Genuine iPhone Photo Disqualified from Photography Contest for Looking Too AI-ish
In yet another controversial incident in the world of photography competitions, an Australian photo retailer recently made headlines for disqualifying a genuine photo taken on an iPhone. The judges claimed that the image appeared a little AI-ish and therefore did not meet the criteria for the competition.
This incident marks a reversal from an earlier event where an AI-generated image managed to trick judges and win a photo contest in Australia. The disqualified photo, captured by Suzi Dougherty, depicted her son posing with two mannequins at a Gucci exhibition held in Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.
Initially, the judges were enthralled by the photograph. However, after further discussion, they expressed suspicions about the image’s authenticity and decided to disqualify it. The panel stated, we can’t know for sure it is or isn’t (AI), but on the basis we’re suspicious we can’t allow it in.
This narrative unfolded on Charing Cross Photo’s Instagram page, where the judges emphasized the value of human creativity and photographic practice. They publicly declared the disqualification, emphasizing that they wanted images to come from real-life experiences rather than from cyberspace.
However, four days later, it was revealed that Dougherty had contacted the competition organizers, confirming that the photo was indeed a genuine creation. The organizers acknowledged the creativity behind the image and commented that it played with the idea of reality in our world. They also mentioned that the timing of the submission was unfortunate, considering the current buzz surrounding AI.
The photography community was not satisfied with this response and demanded an apology to the vilified photographer. Iain Anderson, the competition organizer, subsequently issued a full apology expressing sincere contrition. Dougherty, seemingly more forgiving than others, replied graciously, stating her belief in the power of mistakes and the achievements that can emerge from them.
These incidents highlight the challenges and confusion prevalent in creative arts competitions during a time when AI-generated imagery is becoming increasingly sophisticated. It is clear that changes are necessary to accommodate the existence of AI-generated images. Clarity regarding what is and isn’t accepted is paramount. Even high-profile competitions like the Sony World Photo contest awarded an AI-generated image earlier this year. However, the organizers failed to clearly communicate their knowledge of AI utilization in the image’s creation.
The photography contest landscape is shrouded in confusion, and it is imperative to take action. Not all competitions need to adhere to the same guidelines. Some may choose to exclude AI altogether, while others could create a separate category for AI-generated images. Furthermore, defining acceptable parameters for real photographs, such as whether they can be edited or manipulated, needs careful consideration.
What is required now is clarity. Gut instincts of judges alone are insufficient. Otherwise, we can anticipate another controversy arising in the near future. It is imperative to strike a balance between technological advancements and preserving the essence of human creativity in the art of photography.
In conclusion, the disqualification of a genuine iPhone photo from a photography contest due to its AI-ish appearance has sparked debate and calls for clarity in competition guidelines. The incident highlights the need for organizers to adapt to the presence of AI-generated imagery while valuing human creativity and maintaining transparency. Only through a well-defined framework can the photography community navigate this complex landscape and evolve with the advancements that AI brings to the field.
