Mike Olbinski deepfake video — Sep 2026

In September 2026, Arizona-based photographer Mike Olbinski identified an AI-powered social media account that has been actively duplicating his professional work. The account, which has amassed approximately 24,000 followers, utilizes generative AI to create convincing storm and flood videos that mimic the style and substance of Olbinski's original photography.

What happened

The incident involves an automated account systematically producing AI-generated content that mirrors Olbinski's well-known storm and flood footage. By synthesizing these visuals, the account has managed to mislead a significant audience, with many viewers mistakenly believing the AI-generated clips are authentic documentation of real-world weather events. The deceptive nature of these posts highlights an emerging trend where generative models are used to scrape and replicate the creative output of professional artists, effectively capitalizing on their reputation and visual style. As the account continues to gain traction, it underscores the growing challenge for creators to protect their intellectual property and maintain the integrity of their work against unauthorized AI synthesis.