subtle movements can get viewers’ attention and make the output more memorable.
• Output Quality: The animations were generally realistic, though occasional imperfections require additional edits and tweaking.
• Current Limitations: The focus is on facial animation. For now, it doesn’t support full-body movements or clothing dynamics, which limits its application in showcasing garment flow or fit.
• Learning Curve: While the tool is accessible, it does require some technical familiarity. We dedicated time to understand its features fully.

Intellectual Property Considerations

Live Advanced Portrait is available under the MIT License, which permits commercial use with minimal restrictions:

• Usage Rights: You can use, modify, and distribute the software in commercial projects.
• Attribution: Include the original copyright notice and license text in any copies of the software.
• Content Rights: Ensure you have the rights to use and animate any images or videos, especially when featuring models.
• Ethical Use: Use the technology responsibly, respecting the likeness and consent of individuals depicted.

We advise you to consult with legal professionals to navigate any IP concerns.

Conclusion

Live Advanced Portrait offers intriguing possibilities for the fashion industry by adding a dynamic aspect to visual content. While it doesn’t replace traditional photography or videography, it serves as a complementary tool that can enhance digital storytelling.

The technology is promising, especially for digital campaigns and online presentations where engaging content is crucial. As AI continues to evolve, tools like this may become integral in how we present fashion to the world.

We believe exploring such technologies can open new avenues for creativity and audience engagement in fashion and many other industries. If you’ve had experiences with Live Advanced Portrait or similar tools, we’d be interested in hearing your thoughts.