Soft Photography examines the role of human emotions in the creation and reception of images produced using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or computer-generated imagery (CGI).
A research project conducted by the Master Photography at ECAL with the support of HES-SO, this book focuses on an unthought-of aspect of generative AI and CGI: the significance of human emotions, both in the creation of these tools (database annotation, software programming, cultural bias) and in the perception of the produced images (empathy, visual culture, subconsciousness) or their uses (capitalism of emotion, soft power, self-representation, political propaganda). Unlike automated images with only operational functions, images generated by AI and CGI are essentially created for humans—for social networks, advertising, industry, politics, or art. Soft Photography aims to map, analyze, and experiment with the place of emotions within these new practices.
Edited by Milo Keller, Claus Gunti, Clément Lambelet.
Contributions by Anne Alombert, Giulia Bini,
Paolo Cirio,
Charlie Engman, Claus Gunti, Martyna Marciniak, Marco De Mutiis, Simone C Niquille,
Valentina Tanni, Alan Warburton.
Graphic design: Tanguy Morvan.
2026 (publication expected by 4th quarter)
English edition
20 x 24,8 cm (softcover, dust jacket)
206 pages (color & b/w ill.)
forthcoming
