Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Image Post-Processing
Vernon Chalmers Photography Generative AI Application
Vernon Chalmers may apply Generative AI functionality embedded in Adobe Lightroom Classic, Microsoft Photo Apps and / or Topaz Photo AI where applicable for specific natural enhancements to a variety of personal photographic images / genres when required - imported from various Canon EOS / EOS R cameras.
AI Image / Photography Notifications
Any Vernon Chalmers Photography image with substantial AI processing will be identified as such on any Vernon Chalmers website and / or associated Social Media platform. AI processing applied will have been a personal decision in the best interest for displaying a Vernon Chalmers Photography image. The primary objective as a nature photographer is to maintain authenticity to personal images captured in any natural environment.
Personal AI Concerns
My concerns are the general / universal possible misuse, possible copyright infringements, associated ethical issues and / or improbable application with regard to AI-enhanced images. It is in my view every photographer's responsibility to [only] apply Generative AI to self-created images in an ethical and social responsible way.
AI Ethics in Photography Image Post-Processing
"AI ethics in photography post-processing focuses on the responsible use of AI-driven tools for editing and enhancing images. As AI plays an increasingly important role in post-production, ethical concerns emerge regarding transparency, authenticity, representation, and the potential consequences of manipulating images. Here are key ethical considerations:
1.
Authenticity vs. Manipulation:
- Misleading Edits: AI tools allow for significant image manipulation, such as altering subjects, removing objects, or enhancing features. This raises ethical questions about the line between acceptable enhancements and misleading modifications. For example, using AI to make a subject appear slimmer or changing facial features could misrepresent reality, especially in journalism or documentary photography.
- Truthfulness in Representation: In certain fields, such as photojournalism, ethical standards require that images reflect reality. AI-enhanced post-processing can distort the truth, leading to ethical violations if such manipulations aren't disclosed. For example, overly enhancing the contrast or removing elements might change the perceived story or mood of an image.
2.
Transparency and Disclosure:- Ethical Responsibility to Disclose AI Use: Should photographers or editors disclose when AI has been used to significantly alter an image? Transparency is especially important in contexts like journalism, scientific photography, or any situation where the audience expects to see an unaltered version of reality.
- AI's Role in Decision-Making: With AI tools automatically suggesting edits or corrections, the photographer may not always be aware of how deeply the image has been altered. This lack of transparency could lead to unintentional misrepresentation.
3.
Bias and Fairness:
- Algorithmic Bias in Image Enhancement: AI models used for post-processing are trained on datasets that may introduce bias. For instance, AI-powered skin tone adjustment or facial enhancement tools may fail to accurately represent diverse racial or ethnic groups, leading to over-lightening or misrepresentation of people with darker skin tones.
- Cultural Sensitivity: AI-driven post-processing tools may apply standardized beauty filters or features that reflect biased standards of beauty, often favoring Western ideals. This can perpetuate harmful cultural norms and exclude or misrepresent individuals from non-Western cultures.
4.
Ethics of AI-Generated Enhancements:
- Blurring the Line Between Enhancement and Creation: With AI tools that can add elements (like skies or backgrounds) or enhance features that were not originally present in the image, the question arises whether the final product is still an authentic representation of the scene. In artistic photography, this might be acceptable, but in contexts like news photography, it crosses ethical lines.
- Moral Responsibility in Image Enhancement: AI's ability to beautify, sharpen, or stylize images raises ethical questions about the consequences of such enhancements on personal identity or self-image, especially in fashion, portraiture, and social media. Over-editing can promote unrealistic beauty standards, affecting the self-esteem of viewers, especially younger audiences.
5.
Impact on Consent and Subject's Rights:
- Modifying Subject's Appearance Without Consent: AI-powered post-processing tools allow for extensive modification of a subject’s appearance, such as changing facial expressions, removing blemishes, or altering body shapes. If done without the subject’s consent, this raises significant ethical concerns regarding bodily autonomy and the right to control one’s representation.
- Deepfake Editing in Portrait Photography: With AI, it’s possible to superimpose faces or even generate completely altered versions of individuals. Using such techniques without explicit consent is a major violation of privacy and personal rights, particularly in commercial or public contexts.
6.
Misinformation and Image Integrity:
- AI in Photojournalism: Post-processing in photojournalism is particularly fraught with ethical challenges. AI tools that enhance or alter images used in the news can contribute to misinformation if they misrepresent the reality of a situation or event. This undermines the trust that audiences place in visual media and can have significant societal consequences.
- Editorial Responsibility: Photographers and editors bear the responsibility to ensure that AI-driven enhancements do not distort the narrative or message of the image. Overuse of AI tools can shift the balance from documenting reality to creating fiction, which can be especially damaging in news and documentary settings.
7.
Ownership and Accountability:
- Who Owns AI-Enhanced Images?: If AI tools significantly contribute to the post-processing of an image, questions of authorship and ownership arise. Should credit go solely to the photographer, or should the developers of the AI tools also be acknowledged? This is an evolving area, especially when the AI's modifications play a major role in the final image.
- Accountability for AI-Driven Edits: As AI automates more aspects of post-processing, it becomes important to consider who is accountable for unethical edits. If an AI system suggests or makes unethical changes to an image, does the fault lie with the photographer, the editor, or the creators of the AI tool?
8.
Environmental and Societal Impact:
- The Carbon Footprint of AI Tools: Training and running AI models requires considerable computational resources, which contribute to energy consumption and environmental impact. As photographers increasingly rely on AI for post-processing, they must also consider the broader environmental implications of using AI systems.
- Social Responsibility and Image Editing: By heavily editing images, particularly in advertising and social media, AI-driven post-processing can contribute to societal pressures to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty or success. Photographers and editors using these tools must be mindful of the broader social consequences of perpetuating idealized and often unattainable images.
Conclusion:
AI-driven post-processing tools in photography offer powerful opportunities for enhancement and creativity, but they come with significant ethical challenges. Striking a balance between artistic freedom and the ethical responsibilities of authenticity, transparency, and representation is critical. As AI continues to transform photography, establishing ethical guidelines that prioritize fairness, consent, and accountability will be essential in ensuring that these tools are used responsibly." (ChatGPT 2024)
