An AI-generated portrait has won first place in the Vienna International Photo Awards (Viepa), sparking discussions about the future of photography and the role of artificial intelligence in creative competitions. The winning image in the portrait category was created by Italian participant Roberto Corinaldesi using artificial intelligence technology, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of AI and traditional photography contests.

Eric Berger, director of the Vienna LIK Academy for Photography and the driving force behind the competition, sees no problem with AI-generated images winning photography prizes. "Creativity then simply begins with prompting," Berger stated, defending the decision to allow AI-generated works in the competition. His perspective reflects a growing acceptance of AI technology as a legitimate tool in the creative arts, even as it challenges traditional notions of what constitutes photography.

The Vienna International Photo Awards was established in 2020 by the Vienna LIK Academy for Photography with the goal of demonstrating the "unifying power of photography," according to Berger. In its sixth year, the competition has grown significantly in scope and international participation. This year's contest attracted more than 1,200 photographers from over 75 countries, showcasing the global reach and appeal of the competition.

The diversity of winners reflects the international nature of the contest, with prize recipients coming from Austria, China, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, and other countries around the world. This geographic spread demonstrates how the competition has successfully achieved its mission of using photography as a connecting force across different cultures and nations. The prizes were awarded last week, culminating months of judging and evaluation of thousands of submitted works.

The inclusion and victory of Corinaldesi's AI-generated portrait raises fundamental questions about the definition of photography in the digital age. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly sophisticated in creating realistic images, photography competitions and the broader artistic community must grapple with whether AI-generated works should be considered "photographs" in the traditional sense, and what this means for the future opportunities and challenges facing professional photographers.