Strategic Response to AI

Introduction

Software companies release AI-generative features without predictable schedules, requiring us to be constantly vigilant, all the while providing photographers with the information they need for competition planning.

Our CAPA Eligibility Criteria and competition editing guidelines have evolved to address advances in AI-generative technology through a systematic updated framework that balances technological responsiveness with competitive stability.

Continuous Monitoring 

We’ve established a multi-layered approach to track and respond to AI developments:

Weekly Technology Surveillance: Regular review of emerging AI-generative technology articles across all major platforms

Communication Channels: When new features raise eligibility concerns, we provide immediate guidance through:

• CAPA Competitions webpage updated monthly with detailed analysis;
• CAPA News distributed monthly to all Association members and camera clubs;
• Direct hyperlinks in each competition’s Editing Section titled “CAPA’s Stance on Artificial Intelligence in Photo Competitions”.

Ongoing Education Initiative

Over two years, I have delivered AI technology presentations nationwide, educating photographers on acceptable versus prohibited AI tools. These resources remain available through:

• CAPA Speaker Series archived presentations;
• On-demand Zoom presentations for camera clubs across the country.

Addressing the Authentication Challenge

Adobe’s discontinuation of automatic AI metadata tagging represents a fundamental shift requiring significant workflow changes for all photographers. This development necessitated our most comprehensive policy update in years.

Commitment to Advance Notice

For nine years, I have been committed to providing advance notice of competition changes, following our established practice of posting new competition narratives by April 1st.  By doing so, we provide photographers with competition details six months prior to the commencement of our photographic competitions. 

Since there are now significant changes in the requirements for all entrants submitting images into our competitions, the following timeline for implementation has been established:  

Implementation Plan

Announcement: September 16, 2025 through multiple channels:

• Monthly CAPA News;
• Dedicated AI Information webpage on our Association website (option in the Competitions dropdown menu);
• Monthly updates to the Competition webpage;
• Updated Editing Criteria for all 2025-2026 competitions.

Educational Support (working with the Director of Education)

• Updated Zoom AI presentations explaining the Content Credentials rationale for Photoshop and Lightroom and the full image metadata for other applications;
• Advertised availability for club-requested presentations;
• Development of one or two YouTube videos addressing new requirements.

Resource Documentation: Five comprehensive platform-specific guides have been developed and will be posted on the new CAPA AI Information webpage, and will be included in all 2025-2026 competitions:

• Benefits for Photographers in Accepting Content Credentials
• Adobe Photoshop Pitfalls – Protecting Your Competition Eligibility
• Lightroom Pitfalls – Protecting Your Competition Eligibility
• Luminar Neo – Protecting Your Competition Eligibility
• ON1 Photo RAW – Protecting Your Competition Eligibility
• Topaz Labs – Protecting Your Competition Eligibility

-> When required, these articles will be updated and any new applications will be added. 

Implementation: January 1, 2026

Verification Process: All competition submissions must include Content Credentials or full image metadata, verifiable through Content Credentials.org/verify, photo forensics or AI classifier.

Update Reports: At each Board of Directors’ meeting, an up-to-date report will be presented on this transition.

Closing Comment:

I believe this framework strikes a balance between the unpredictable nature of AI development and our commitment to giving photographers enough time to prepare for significant changes to their workflow.

Sheldon Boles – FCAPA

CAPA Director of Competitions