A recent panel discussion in Hanoi with Riccardo Busi, President of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), organized by the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA), clarified the distinction between photographic works and computer-generated images.

The prevailing view among photographers in Vietnam, as well as worldwide, is that photojournalism must be absolutely authentic and cannot be edited. Conceptual photography (also known as graphic photography), which is the opposite of realistic photography, allows for free editing, as long as it creates a unique, profound conceptual image that impacts the visual perception and understanding of the public. However, there are differing opinions regarding artistic photography, which is a part of realistic photography.

Riccardo Busi, President of the International Federation of Photographic Art, discusses the use of artificial intelligence in photography. Photo: QUANG HỒ

The rules and regulations of current art photography competitions in Vietnam clearly state that the use of AI (artificial intelligence) is not allowed, nor is the manipulation of images to alter composition, moment, or emotion. Adjustments to lighting are permitted, at best. Furthermore, authors are required to take responsibility for the copyright of their works; competition organizers are allowed to disqualify works that violate the rules before, during, and after the competition.

During the Q&A session, Mr. Riccardo Busi stated that FIAP also does not accept the use of AI to create purely artistic photographs without the creative effort of the photographer. The difference is that FIAP accepts a certain degree of image manipulation. Mr. Riccardo Busi cited an example from one of his own works, a photograph of a hill covered in flowers with a vast sky above. However, in the original image, the shape of the clouds in the sky was not aesthetically pleasing, so Mr. Riccardo Busi took a more beautiful image of the sky that he had photographed and combined it. The FIAP president explained that this is permissible because the manipulated image of the sky was taken by him, not by someone else or created by AI.

Thus, there are differing interpretations of photo manipulation. In Vietnam, photo manipulation is not accepted, even if the photographer took the picture themselves; while some photography organizations like FIAP allow it, as long as it does not affect the composition or message of the photograph...; the manipulated part is considered a "secondary element," and must still be taken by the author or used with copyright permission.

Riccardo Busi added that FIAP has discovered photographers using AI to create or manipulate images and has penalized them by revoking their FIAP titles. “FIAP will continue to play a fundamental role in protecting the core values ​​and integrity of traditional photography,” Riccardo Busi emphasized.

Sharing further insights on this issue, photographer Tran Thi Thu Dong, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations and President of VAPA, stated: “The correct approach is not to avoid or to pursue extremes, but rather a balanced and harmonious attitude: knowing how to exploit the advantages of new technology to serve beauty, while steadfastly preserving genuine emotions and the resonance with life—things that no algorithm can replace.”

In the future, VAPA proposes collaborating with FIAP to organize in-depth workshops on AI in photography, and to develop criteria for distinguishing between traditional photographic works and those created with the support of technology.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/bao-ve-cac-gia-tri-cot-loi-cua-nhiep-anh-1038052