AI and Fine Art Photography: Threat, Tool, or Transformation?

Photography transformed fine art forever—now AI's turn has come. Will it blur our essence or provide us with a vivid new perspective?

Join us for a 90-min panel discussion on AI in photography, covering tools, art, ownership & the future with experts. The discussion panel will be moderated by AZPA member Dave Cano, along with three panelists: Professor Isac Artzi, Ph.D., M.S., Grand Canyon University, College of Engineering and Technology, Arizona Photographer and Artist Gina DeGideo, BFA, and AZPA board member and photographer Rick Gayle.

The discussion will start with photography’s history as one that took bold leaps, from darkrooms to digital, and now AI is pushing the boundaries once more. Just imagine, AI crafting images from scratch or even critiquing work with a machine’s eye—what does that mean for creativity and who gets to call it theirs? The panel will explore an intriguing question: is AI a threat, a tool, or a transformation for our craft?

Panelists will start with the familiar—how AI sharpens the tools we already use—and build toward what’s next. Expect a lively mix of insights and debate, drawing from photography’s past and its cutting edge.

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About the Panelists

Isac Artzi, PhD, is the Program Lead for MS in Data Science. Dr. Artzi teaches upper level Computer Science courses in Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Analytics, Mathematical Modeling, and MBA courses. He mentors senior capstone projects and conducts research on adaptive algorithms and machine learning. Dr. Artzi's career spans 30 years in industry, research, military training, and international travel. Dr. Artzi's achievements include his Lynda.com C Programming class with over 1,200,000 student views in 65 countries, Silicon Valley startups (acquired by Symantec) with two software patents, satellite communications in Israel and Thailand (Gilat Satellite, Ltd), and published research in educational technology at Michigan State University. He holds a dual BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from Ben Gurion University in Israel, an MS in Computer Science from Michigan State University, a PhD in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from combined Michigan State University and Capella University programs, and a Data Science Specialization Certificate from Johns Hopkins University.

Gina DeGideo is an Arizona artist who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Arizona State University. Through photography, intermedia, and bookmaking, she explores the human experience, questions the universe, and is always working in collaboration with the greater unknown. As an Arizona native, growing up in the desert and constantly studying the ever-changing terrain, she is fascinated with the transitions and transformations found in the landscape, both man-made and natural, and personal relationships with nature. Her art has been exhibited nationally and belongs in many private collections.

Rick Gayle, since the age of 12 has been attracted to light like a moth. For Rick, light is all a photographer ultimately has control over and the way he molds its qualities helps define objects and tells stories. For Rick that is and always will be his venue for exploration and excitement. Rick is the guy at the table in a nice restaurant using the napkin to reflect the candlelight into the wine glass.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

By registering for this event, you agree to hold harmless Arizona Photography Alliance (AZPA), its board, officers and members, and the event hosts, from any occurrence that might happen during the event. The views and opinions expressed by event hosts and/or presenters belong solely to those hosts and/or presenters and do not reflect any official policy or position of Arizona Photography Alliance, its board of directors, its members, or event volunteers.

Please note that by registering for this event, your contact information will be added to the master AZPA mailing list, and any photographs and videos taken at AZPA events may be used for marketing purposes. You may opt-out of either at any time by notification to AZPA. Virtual events are being recorded. If you do not wish to participate in the recording, please have your video turned off.

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