I like benchmarking GPT on esoteric tasks. Facts are easy to check, but what about experiences?
This weekend I’ll be photographing the Country Calling festival in Ocean City, MD. What better way to test GPT 5, than to give it a tough qualitative assignment that we can review for accuracy after the event?
Since GPT 5 is multimodal, I simply gave it the main festival line-up image:
And I asked GPT 5:
“Please review this festival line up. I’ll be photographing bands. Please build a spreadsheet of all of the band/artist names. Do research of their performance styles and band membership. I’m looking to know who will move around the stage, have fire, have a dynamic performance with their band, cool looking props. I’m also looking to know who is just going to stand behind the microphone and might be boring to photograph. Based on the research, rank the performers in order of dramatic flair and photogenic traits.“
GPT thought for 14 minutes and 51 seconds, and these are the results.
I appreciated the unexpected call outs around “wet zone risks” aka beer throwing at three of the performances (although throwing a $15 beer is quite a flex):
Here’s a photo‑centric, research‑backed prep pack for Country Calling (Oct 3–5, 2025; Ocean City, MD)—including a ranked list for dramatic/photogenic flair, who’s likely to move and use effects, who’s more static, and a spreadsheet you can sort/filter while you shoot.
Download your spreadsheet (2 tabs: “By Day” and “Ranked”):
Viewable Google sheets version of the Excel file (it also generated a CSV):
GPT-5 Country Calling Photo Plan – Google Sheet with two tabs at bottom
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qkycyV4UFwguuqSSbHCwVs8FOFE7zG7YcOTwHmyN8xw/edit?usp=sharing
Quick conclusions you can act on
The most photogenic/dynamic (top 15 by my scoring*)
- Luke Bryan – dancing, catwalk work, pyro & fireworks; big sing‑backs. Rolling Stone
- Carrie Underwood – arena staging with pyro, sparks, lifts/rigging, large set pieces. In Vegas she’s literally “set a Jeep on fire,” with multi‑scene spectacle. Charlotte Observer+1
- Jordan Davis – constant roaming, T‑shaped catwalk and large lighting rig. 107.7 GNA+1
- Jon Pardi – honky‑tonk high‑energy; pyro, T‑shirt cannon; has even made a horseback entrance. Houston Chronicle
- Chase Rice – party‑mode crowd work; occasional CO₂/confetti on big stages. Point Park Globe
- The Band Perry (2025 comeback lineup: Kimberly & Reid Perry + Johnny Costello) – polished pop‑country staging; active onstage movement.
- Margo Price – revamped live band in 2025, country‑rock with jammy stretches; expressive movement.
- Tyler Hubbard – upbeat, high‑motion solo set (ex‑FGL energy). Reddit
- Chase Matthew – high‑energy, fan‑forward set; big crowd responses.
- Brooks & Dunn – Kix roams with guitar while Ronnie holds the mic; minimal staging but great crowd moments. listeniowa.com
- Flatland Cavalry – warm, fiddle‑rich Americana; great band interplay; Ryman show featured an album‑art windmill / shooting‑star stage.
- Stephen Wilson Jr. – intense, physical performances with “primal” delivery; fantastic dynamic crescendos.
- Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen – two‑set shows, loose, jam‑leaning with standout band chops.
- Gavin Adcock – chaotic party set; beer‑throwing ritual has become part of his shows (protect your gear).
- Koe Wetzel – loud, rowdy, sometimes unruly crowds (beer flying has been reported).
*Scoring = weighted sum of stage movement, pyro/effects, props/set, crowd interaction and band dynamics. See the “Ranked” tab in the spreadsheet for all 39 acts.
“Expect fire/FX or big set pieces”
- Carrie Underwood – heavy pyro, sparks, mechanical lifts/rigging; Vegas show includes vehicle‑on‑fire set piece and multiple scene changes. Charlotte Observer+1
- Luke Bryan – arena‑level pyro/fireworks, choreo, and catwalk antics. Rolling Stone
- Jon Pardi – regular pyro, party gimmicks (e.g., T‑shirt cannon), and surprise entrances. Houston Chronicle
- Jordan Davis – big lighting package and a T‑catwalk you can work; minimal pyro, but visually large. 107.7 GNA
- Flatland Cavalry – not pyro, but notable set dressing (Ryman: rotating windmill/shooting‑star).
“Wet zone / gear‑risk” warning (beer splash / chaos)
- Treaty Oak Revival – rowdy shows; spraying beer cited at festivals. Plan rain covers.
- Gavin Adcock – encourages beer‑throwing crowd ritual. Keep distance with a 70–200.
- Koe Wetzel – documented crowd misbehavior (thrown beers). Stay situationally aware.
Lower‑motion / “mostly at the mic” (still great portraits)
- Luke Combs – “no lasers, fireworks or confetti,” leans on voice/songs; massive sing‑backs. Riff Magazine
- LeAnn Rimes – elegant, vocal‑centric presentation with a simple production; movement modest. 27magazine.com
- Ingrid Andress – intimate, piano‑forward sets; minimal staging.
