Tag: ethics

Ethics and Images and the Messiness of AI

Artistic Ideas, Photography, Landscapes, Laws, Expertise

You might be aware of the raging controversy of the use of an Ansel Adams photograph as the source material for an AI generated “colorized” version of the photograph.

That isn’t the problem – the copyright expired on this particular photograph and was not renewed, so the photograph was “in the public domain” and could be used in any way by any artist for any purpose.

The issue is how the gallery that recreated the image then marketed it with Ansel Adams name and reference to the original photograph. Why is that a problem?

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not a legal case or legal advice.

Continue reading “Ethics and Images and the Messiness of AI” →

Photographing the Work of Others

Architecture, Artistic Ideas, Fine Art, Photography

It seems there is a long-standing debate around photographing other people’s work.  It’s a simple debate:  what exactly is the photographer creating if the photograph includes an object or structure that has been created by someone else?

This debate arises mostly in relation to works that exist in public spaces.  The originating works may already be labelled “works of art” or may be labelled “architecture”, “edifice”, “structures”, “building”, “hardscape”, “figure”, “carving”, “casting” or any of many names that don’t necessarily assign an aesthetic value.

And yet all of it was imagined by someone, designed by someone, built by someone and placed on display.  Even if the work has another function, such as a building, there was a creative effort expended to provide that space.  If a photographer takes an image of it, presents it as their own creation and maybe makes a profit from it, is that right?  Disclaimer:  this is not a legal review. Continue reading “Photographing the Work of Others” →