Showcase AI Rules
The Showcase competition recognizes the skill of the photographer to depict scenes of nature with a camera. With the surge in AI tools that are simple to use, we wanted to provide NANPA’s perspective on what is acceptable to enter in the Showcase.
The following explanations are intended to help entrants determine if or how AI fits within our Showcase competition.
Nearly all AI generated images utilize photos without permission, license or knowledge from the source photographer. The elements may not be recognizable in the form generated by AI, but using images as the basis of new creations is infringement.
Definition of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- For the purpose of this contest, artificial intelligence refers to any computer program or algorithm that generates or alters a photograph without the entrant’s intervention.
- In simplest terms and for photography, AI is a method of adding elements that didn’t exist in the photographer’s original capture with a camera and, as such, is not allowed in Showcase. This includes, but is not limited to, machine learning models, neural networks, deep learning algorithms, and other automated processes that generate images or modify them to change the content from what was captured by the camera.
Prohibition of AI Submissions
- All entries submitted to the NANPA Showcase must be the result of direct human effort and creativity.
- AI-generated or significantly AI-altered photographs are not eligible for submission. The exception is the Altered Reality category. Guidelines for that category appear below.
- AI programs or aspects of programs that use text to generate or alter an image cannot be used for ANY Showcase categories.
Acceptable AI Assisted Processing Software That Is Allowed
- AI tools or software to enhance or retouch entrant-captured photographs are permissible, as long as the primary creative input remains with the photographer.
- Processing programs with acceptable AI editing tools that can be used without adding content include, but are not limited to, Topaz Denoise, Sharpen, Gigapixel, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, etc.
Altered Reality Category Exceptions
- This category is appropriate for entries that display obvious changes in natural color, form, shape, or any combination of these. The image must be enhanced or transformed beyond the way the subject appears in nature.
- All elements must be the photographic creation by the entrant.
- No part of the image can be created with AI software using text inputs. Text inputs in AI software generate images based on words added by a human. These creations are derived from unlicensed copyrighted images and are infringements.
Verification of Compliance
- The contest organizers reserve the right to verify the authenticity and compliance of each submitted entry.
- If there is reasonable doubt that a photograph has been generated or significantly altered by AI, the organizers may request additional information or evidence from the participant to validate the entry’s eligibility.
- Failure to provide satisfactory evidence of compliance may result in disqualification from the contest.