- Laci Kaye Booth – smoky ballads, restrained staging; great for close portraits.
- Jack Van Cleaf / Avery Anna – singer‑songwriter focus, lower movement (strong portraits). Entertainment Focus
Band/artist membership quick sheet (for groups)
- Brooks & Dunn – Kix Brooks (vocals/gtr), Ronnie Dunn (vocals) + touring band.
- Flatland Cavalry – Cleto Cordero, Jason Albers, Jonathan Saenz, Reid Dillon, Wesley Hall, Adam Gallegos.
- The Band Perry (2025) – Kimberly Perry, Reid Perry, Johnny Costello (replacing Neil Perry).
- The Castellows – sisters Ellie (lead gtr), Powell (banjo), Lily (lead vox/bass) + drummer.
- LOCASH – Chris Lucas & Preston Brust + touring band.
- Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen – Bingham with Dallas collective The Texas Gentlemen (rotating players often incl. Beau Bedford, Nik Lee, Daniel Creamer). The Texas Gentlemen
- Treaty Oak Revival – five‑piece Texas country/rock outfit (rowdy live reputation).
- Zach Top – solo artist with a traditional country band; nucleus has included Jimmy Meyer (gtr), “Smokin’” Brett Resnick (steel), Nate Felty (drums). Saving Country Music
- Thelma & James – new duo: MacKenzie Porter + Jake Etheridge.
Day‑by‑day field notes (selected highlights)
Friday
- Carrie Underwood – massive, quick‑changing production with pyro/sparks/rigging; expect wide shots and timing for burns. Charlotte Observer+1
- Brooks & Dunn – not a “bells and whistles” show; shoot Kix on the roam and Ronnie’s classic mic shapes. listeniowa.com
- Jon Pardi – pyro & T‑shirt cannon; sometimes wild entrances; lots of catwalk movement. Houston Chronicle
- Tyler Hubbard – high tempo, modern pop‑country energy. Reddit
- Chase Rice – party atmosphere; CO₂/confetti possible on big festival stages. Point Park Globe
- LeAnn Rimes – emotionally rich vocals; go for silhouettes and tight portraits. 27magazine.com
Saturday
- Luke Bryan – choreo, pyro/fireworks; dramatic full‑stage looks and kneel‑poses. Rolling Stone
- Jordan Davis – T‑catwalk and constant roaming = great angles from the thrust. 107.7 GNA
- Flatland Cavalry – intricate band moments; Ryman precedent for props (windmill/stars).
- Treaty Oak Revival – fun but beer‑splash risk; keep a cover on gear.
- Gretchen Wilson – country‑rock punch; big “Redneck Woman” sing‑alongs.
Sunday
- Luke Combs – no pyro/confetti by design; huge crowd choruses; capture emotion and scale. Riff Magazine
- Koe Wetzel / Gavin Adcock – rowdy, sometimes beer‑throw culture; plan long glass or side angles.
- Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen – band‑driven Americana with jams and dynamics.
- Margo Price – 2025 band reshuffle raised the live energy; great movement and styling.
Who may be comparatively static (good for portraits; plan accordingly)
- Luke Combs, LeAnn Rimes, Ingrid Andress, Laci Kaye Booth, Jack Van Cleaf, Avery Anna (less roaming, minimal FX; focus on expressions, hands, and clean lighting). Riff Magazine+227magazine.com+2
And here’s the spread sheet information (it’s a legit two tab Excel file and a CSV companion).
