I asked AI to select the best photo

[MontanaDave]

I asked ChatGPT which of the three elk photos was the best.

ChatGPT responded:

• First photo(elk walking in golden light):
  • Best for overall aesthetic beauty. The warm sunrise/sunset glow, soft background, and full side profile of the elk with antlers cleanly visible make it the most visually striking and “poster-worthy.”
• Second photo(elk with curled lip showing flehmen response):
  • Best for behavioral interest. This captures a unique and powerful rutting behavior rarely seen in photos, adding personality and storytelling. It’s less “perfectly pretty” but much more dynamic and biologically fascinating.
• Third photo(elk bugling in green meadow):
  • Best for action and drama. The bugling pose is iconic for elk, showing the animal in its most famous rutting behavior. The greenery and fall flowers add nice texture and color contrast.

I then asked ChatGPT to refine the answer, photo contest critique breakdown perspective:

First Photo – Elk in Golden Light​

Impact (9/10):
The warm, glowing light immediately pulls the viewer in. It has a very “wow” factor that judges love.


Technical (9/10):
Sharp focus, great exposure, beautiful use of back/side light. Some minor shadows on the elk’s face, but nothing that hurts it much.


Composition (9/10):
Excellent use of rule of thirds. The elk is perfectly placed with good negative space for it to “walk into.” Clean separation from the background.


Originality (7/10):
A classic style of wildlife photo—done beautifully, but not unusual. Many elk-in-golden-light shots exist, though this is a strong example.


Storytelling (7/10):
Less about behavior, more about beauty. Tells a seasonal mood story (autumn, rut) but not as dynamic as the others.


Overall: ~41/50 → Strong competition piece.

---

​

Impact (8/10):
The lip curl instantly grabs attention—it’s different and has personality. Judges notice unusual behavior.


Technical (8/10):
Good detail and sharpness. Lighting is flatter and background busier compared to the first photo.


Composition (7/10):
Subject is strong, but the background clutter competes for attention. Antlers blend a bit into the environment.


Originality (9/10):
Very high—flehmen behavior is rarely captured so cleanly. Big points here.


Storytelling (9/10):
Tells a direct story of rutting behavior and elk communication. Judges who value natural history moments will appreciate this.


Overall: ~41/50 → Could score very well in a “Behavior” or “Wildlife Story” category.

---

​

Impact (8/10):
The bugling pose is classic and iconic—instantly recognizable and powerful.


Technical (8/10):
Focus and exposure are good, but the light isn’t as dramatic as the first photo. Antlers overlap with vegetation, reducing subject separation.


Composition (8/10):
Nice diagonal angle, elk placed well in frame, vegetation adds color but also slight clutter.


Originality (7/10):
Bugling elk photos are common, though this is a solid execution.


Storytelling (9/10):
One of the strongest for story—this is the rutting moment elk are known for. Conveys season, sound, and energy.


Overall: ~40/50 → Strong storytelling image, though slightly less polished than the first photo.

---

​

1. First Photo (Golden Light) – Best all-around competition entry.
2. Second Photo (Lip Curl) – High originality, great for behavioral categories.
3. Third Photo (Bugling) – Strong storytelling, but more common and technically less striking.

 

[Jeff1561 61]

Very good shots ...

 

[terri47 18]

Certainly a more resounding reply than your average one around here.

Can a bot be subjective?

 

[ACHILLEAS]

I mostly agree. impressive. you can use it to win competitions. if you train it on the tastes of academia.

why is the bokeh so weird? why it has these lines? lens or compression artifacts?

 

[smoke665]

Can a bot be subjective

AI uses guidance from external sources to establish certain standards. My experience with competitions is the lack of hard standards, it seems to change depending on the judge. Then there's the fact that images can speak to people differently depending on that individual's life experiences memories.

 

[Photo Lady]

loved them all

 

[terri47 18]

AI uses guidance from external sources to establish certain standards. My experience with competitions is the lack of hard standards, it seems to change depending on the judge. Then there's the fact that images can speak to people differently depending on that individual's life experiences memories.

This is true. But it seems to suggest that in order to achieve complete objectivity in judging competitions then AI would be preferable, as it would likely just check off from those external sources what makes one photo superior to others.

It's like trying to debate beauty vs technique. A rabbit hole.

 

[smoke665]

It's like trying to debate beauty vs technique. A rabbit hole.

Yup, to many variables to quantify. I found this interesting though MLB approves robot umps in 2026 for challenges not a bad idea, but here you have very defined parameters that a human could miss. Tennis is moving to it also with line calls. Human resource offices are using AI to screen resumes based on key words that would make an applicate a good fit for a position.

