As artificial intelligence, or AI, rapidly outpaces our ability to discern real images from generated ones, we're entering into an age of total distrust for any content we encounter. As a photojournalist, photographer, and creative person, I want to clearly outline how I use AI in my work in order to ensure the trust of my sources, my editors, and my audience.

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In my writing, I do not use generative AI tools. I do not upload, share, or consult with AI chatbots about my work. When seeking edits or feedback, I rely on a close circle of human copy editors, mentors, and friends.

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In my photography, I do not use generative AI tools, such as image generators or upscalers. When toning RAW images, I strive to follow the ethical standards set by the Associated Press on photo manipulation. They state...

 "Minor adjustments to photos are acceptable. These include cropping, dodging and burning, conversion into grayscale, elimination of dust on camera sensors and scratches on scanned negatives or scanned prints and normal toning and color adjustments. These should be limited to those minimally necessary for clear and accurate reproduction and that restore the authentic nature of the photograph. Changes in density, contrast, color and saturation levels that substantially alter the original scene are not acceptable. Backgrounds should not be digitally blurred or eliminated by burning down or by aggressive toning. The removal of “red eye” from photographs is not permissible." (August 2026)

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While I reject generative AI tools, when appropriate, I do use some tools in order to ease my workload as an independent creator. For example, I use built-in spellcheckers, and I pay for an AI transcription service that encrypts and protects data and does not use inputs to train its AI or other LLMs. I then personally review and clean any generated transcript. For highly sensitive sources, I manually transcribe transcripts and do not use any AI service. 

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Artificial intelligence and its role in photojournalism and creative fields will only continue to evolve, and I reserve the right to adapt ethically alongside it. If you have any questions, thoughts, or suggestions on my use of these tools, please feel free to email me at emilyalff@gmail.com.

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