Ethics, Authenticity, and AI in Photography
Class - Photography | Registration opens 5/12/2026 9:00 AM EDT
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into photographic workflows, questions of truth, authorship, and responsibility are now more important than ever. Ethics, Authenticity, and AI in Photography is a 3-week class that meets once a week and invites photographers to critically examine how AI is reshaping the medium—while developing a thoughtful, ethical approach to its use.
This course blends discussion, visual analysis, and hands-on experimentation to explore where photography stands in an era of generative tools and intelligent editing. Students will engage with real-world examples spanning documentary, commercial, and fine art photography, considering how AI influences perception, trust, and storytelling.
Each session encourages open dialogue around key issues such as manipulation vs. enhancement, disclosure, bias in AI systems, and the evolving definition of what makes a photograph “real.” Alongside these conversations, students will experiment with AI-assisted tools to better understand both their creative potential and their ethical implications.
By the end of the course, students will develop a personal framework for using AI responsibly—grounded in intention, transparency, and respect for subjects and audiences.
Week 1: Foundations of truth in photography—history of manipulation, introduction to AI tools, and defining authenticity.
Week 2: Ethics in practice—editing boundaries, bias in AI systems, authorship, and consent. Hands-on exploration of AI-assisted workflows.
Week 3: Critical reflection and application—developing personal guidelines, presenting work, and group critique focused on intent and impact.
What to Bring:
A camera (optional), a laptop, and a selection of images (your own or found) for discussion and experimentation.
Who This Class Is For:
Photographers of all levels interested in understanding the ethical implications of AI and developing a responsible, contemporary photographic practice.
Leave with a deeper awareness of the role AI plays in shaping images today—and a clear, personal philosophy for creating work that is both innovative and ethically grounded.
C. Stephen Hurst
C. Stephen Hurst recently moved to Winston-Salem from New York City where he spent many years as a professional photographer and instructor at the International School of Photography. Hurst is a self-taught photographer who emphasizes connection, anticipation, and communication through his process; some of Hurst’s photography clients have included the Disney Family Foundation, Nike, and Columbia Business School. Hurst holds a B.F.A. in Cinema Studies from New York University Tisch School of the Arts. Learn more about his work at amancalledhurst.com.