 

[MontanaDave]

I wanted more critical feedback from AI. So I asked the following:
You are a judge of a wildlife photography competition. I am showing you three images of wildlife. I want you to examine each one carefully. You will need to look at color, sharpness, hue, white balance, and other aspects of the photo. You are to critically examine the composition and characteristics of the subject and background. After you have done this I want you to compare each photo against the other photos. Then I want you to provide the following: an overall assessment of the photos submitted, a critical and balanced judgment of each image individually, your selection for the best of the three. Your assessments are not limited to a sentence, use as many words as necessary. Finally, make a suggestion for each one that would make the image better in some way such as a different crop, different color or sharpness or what I could have done differently in the field.
ChatGPT responded after 32 seconds:
All three images show strong fieldcraft (you were in the right place at the right time) and a clear understanding of how to use light: warm, late-day/golden-hour tones give each photo a pleasing palette. The subjects are mature bulls with good antler structure and character, which is half the battle for wildlife portraiture. Technically the three images are not identical: two (9H3A0845 and 9H3A0044) are very crisp with lots of texture and detail, while bull_elk_early_morning_23Sept.jpg is softer and relies more on atmosphere and rim light for impact. Compositionally you vary the approach — full-body walk, close portrait, and a lower-profile calling/lying pose — which gives different moods and storytelling.
Below I give a balanced, image-by-image critique, make specific improvement suggestions, then pick a winner and explain why.
Image A — bull_elk_early_morning_23Sept.jpg
Quick read: full-body walking bull lit from the side/back; strong golden foreground and rim light; slightly soft overall.
Strengths
Beautiful golden-hour mood: the warm tones and rim light around the neck and antlers create an attractive separation from background.
Excellent negative space and a natural walking pose — the bull has “breathing room” in the frame and the eye line leads the viewer through the photo.
Attractive foreground bokeh of warm grasses that adds atmosphere and color harmony.
Weaknesses / technical notes
The image is noticeably softer than the other two (lower high-frequency detail). The subject lacks the microtexture and crispness of the teeth, fur and antler surfaces that are present in the other files.
The bright foreground occupies a lot of real estate and competes a bit with the subject for attention; the animal sits in the middle third rather than tightly anchored on a rule-of-thirds intersect.
Slight yellow/orange cast from the golden light — not wrong artistically, but it pushes midtones toward the same hue as the foreground and can flatten tonal separation.
Suggestions to improve
In the field: use a faster shutter / higher ISO or a shorter focal length for a steadier capture — the softness suggests slight motion blur or atmospheric softness. A monopod or faster shutter (and careful panning) would help freeze the animal.
Crop: try a tighter horizontal crop that reduces the foreground band by ~15–20% and moves the elk’s eye to the upper-left third — this preserves the rim light but reduces the dominant gold carpet in front.
Post: add local contrast (micro-contrast) selectively to the head/antlers and apply a gentle dehaze/sharpness to recover texture. Slightly cool the midtones by a few degrees if you want better separation between the bull and the warm foreground.
Image B — 9H3A0845.jpg
Quick read: close, head-on/three-quarter portrait showing character (toothy/snarl), excellent detail and tack-sharpness, antlers fill frame.
Strengths
Outstanding sharpness and texture — the fur, mud, and antler detail are rendered with great clarity (strong technical performance).
Very expressive moment — the exposed teeth/tense mouth give this image personality and immediacy; it’s a frame that stops viewers.
Good tonal range on the subject; the eye is well defined and draws attention.
Weaknesses / technical notes
Background is a bit busy (stems and plants) and competes with the subject in places. Because the image is so tight, those background elements can feel intrusive.
Framing is slightly tight on the right/top: a touch more space ahead of the animal’s nose would give it “breathing room” and improve the sense of motion/space.
The color balance is warm (consistent with golden light), but the highlights on the antlers catch a bit of specular brightness — could be toned down to restore detail.
Suggestions to improve
In the field: step back a little or switch to a slightly longer focal length and open aperture to increase subject isolation (deeper blur in the background). Alternatively, change angle so the antlers silhouette against a cleaner backdrop.
Crop: a modest vertical crop that keeps the head and upper antlers, but adds a small portion of space in front of the nose, will improve compositional flow.
Post: selectively desaturate or blur the most distracting background stems and add a very slight dodge to the eye to increase catchlight. Reduce highlight clipping on antler tips to restore texture.
Image C — 9H3A0044.jpg
Quick read: low/side angle of a bull in a recumbent/calling posture; antlers extend across the frame; bright, well-exposed with pleasing color.
Strengths
Very good composition: the long horizontal antler line leads the eye left-to-right and the low camera angle gives an intimate perspective.
Excellent exposure and contrast — this file is the brightest of the three and the subject sits cleanly against a more neutral green background that complements the warm foreground plants.
Sharp and detailed: strong texture on the coat and antlers, yet retains a natural look.
Weaknesses / technical notes
Foreground vegetation is somewhat cluttered and overlaps the body in places; a little distraction around the belly/leg area.
The antler tips are close to the top of the frame — a hair more headroom would feel less cramped.
Slight magenta/green tension in the midtones (common in mixed light); the green background sometimes competes with warmer foreground tones.
Suggestions to improve
In the field: lower your tripod/position yourself to get even more of the sky or a cleaner distant background behind the antlers (helps to isolate that beautiful antler line).
Crop: tighten horizontally slightly and remove a few inches of foreground vegetation that intrudes over the body; leave a touch more headroom above the antler tips.
Post: mild local sharpening on the eye and antler base and slight reduction of saturation in the busiest foreground flowers will make the subject pop more.
Head-to-head comparison & final verdict
Most technically sharp: 9H3A0845.jpg and 9H3A0044.jpg (both show high laplacian detail and crisp texture).
Most atmospheric / moodiest: bull_elk_early_morning_23Sept.jpg (best use of rim light and golden bokeh).
Most compelling moment / highest impact: 9H3A0845.jpg (the expression/teeth give a memorable, visceral moment).
Best overall composition + fieldcraft: 9H3A0044.jpg (strong lines, low angle, well balanced colors).
My selection for best of the three: 9H3A0845.jpg — Image B.
Why: it combines the two things judges value most: technical execution (very sharp, great texture) and a decisive, character-rich moment (the exposed teeth/snarl and the visible eye). That combination of technical excellence + storytelling presence gives it a higher emotional impact than the other two. Image C is close behind for compositional elegance and mood; Image A is a lovely, more painterly piece that would take a small boost in sharpness or a tighter crop to compete.
Short checklist you can apply to rework any of these files
Add a tiny amount of local contrast to head/antlers (avoid over-doing global clarity which makes backgrounds noisy).
Use selective sharpening only on eyes/antler base/fur; reduce sharpening on background.
Remove or soften the most distracting background elements (clone, content-aware, or subtle gaussian blur).
Recrop where the subject needs breathing space (especially in front of the nose and above antler tips).
Consider a ±200–300 K tweak in white balance toward neutral for a more natural midtone separation if you want less of the golden cast.

