Surreal Event: A Real Pic of Flamingo Won AI Photo Contest

In a twist that left both the photography and AI communities astounded, Miles Astray's photo of a flamingo recently won two awards in the AI category of the 1839 Awards. 

The image, capturing a flamingo looking like a headless ball of pink fluff on spindly legs, is not just a visual delight but also a statement on the ongoing dialogue between human artistry and artificial intelligence. 

This intriguing scenario culminated in the photo's disqualification after winning third place and the people's choice award for AI photography, when it was revealed to be a real photo taken by Astray himself.

The 1839 Awards, named after a landmark year in the history of photography, celebrate a wide range of categories including animals, architecture, landscapes, and more. 

This year, photographers from 55 countries participated, making the competition fierce and the recognition prestigious. 

Astray’s entry into the AI category with his flamingo photo, titled “Flamingone,” was a deliberate act to underscore the undiminished power of human creativity in an era increasingly dominated by algorithmic art.

Astray shared his motivations on his website, explaining his desire to challenge the recent trend of AI-generated images overshadowing actual photos in competitions. 

He intended to "twist this story inside down and upside out the way only a human could and would, by submitting a real photo into an AI competition." 

He chose “Flamingone” for its surreal and almost unimaginable composition, a perfect candidate to blur the lines between natural beauty and digital creation.

Upon discovering that his photo had won, Astray immediately informed the contest organizers of his deception. 

His image, taken with a Nikon D750 DSLR camera and minimally processed in Lightroom, stood as a testament to the authenticity and wonder of the natural world, even when compared against sophisticated AI-generated art. 

He emphasized his approach to photography, stating, "I like to show the world as is," highlighting his commitment to genuine representation over digital manipulation.

The revelation of Astray’s submission as a real photo led to his disqualification, a decision he supported. Lily Fierman, co-founder and director of the 1839 Awards, acknowledged the importance and relevance of Astray’s message. 

She expressed the organization’s appreciation for the statement he made but emphasized the necessity of maintaining fairness for other artists who submitted their AI work.

Astray, who operates under a nom de plume and is currently based in La Paz, Bolivia, has a rich background in working with nonprofits across various countries and documenting local communities. 

His shot of “Flamingone” in Aruba in 2022, captured in the early morning to avoid crowds, exemplifies his dedication to his craft and his eye for the extraordinary in everyday scenes.

Despite the ethical concerns about misleading the jury, Astray hoped that his stunt would provoke thoughtful consideration about the implications of AI in art. 

He pointed out the irony of deceiving viewers to highlight AI's potential for deception, aiming to spark a conversation on the ethical dimensions of this technology. 

His victory, even if short-lived, serves as a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable value of human creativity.

In conclusion, Astray’s “Flamingone” photo not only captured a flamingo in an extraordinary pose but also ignited a broader discussion on the interplay between human and AI-generated art. 

His success in winning over both the jury and the public underscores the enduring impact of genuine human artistry in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.