Montana Outdoors 43rd Issue is Available
 | Author:
Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Fish Wildlife and Parks |
Montana Outdoors 43rd Issue is Available
Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Montana Outdoors 43rd Annual Photo Issue, 01/01/2024.
With news of “generative” artificial intelligence (AI) spreading faster than fake pictures of Pope Francis in a puffy coat, I want to reassure Montana Outdoors readers that the photos in this magazine are the real deal.
Generative AI refers to computer models or algorithms that create (generate) brand-new output such as text, photos, or videos. An AI image generator such as DALL-E 2 can take descriptions of nature and produce photos of startling and realistic clarity and color, artistically composed.
Ramifications for professional and amateur photographers are significant. Instead of an intrepid photographer trekking into the Purcells to capture a stunning photo of a Canada lynx in its natural surroundings, someone in their pajamas can bang one out on a smartphone while waiting for their coffee to brew.
That’s not to mention the threats AI images pose to wildlife conservation. Imagine someone using the technology to create a photo of several black-footed ferrets—the rarest mammal in North America—frolicking in a park in downtown Missoula. Maybe these little carnivores aren’t so endangered after all?
To ensure that no AI-generated photos sneak into Montana Outdoors, we closely examine the original image files (and the data embedded in them) in search of any hint of fakery or manipulation. We also rely on our submitting photographers to adhere to the highest level of ethical standards, which also includes not sending photos taken outside of Montana or any captive animals.
But enough of this talk of photographic fakery. You’ve come for the visual banquet that is the Montana Outdoors photo issue. And once again, as has been the case since 1981, it is our pleasure to present to our subscribers the beauty and splendor of Montana’s wildlife and scenery. We hope you enjoy looking at these images as much as we did selecting them.
—Tom Dickson, editor
To view the 43rd Annual Photo Issue visit the MT43 News website at:
https://mt43news-business-services.com/mt43newsRouter/MontanaOutdoors43
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: FWP
Image 1 Caption: Cover of the 43rd Annual Photo Issue of Montana Outdoors
Photo Credits: FWP
Image 2 Caption: FWP Logo
