Recently, photos produced by artificial intelligence technology (artificial intelligence / AI) have caused controversy. Most recently, a photo made by AI has won a prestigious world photography event called the Sony World Photography Awards (SWPA) in the creative category. AI’s photo entitled “cheeky monkey” featuring two women from different generations in black and white. This photo was made by a photographer from Germany, Boris Eldagsen.

After being announced as the winner, Eldagsen refused the prize for the AI photos he sent. Investigate a calibaration, Eldagsen apparently deliberately sent the “cheeky monkey” photo to see the readiness of an international photography competition, if a participant sends an AI photo. Also read: Get to know Midjourney, the AI Text Processing Program for Dall-E Competitor Images On his blog, Eldagsen concluded that world photography competitions such as the Sony World Photography Awards (SWPA) were not ready for this.

This is because his AI photo can still qualify, and even be crowned the winner. “This is a “historic moment” because it is the first time that AI images have won a prestigious international photography competition,” said Eldagsen, as quoted from the blog eldagsen.com, Tuesday (18/4/2023). “How many of you know or suspect that it was generated by AI? Something about this photo feels off, doesn’t it?” he continued.

According to Eldagsen, AI photos cannot be equated with photography works, let alone to compete in international photography competitions such as the Sony World Photography Awards. “AI imaging and photography should not compete with each other in awards like this. They are different entities. AI is not photography. Therefore, I will not accept the award,” wrote Boris Eldagsen on his blog.