A note on AI Generated Images

Many of you will have seen recent news coverage on the subject of AI–generated images, and the debate around whether or not they constitute ‘photography’.  The debate will no doubt continue for some time to come!

We are aware that the various bodies that club photographers tend to look to for guidance – RPS, PAGB, and in our case SPA, are all considering these issues and will no doubt come up with their own guidance and definitions to assist camera clubs in due course. 

These are complex and challenging issues, not least because many of us already use AI features in commercially available digital photography software.  Your committee is keen to ensure that TPS remains in step with whatever emerges from these bodies, and has concluded that it would not be right for TPS to 'go it alone' by attempting our own definitions in advance of such guidance.

We do, however, need some kind of interim position with respect to our own competitions, not least because our recent Creative Cup competition did include an AI-generated entry which attracted praise from the judge.

As an interim step, we are asking our members to refrain from submitting AI-generated images in club competitions, pending further guidance.  We will of course have no way of knowing whether an image is AI generated or not, so we will be dependent on members' consciences in adhering to this request. 

Our hope is that we will be in a position to issue guidance in good time for next season's Creative Cup competition, since if AI-generated images are to be allowed in any of our competitions, that particular event seems the most appropriate start point.