Here is a Google Sheet version of the report:
GPT-5 Country Calling Photo Plan – Google Sheet with two tabs at bottom
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qkycyV4UFwguuqSSbHCwVs8FOFE7zG7YcOTwHmyN8xw/edit?usp=sharing
It’s really worth checking out the full sheet. Here are the notes (ranked in order of most to least flair):
| Artist | Style/Performance Notes |
| Luke Bryan | Arena‑level showmanship: dancing, catwalk, frequent pyro and fireworks. |
| Carrie Underwood | Arena-scale production; choreography; frequent catwalk runs; known for pyro, sparks, lifts. |
| Jordan Davis | Big catwalks and lighting; constant roaming; high crowd engagement. |
| Jon Pardi | High‑energy honky‑tonk; known to use pyro and roam long catwalks. |
| Chase Rice | Party‑leaning, big crowd engagement; occasional CO2/confetti on larger stages. |
| The Band Perry | Pop‑country comeback; polished staging; moderate‑high movement. |
| Margo Price | Country‑rock/Americana with jam stretches; show revamped in 2025. |
| Tyler Hubbard | Pop‑country, upbeat; lots of movement and crowd‑hype; minimal FX. |
| Chase Matthew | High‑energy pop‑country; crowd‑pleasing sing‑alongs. |
| Brooks & Dunn | Kix roams with guitar; Ronnie mostly sings at mic; classic hits sing‑along; minimal stage tricks. |
| Flatland Cavalry | Fiddle‑rich Americana; warm, sing‑along energy; set pieces sometimes themed. |
| Stephen Wilson Jr. | Intense, physical performance; primal vocals; dynamic crescendos. |
| Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen | Two‑set, jam‑leaning Americana; dynamic band interplay; harmonica/guitar features. |
| Gavin Adcock | Beer‑slinging party‑set; chaotic crowd; country‑rock. |
| Koe Wetzel | Rowdy, high‑volume set; risk of thrown drinks; gritty lighting. |
| LOCASH | Feel‑good, high‑energy; frequent crowd interactions & walkouts. |
| Gretchen Wilson | Country‑rock punch; big crowd sing‑alongs on “Redneck Woman.” |
| Treaty Oak Revival | Very rowdy, beer‑splashing crowds; high‑energy rock‑country set. |
| Drew Baldridge | Upbeat, dance‑friendly set; strong crowd interaction. |
| Zach Top | Neo‑traditional country; polished band interplay; moderate movement. |
| Wynonna Judd | Commanding vocal presence; rock‑leaning band; movement moderate. |
| The Castellows | Tight family harmonies; tasteful movement; photogenic trio symmetry. |
| Colby Acuff | Roots country; storyteller; moderate movement; strong band jams. |
| Tucker Wetmore | Rising artist; energetic, charismatic set; club‑style lighting. |
| Gabby Barrett | Pop‑country power vocals; family‑friendly; moderate movement. |
| Gary Allan | Rock‑leaning country; moody lighting; moderate movement. |
| Luke Combs | No‑frills set; huge sing‑alongs; minimal to no pyro. |
| Thelma & James | New duo; Americana‑leaning; moderate movement; harmony focus. |
| Colton Bowlin | Emerging country/rock; moderate movement; bar‑band energy. |
| Jimmy Charles | Maryland artist; upbeat, approachable; modest production. |
| Ian Harrison | Pop‑leaning country newcomer; moderate movement; polished presentation. |
| John Morgan | Modern country writer‑singer; guitar‑fronted; moderate movement. |
| LeAnn Rimes | Vocal‑centric, elegant, lower movement; minimal production. |
| Ingrid Andress | Intimate, piano‑forward; low movement; storytelling focus. |
| Timmy McKeever | Emerging teen artist; likely a straightforward debut set; minimal FX. |
| Jack Van Cleaf | Indie‑folk/country storyteller; seated or mic‑centered. |
| Avery Anna | Ballad‑forward pop‑country; modest movement. |
| Luke Borchelt | Maryland newcomer; storytelling set; modest movement. |
| Laci Kaye Booth | Smoky‑voiced ballads; minimalist staging; low movement. |
And here’s the ranking rubric:
| Artist | Stage Movement | Pyro/FX | Props/Set | Crowd Interaction | Band Dynamics | Dramatic Flair Score (1–10+) |
| Luke Bryan | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 20.5 |
| Carrie Underwood | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 19.7 |
| Jordan Davis | 5 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 16.5 |
| Jon Pardi | 5 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 16.2 |
| Chase Rice | 4 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 14.5 |
| The Band Perry | 4 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 13.7 |
| Margo Price | 4 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 13.2 |
| Tyler Hubbard | 4 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 13 |
| Chase Matthew | 4 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 13 |
| Brooks & Dunn | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 12.7 |
| Flatland Cavalry | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 12.2 |
| Stephen Wilson Jr. | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 12.2 |
| Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 12.2 |
| Gavin Adcock | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 12 |
| Koe Wetzel | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 12 |
| LOCASH | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 12 |
| Gretchen Wilson | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 12 |
| Treaty Oak Revival | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 12 |
| Drew Baldridge | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 12 |
| Zach Top | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 11.2 |
| Wynonna Judd | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 11.2 |
| The Castellows | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 11.2 |
| Colby Acuff | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 10.2 |
| Tucker Wetmore | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 10.2 |
| Gabby Barrett | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 10.2 |
| Gary Allan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 10.2 |
| Luke Combs | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 10 |
| Thelma & James | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 9.4 |
| Colton Bowlin | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 9.2 |
| Jimmy Charles | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 9.2 |
| Ian Harrison | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8.4 |
| John Morgan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8.4 |
| LeAnn Rimes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7.4 |
| Ingrid Andress | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7.4 |
| Timmy McKeever | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6.4 |
| Jack Van Cleaf | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6.4 |
| Avery Anna | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6.4 |
| Luke Borchelt | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6.4 |
| Laci Kaye Booth | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6.4 |
After the festival, I’ll report back with a comparison of the actual performances.
I’ll go into the Google Sheet and add my own score…. and we can see how GPT did with it’s predictions.
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