Does Google automatically recognize pictures?

[fduo]

If yes, are there any methods to influence the image recognition?

[ThomasHarvey]

They have the ability to, if it's actually being used with live data that i'm not sure. I posted a link to a few interesting articles on a forum i'm on: http://forums.seochat.com/seo-help-general-chat-16/google-understanding-images-482771.html