Artificial intelligence or overly processed photos

I have some entries that don't look real to me. They're based on real molds... but something about the texture of the image is just setting off my spidey-sense. I can't tell if it's AI or an over-processed image. If these are real, they're absolutely gorgeous and probably winning entries.

I experimented with an "AI detection" website, but it didn't do well with plastic horses, marking some test images that I took of my horses as 'probably AI'. I don't want to be unfair to the exhibitor... I also don't want to have someone cheat and win especially when I had stated in the rules that AI was not allowed.

What would you do?

Do you want a second opinion on the photos? I’d be happy to give them a look.

Honestly, I’ve never heard of AI being used for model horse showing.

I would like a second opinion, yes. I'll send the names to your inbox

I can't recall seeing any pics using AI. It's fairly easy to detect an AI-generated image.

As far as digitally enhanced (ie photoshopped) images, I think the best course of action is just to politely ask the entrant directly.

I think *some* post-processing is acceptable (adjusting for brightness/contrast, shadow, cropping, straightening, etc), as long as the model itself remains unaltered. For example, I often use sticki-wax to elevate a model (then remove the sticki-wax in post-processing).

Hope that helps! Good luck with your show!

freemanstables said:

I have some entries that don't look real to me. They're based on real molds... but something about the texture of the image is just setting off my spidey-sense. I can't tell if it's AI or an over-processed image. If these are real, they're absolutely gorgeous and probably winning entries.

I experimented with an "AI detection" website, but it didn't do well with plastic horses, marking some test images that I took of my horses as 'probably AI'. I don't want to be unfair to the exhibitor... I also don't want to have someone cheat and win especially when I had stated in the rules that AI was not allowed.

What would you do?

Are they any of mine? I shoot in RAW format with total control over my settings, plus studio lighting and I post process myself in lightroom for contrast, white balance, sharpening etc instead of letting the camera do it. There likely are a few other experienced photographers out there who do the same. I don't use AI, alter backgrounds etc. I think judges need to be aware of the different skill levels people have for photography.