PHOTOGRAPHER DECLINES AWARD AFTER ADMITTING AI TRICKERY

Boris Eldagsen was awarded the creative open category at last week’s Sony World Photography Award.

The German artist won the top prize in the creative open category for his photo entitled Pseudomnesia: The Electrician.

But, Eldagsen raised eyebrows across the globe when he declined to accept the award because he revealed that the photo was created by using artificial intelligence (AI).

The BBC reports that Eldagsen said he used the picture to test the competition and to create a discussion about the future of photography.

In a statement released on his website, the artist said that AI images and photography should not compete with each other and in an award like this.

“They are different entities. AI is not photography. Therefore, I will not accept the award.”

The award’s organisers were furious, saying the artist had misled them about the extent of AI that would be involved.

Before the winners were announced, Eldagsen confirmed to the World Photography Organisation that the piece was a “co-creation” of his image using AI.

Image credit: ABC 7News