Official Website : www.hipa.ae

ABOUT THE HAMDAN BIN MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD ( HIPA)

Since its inception, the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) continues to inspire photographers from all around the world with its message of photographic excellence.
The four categories for the fifth season of competition have a special appeal to each and every single one of us, as they will no doubt touch on subject matters which will relate to a large portion of photographers all around the world.
On any given day, as humans we feel a variety of emotions, but one of the most beautiful and heart-warming emotions we can feel, is “Happiness”, which is also the main theme for this season’s competition. We challenge photographers to go out, with their camera lenses and bring the happiness of the world we live in through their camera lenses.

As is the case every season, we are set to encourage photographers to explore the world we live through their photography, hence the return of the “General” category.
The “Wildlife” category is a challenge set in stone for those who enjoy adventure and capturing those “never repeating” moments which can only be captured in the wilderness. Finally, we are set to encourage photographers to explore the special relationships between “Fathers and Sons” in our fourth and final category. We expect some of the most powerful photographs to come from this category as a result of the special bond many parents have with their children.
With that, our categories are completed for the fifth season of competition ‘Happiness”. We hope to challenge al talented photographers with all 4 categories and in turn reach new unprecedented milestones.

FIFTH SEASON CATEGORIES «2015 – 2016»

HAPPINESS

Alternative titles: Secrets to Happiness, Moments of Happiness On any given day, as humans we feel a variety of emotions, but one of the most beautiful and heart-warming emotions we can feel, is happiness. This eternal search for happiness has inspired humankind to embark, not only on incredible life journeys, but experience great life moments. It takes a keen photographer’s eye to capture these secret moments of happiness.

WILDLIFE

A category for the adventurer at heart, wildlife photography captures all creatures great and small roaming free within their natural habitat. Photographers are invited to take us on a journey of discovery into wild, and intrigue us with a rare insight into life within the animal kingdom.

FATHER AND SON

No bond compares to the bonds we have within our families; and no bond is greater than that which we share with our parents. We invite photographers to celebrate and capture what’s at the heart of the relationship a father holds with his children. A child has a unique relationship with his/her father, constantly aspiring to grow and be nurtured under their wing, to one day step out into the world and be the man (adult) they always saw, when they looked into their father’s eyes; Truly the makings of an awe-inspiring photograph.

GENERAL

A category as broad as ‘General’ can be mistaken for lacking inspiration for a photographer, but for a true artist it’s all the direction they need. A photographer sees great compositions around every corner, whether it be walking down the street, driving a car, enjoying lunch in a restaurant, or just relaxing at home. It’s for this very reason that a photographer’s best friend will always be their beloved camera; because you never know when inspiration will strike you next.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Photography Appreciation Award (Personal, Group or Team Award)* There are many people within the photography industry who are dedicated and relentless in their pursuit for excellence.
These people offer their services and expertise without expecting a return on their efforts and therefore form a vital part of the photographic community. The “Photography Appreciation Award” is a special category for a person or group who has shown long-standing commitment to enhancing the art of photography. By award the recipient, HIPA hopes to give back a small portion of the respect and appreciation they deserve. Photographic Research/Report Award*
Research requires unprecedented time and efforts towards a particular field of study. It is invaluable in helping mankind create the future and advance knowledge and capabilities. The Hamdan International Photography Award aims to enhance the ever-developing research field within photography by introducing the “Photographic Research/Report Award”.
The Award will celebrate research which reaches reflects excellence in the field of photography. This falls in line with the strategic goal of the award to develop the art of photography for the entire photographic community.
*Participants may enter these two special awards by invitation only.

Categories and Prize Money for the Fifth Season of The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award

Submissions Open: 21st March 2015 / Submissions Close: 31st December 2015 (Midnight) **