Virtual Summit Submission

Monroe Community College
Photography

Biography

Hi! I am Katie Miller, a 21-year-old from Rochester, New York, and I studied photographic arts. Growing up in the home of Kodak first sparked my curiosity about photography, and specifically learning about how it became accessible and how it continues to shape storytelling today. In my program, I focused on building skills in studio lighting, photo editing, and creative direction. I also work in hospitality, where everyday interactions often inspire my ideas. I hope to continue researching film-based processes and pursue a career in creative media and documentary photography.

Project

AI in the Photography World
This project grew out of my summer research trip to Paris, France, where I explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping photography. I aimed to understand how AI influences the creation, interpretation, and ethics of images today. I focused on questions such as: How are artists using AI creatively? And what concerns arise when machines generate and/or alter images?
To investigate these questions, I visited exhibitions across Paris, and the one that impacted my project the most was at the infamous Jeu de Paume, titled The World Through AI. This exhibition alone allowed me to study audience reactions and examine works that used both analytical and generative AI. My findings reveal a field full of possibilities but also tension. While AI does expand creative freedom, it also raises concerns about authenticity, bias, exploitation of artists’ work, and significant environmental impact. Ultimately, this project argues that the future of photography depends on developing ethical standards that prioritize transparency, consent, sustainability, and human creativity. My experience in Paris continues to shape how I think about technology’s role in my own artistic practice.