 

[lenspeeper]

I asked ChatGPT which of the three elk photos was the best.
View attachment 290591View attachment 290592View attachment 290593

ChatGPT responded:

• First photo(elk walking in golden light):
  • Best for overall aesthetic beauty. The warm sunrise/sunset glow, soft background, and full side profile of the elk with antlers cleanly visible make it the most visually striking and “poster-worthy.”
• Second photo(elk with curled lip showing flehmen response):
  • Best for behavioral interest. This captures a unique and powerful rutting behavior rarely seen in photos, adding personality and storytelling. It’s less “perfectly pretty” but much more dynamic and biologically fascinating.
• Third photo(elk bugling in green meadow):
  • Best for action and drama. The bugling pose is iconic for elk, showing the animal in its most famous rutting behavior. The greenery and fall flowers add nice texture and color contrast.

I then asked ChatGPT to refine the answer, photo contest critique breakdown perspective:

First Photo – Elk in Golden Light​

Impact (9/10):
The warm, glowing light immediately pulls the viewer in. It has a very “wow” factor that judges love.


Technical (9/10):
Sharp focus, great exposure, beautiful use of back/side light. Some minor shadows on the elk’s face, but nothing that hurts it much.


Composition (9/10):
Excellent use of rule of thirds. The elk is perfectly placed with good negative space for it to “walk into.” Clean separation from the background.


Originality (7/10):
A classic style of wildlife photo—done beautifully, but not unusual. Many elk-in-golden-light shots exist, though this is a strong example.


Storytelling (7/10):
Less about behavior, more about beauty. Tells a seasonal mood story (autumn, rut) but not as dynamic as the others.


Overall: ~41/50 → Strong competition piece.

---

​

Impact (8/10):
The lip curl instantly grabs attention—it’s different and has personality. Judges notice unusual behavior.


Technical (8/10):
Good detail and sharpness. Lighting is flatter and background busier compared to the first photo.


Composition (7/10):
Subject is strong, but the background clutter competes for attention. Antlers blend a bit into the environment.


Originality (9/10):
Very high—flehmen behavior is rarely captured so cleanly. Big points here.


Storytelling (9/10):
Tells a direct story of rutting behavior and elk communication. Judges who value natural history moments will appreciate this.


