4.1.3-1 An artistic photographic image should be digitised. Does this qualify as an alteration to the photo pursuant to Art. 11 para.1 (a) CopA?

No, straightforward digitisation is a simple technical conversion, not an alteration. However, this qualifies as reproduction pursuant to Art. 10 para. 2 (a) CopA, which may not be done without the consent of the author or the owner of the rights, except if one of the limiting provisions applies (e.g. digitisation for private use).