Fun AI Competition

Rainbow Landscape generated by AI

If you have dabbled in AI image generation either on your own or as part of our “AI: Learn, Create, Compete” series of workshops, this was your chance to share the results with fellow enthusiasts. We’re holding this competition just for fun, and hope it inspired people to have a go, even if they didn't enter.

There were two classes to choose from: Photorealistic and Fantasy. Some people had difficulty in deciding which one to put their images in, which led to some difficulty for the selectors!

Selection

Our selectors are Christine Widdall, Joe Haughton and Simon Newlyn.

Selection was done in an online open meeting at which the selectors will agree their top 5 images for each class, a winner for each class and some runners up, and finally the overall winner from the two classes.

The selectors commented on each of the 10 awarded images. We then ran a couple of images through Joe Houghton's Photo Critique software to see how that compares to the human selectors.

The top 10 images images are presented here and in DI Online.

Selectors for the Finals

Simon Newlyn

Simon spent a working lifetime commissioning photography for a range of well-known clients. Since retiring, when he took up photography himself, he has developed a particular interest in creating conceptual and composite imagery that explores symbolism, abstraction and the tension between reality and imagination.

Simon is a member of the RPS and has now given several presentations about the development of AI and photography supporting the DIG initiatives in this area. His work has been exhibited throughout the UK. His portfolio spans both project-based series and individual composites, with subjects ranging from myth and music to contemporary social commentary.

Regarding the development of AI image generation Simon likes to view this in the context of the evolving history of photography and so describes himself as being ‘AI curious’. He has recently been experimenting with AI image editing platforms to edit layered Photoshop files. His work has also appeared across a number of both electronic and print publications.

His current house move has inspired a new project exploring the frustrations of the process!

Christine Widdall

Photography has been part of Christine’s life since early childhood, when she was first introduced to darkroom techniques. She embraced digital technology in the ‘90s and her aim remains the same: to capture places, people, and moments in time and make them as beautiful and meaningful as she can.

Christine draws inspiration from her local area of Saddleworth, its hills, waterways and wildlife. While some images are created for competitions, many simply reflect enjoyment of a day or a place. In her creative work, she enjoys blending images from different times and places to explore emotional storytelling.

She has judged exhibitions across the UK and abroad, served as President of both Oldham Photographic Society and the L&CPU. Christine has published two books, became an event photographer, a lecturer and was part of the Wigan 10 team that won the FIAP World Cup. This year, she was a selector for the first UK AV international to accept AI generated sequences.

Photography continues to be a source of comfort, connection, and creative fulfilment, and she feels lucky to have shared that journey with others.

Joe Houghton

Jo Haughton

Joe is a Dublin-based photographer, educator and author, and the director of Houghton Photography. He delivers talks, workshops and judging for camera clubs internationally, with a practical emphasis on creative intent, technical craft and clear, constructive feedback.

When judging, Joe looks for strong narrative, thoughtful composition and purposeful processing that respects the medium while embracing innovation.

He is a regular speaker for the Royal Photographic Society community, having delivered over 100 RPS talks and workshops, and frequently judges print and projected competitions across genres.

Joe teaches Adobe Lightroom Classic, modern workflow and AI in photography topics, and mentors photographers at all levels. His photography books include Streets of Dublin – a hands-on guide to black-and-white street work – and Take Your Time on long-exposure technique.

Winners 2025

The "Golden Snitch" fun trophy winner is 'Time Dissolves Memory Remains' by Katherine Rynor, and the other nine are the top images selected by the panel.