AI in Photography: Threat, Tool or a New Genre?

Artificial Intelligence has become one of the most disruptive forces in the creative world, and photography is no exception. Over the past year, we’ve seen competitions banning AI-generated images, online arguments erupting over what counts as “real photography,” and photographers expressing genuine concern about the future of the craft. At the same time, there are others who see AI as just another tool - one with the potential to expand creativity rather than replace it.

So where do I stand? Somewhere in the middle, but with a clear line.

AI as a Tool — Not a Shortcut

Photography has always evolved with technology. Autofocus was controversial. So were digital sensors, HDR, Photoshop and even drones. Every time, someone claimed it was the end of “real photography,” yet the craft adapted and grew.

AI sits in a similar space when used thoughtfully.

Tools such as noise reduction, sky masking, or intelligent sharpening are essentially AI-driven, and most photographers use them daily without complaint. These don’t replace the photograph - they enhance the file you created with your camera. In that sense, AI is simply an extension of post-processing.

Where It Becomes a Problem

The controversy begins when AI is used to fabricate images that were never captured through a lens.

A landscape generated entirely from a prompt. A wildlife scene of an animal that never existed.A portrait where every feature has been reshaped beyond recognition.

These aren’t photographs - they’re illustrations. Impressive? Absolutely. Creative? Without question. But they do not represent the same craft, discipline and skill as capturing light with a camera in the real world.

This is why so many competitions have banned AI-generated entries. Photography, by definition, involves photons hitting a sensor. If an image is created entirely by a computer, it may be beautiful - but it isn’t photography.

AI Ethics: The Caveats We Need

AI can still have a place in our workflow, but with transparency:

• Declare when AI elements are used Whether it’s sky replacement, background expansion or AI retouching, viewers and competitions deserve honesty.

• No AI fabricating wildlife behaviour Creating animals that weren’t there or altering their behaviour is misleading and undermines wildlife ethics.

• Competitions should have clear categories Allow post-processing AI tools, but separate out generated images into their own category.

Should AI Be a New Genre?

Yes - and this solves most of the debate.

Just as we have digital art, photo manipulation and composite photography, AI-generated imagery deserves its own label:

AI Image Creation or AI Art

Giving it a defined genre respects both sides:

• Photographers keep the integrity of the medium they love.

• AI artists get the freedom to create without restrictions.

• Competitions and exhibitions can remain transparent and fair.

Everyone wins.

My View

AI is here to stay, and pretending otherwise won’t stop the shift. But photography is far from dying - if anything, it becomes more valuable when surrounded by synthetic images. Authenticity becomes a strength.

I’ll continue using AI where it genuinely helps: cleaning noise, improving masks, speeding up workflow and occasionally experimenting creatively. But the heart of my work will always remain the same: being out in the field, waiting for that one moment of light, behaviour or stillness that no algorithm can truly replicate.

AI may create images. But it cannot create experiences. And for me, that’s what photography is all about.

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For more of my creative projects, portraits and AI-assisted artistic work, visit the Creative & Portraits portfolio. This section highlights stylised shoots, experimental processing and personal artistic explorations.

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