Overall: ~41/50 → Could score very well in a “Behavior” or “Wildlife Story” category.

---

​

Impact (8/10):
The bugling pose is classic and iconic—instantly recognizable and powerful.


Technical (8/10):
Focus and exposure are good, but the light isn’t as dramatic as the first photo. Antlers overlap with vegetation, reducing subject separation.


Composition (8/10):
Nice diagonal angle, elk placed well in frame, vegetation adds color but also slight clutter.


Originality (7/10):
Bugling elk photos are common, though this is a solid execution.


Storytelling (9/10):
One of the strongest for story—this is the rutting moment elk are known for. Conveys season, sound, and energy.


Overall: ~40/50 → Strong storytelling image, though slightly less polished than the first photo.

---

AI's analysis is just as good, if not better than the typical PSA qualified competition judge.​

Having competed on club level competition for years, I think that the AI comments are more succint and just as competent as most PSA qualified judges and perhaps a little more objective. BTW, great images.

1. First Photo (Golden Light) – Best all-around competition entry.
2. Second Photo (Lip Curl) – High originality, great for behavioral categories.
3. Third Photo (Bugling) – Strong storytelling, but more common and technically less striking.

 

[Rickbb77 16]

Yup, to many variables to quantify. I found this interesting though MLB approves robot umps in 2026 for challenges not a bad idea, but here you have very defined parameters that a human could miss. Tennis is moving to it also with line calls. Human resource offices are using AI to screen resumes based on key words that would make an applicate a good fit for a position.

And applicants are using AI to write the resume to trick the other AI into passing the resume up the chain. So they end up canceling each other out.

 

[greybeard47 19]

#2 for me, I can almost hear and smell it. If Ai gives you what you want, then great.

 

[William Baroo]

I would go 1, 3, 2 and do some cropping.

 

[MontanaDave]

I asked AI to pick the best photo for a black and white wildlife photo contest.

Frosted Bison (Image 1)​

Strengths:

• Mood & Atmosphere: Outstanding tonal control; the snow and frost texture create a dramatic, almost ghostly mood.
• Texture & Detail: The frost clinging to the bison’s fur is beautifully rendered — excellent use of contrast to bring out the texture without over-sharpening.
• Composition: The frontal, centered composition works well here because the subject’s mass and power fill the frame. The even snow backdrop isolates the bison perfectly.
• Technical Quality: Exposure is very well balanced; whites are clean but not blown out, and the blacks hold strong detail.

Weaknesses:

• Slightly lacking in tonal separation between parts of the bison’s body — it’s nearly monochrome in tone within itself. A bit more midtone contrast could help.
• Because it’s symmetrical and head-on, it’s powerful but static — less storytelling than the other two images.

---

Bighorn Rams (Image 2)​

Strengths:

• Emotion & Storytelling: The most emotionally engaging of the three. The interaction between the rams feels intimate and alive.
• Detail & Sharpness: Exceptional sharpness in both subjects; horn texture and eye clarity are superb.
• Composition: Tight framing fills the frame without feeling cramped. The background is perfectly soft, keeping focus on the rams.
• Lighting: Soft light enhances the tonal range — the curved horns create dynamic lines that guide the eye around the frame.

Weaknesses:

• Slight tonal merging at the intersection of the horns — a tiny bit of local contrast adjustment could separate them more.
• Slightly less dramatic lighting than the bison or elk images — beautiful, but safer compositionally.

---

Elk Drinking (Image 3)​

Strengths:

• Use of Light: Stunning chiaroscuro — the deep black background against the highlighted antlers and back creates a painterly, fine-art feel.
• Composition: The downward posture and antler symmetry are visually compelling; the antlers create leading lines that pull the viewer into the frame.
• Artistic Vision: This image has the strongest sense of artistic interpretation; it’s bold and graphic.

Weaknesses:

• The lack of visible face or eye connection may make it feel emotionally distant to contest judges.
• Some shadow areas verge on pure black — a bit more detail recovery could enhance the overall depth.
• Minor highlight clipping on the antlers.

---

Ranking & Recommendation​

1. Bighorn Rams – Best overall balance of emotion, texture, and storytelling. It will likely appeal most to contest judges for its technical excellence and narrative warmth.
2. Frosted Bison – Technically near-perfect and visually powerful; an excellent alternative if the contest favors stark, minimalist compositions.
3. Elk Drinking – Artistically strong but more abstract and less immediately engaging.

---

Best to Enter: The Bighorn Rams (Image 2)
It combines technical mastery, emotional storytelling, and perfect tonal control — all hallmarks of an award-winning black and white wildlife image.

 

[William Baroo]

Really excellent pictures, but I have to go with the rams for the most impact. After that, the buffalo.