Cover image via @therealvrp (Instagram)
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A Malaysian photographer has accused a local company of using an AI version of his photo to promote its services
Vinoth Raj Pillai (@therealvrp on Instagram) today, 15 July, claimed that a photo he took of a couple on their wedding day was used — without his permission — by a local wedding business to sell wedding packages.
Except that it wasn't exactly his photo anymore.
He claimed the photo was edited using AI to appear slightly different from the original.
This is Vinoth's original photo:
And this is the alleged AI-generated poster used by the company to promote its business:
In an effort to confront the company, Vinoth messaged them, posing as a potential customer
He reached out about the wedding package. They replied saying it was still available, and asked him about the type of event, date, and location he would like.
Then he tested them by asking, "Did you take this photo? I don't see this [picture] on your profile."
The company said the photo was "created" to promote the brand, adding that it had "better photos" available on its profile.
In his Instagram post, Vinoth reminded brides-to-be not to be fooled by edited or borrowed visuals
"Some folks promote with work that isn't even theirs. 😂
"Stay sharp. Verify who you're hiring. Because the next time someone says 'we'll make you look good'.
"It might have been someone else's camera. 😂"
He added that he has since reported the company's post to Instagram for copyright infringement, but took the entire matter in stride.
"Honestly, [I] find this whole episode hilarious," he added.
He chose not to name the company, expressing hope that this would be a learning moment for all creatives and clients
Vinoth encouraged his followers to report the post to Instagram if they came across it.
"It's still their bread and butter," he said, suggesting that while the act wasn't right, there's space to learn from it rather than cancel the business outright.
