There’s Still Time to Enter Excire’s AI-Judged People in Focus Photo Contest
A total of $7000 in cash prizes is being awarded. But hurry – the competition closes on June 30th. You can submit one photo per day until the contest ends, so get on the stick.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their AI-powered photo-management software, Excire is sponsoring People in Focus, a free-to-enter contest for people of all skill levels. The contest started June 1, 2025 and runs through June 30th. A total of $7000 in cash prizes is being awarded. That’s a serious purse, but what makes People in Focus unique and a lot more fun is the umpiring. The competition is being judged entirely by artificial intelligence.
AI Trained by Expert Photographers
Excire’s in-house AI model has been trained by expert photographers to evaluate each image based on aesthetic characteristics. This allows for instant scoring, as well as a live leaderboard that updates in real-time.
Snap Judgement
Excire has explained that they are definitely not proposing that AI can replace subjective human taste. Their stated goal is to generate discussion around photography and AI, and have some fun at the same time. They pointed out that Excire AI has already been used to judge several international photography competitions. Additionally, Excire has conducted AI-judged contests of their own, but on a smaller scale.
People in Focus
Visit Excire’s contest website for official rules and complete information. Here are some of the highlights.
There is no cost or obligation to enter. Note that you must be 18 or older to participate. Some entries may be shared on Excire’s social media. Add your own © copyright indicia if you must. I would, if I were you.
First Prize: $4000 (USD)
Second Prize: $2000 (USD)
Third Prize: $1000 (USD)
To enter, visit: www.competition.excire.com.
All judging is done instantly, and you receive your current competition ranking the moment you submit an image. You can submit one photo per day until the contest ends on June 30, 2025.
When you submit your first image to the competition, you’ll receive a special 20% off discount code that can be used on all Excire products (valid through June 30th). There’s no obligation, however.
Excire encourages users to “not think too narrowly” when selecting their best shots to enter. Excire pointed out that eligible subjects include (but limited to) headshots, studio portraits, travel and environmental portraits, street candids, people-focused event photos, and wider scenes that feature people as a dominant element.
Want to Become a Better Photographer?
Begin by taking more pictures. Carry a camera everywhere you go and shoot even when you’re 110% sure the picture won’t turn out. Review all of your images with a critical eye and share them with others – and that includes posting the best on our Gallery. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter (see sign-up form on our homepage) and bookmark Shutterbug as a Favorite on your browser. We’re in this for the same reason as you – we love photography, and we’re learning more about it every day.
∞ Shutterbug Staff
