German artist Boris Eldagsen rejects the photography award after revealing his winning entry was created by AI. Eldagsen’s work titled “Pseudomnesia: The Electrician” won the creative category at the Sony World Photography Award. Eldagsen claimed that the picture was intended to spark conversations about the future of photography and test the competition. In response, the organizers of the award accused Eldagsen of deceiving them about the extent to which AI was involved.
Eldagsen in a statement he shared on his website appreciated the judges for picking his picture. He also questioned if any of the judges had an inkling that it was AI-generated.
In his words, AI images should be distinguished from photographs and they should not compete with each other in an award.
“They are different entities. AI is not photography. Therefore I will not accept the award.”
Boris Eldagsen, Sony World Photography winner
The picture has two women from different generations in a haunting black-and-white illustration. Eldagsen mentioned in his statement that something about the image felt off because it was not a real photograph but a fabricated image.
Focus on AI-generated images
The use of AI has expanded to various fields such as essay writing, chatbot therapists, songwriting, and even medicine development. In recent weeks, there has also been a geometric rise in the use of AI-generated images.
According to a spokesperson for the World Photography Organization, Eldagsen confirmed in a conversation prior to his win that his winning work was created using AI. The spokesperson noted that Eldagsen emphasized that the picture relied on his knowledge of photography.
The creative category of the competition allowed for various practical techniques to create images such as rayographs and cyano types. The spokesperson explained that based on Eldagsen’s correspondence and provided warranties, they deemed his entry eligible for the category and supported his participation.
However, the organization has since removed Eldagsen from the competition and suspended all activities with him. While acknowledging the impact of AI in image-making, the organization asserts that the award is intended to recognize and support the exceptional skills and excellence of photographers.
“I don’t blame Boris”– photographer
On Monday, Eldagsen told BBC that he had informed the organizers of the award that he wanted to have an open discussion on the topic but it had come to no avail. He also suggested that he would donate the prize to a photo festival happening in Ukraine
Feroz Khan, blogger and photographer has taken interest in the events of the past week. He also said he didn’t blame Eldagsen for pointing out the problems in the photography industry. He said that
“For starters, most people have a tough time distinguishing AI-generated images from photographs (at least at first glance). In a few months, it will probably become even harder to determine critical differences unless scrutinised.”
Feroz Khan, Blogger & Photgrapher
Feroz Khan also added that photography competitions should have a different category for AI images. He pointed out that Eldagsen simply wanted to highlight an issue that needed attention from everyone. He concluded that Boris had shown clearly that even skilled and experienced photographers can be deceived.
Photo credit: Boris Eldagsen