The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) has unveiled ‘Power’ as the theme for its Fourteenth Season Competition. This season will feature five main categories, with ‘Power’ serving as the primary theme.

‘Sports Photography’ category is now a staple along with ‘General (Colour and Black & White)’ category and ‘Portfolio (Story-Telling)’ category. The other new category is ‘Drone (Video)’, rounding off the categories. The Fourteenth Season Competition will be open from 10th January 2025 until midnight on 31^st May 2025 (UAE Local time, GMT: +4:00). Submission will be made through the official website www.hipa.ae.     

The Secretary General of HIPA, Ali Bin Thalith said, “HIPA has entered a new phase of global influence in the photography industry, supporting visual talents, promoting the culture of photography and its positive role in cultural communications between people.”

Bin Thalith added, “Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and patron of HIPA, we have achieved significant progress in international institutional rankings. Key milestones have included raising the prize value from USD $450,000 to USD $1 million, introducing the Special Award category 'HIPA Photographer of the Year', and launching the mobile app ‘HIPA Awards’ in Arabic and English on all major platforms.” His Excellency highlighted that “the response from the global photography community to these developments has surpassed expectations. This was particularly evident during the ceremony honouring the winners of the previous edition and its subsequent international engagement. These achievements provide HIPA with further motivation to pursue continuous growth and innovation, aligning with the aspirations of photographers worldwide.”

Bin Thalith revealed that “the Drone (Video) category opens a competitive door for creative content creators to showcase unique ideas using drone technology, which have empowered their users to push the boundaries of creativity. This has led to the production of exceptional works that have not only transformed the photography industry but also enhanced its influence across various fields.”

Expanding on the main theme of the Fourteenth Season, Bin Thalith expressed, “Visual arts are a mirror of peoples' cultures and their desires to express ideas, issues, and individuality. Power has been a key component for humans since ancient times, to maintain their survival, ensure security, resources and protection from dangers. Over time, the sources, effects, and uses of power have evolved, but its importance remains unchanged.”

Bin Thalith concluded, “The HIPA Board of Trustees has selected ‘Power’ as this year’s theme for photographers to explore and interpret. Power serves as both a catalyst for change and transformation and a source of inspiration and fear. Photographers are invited to capture this concept from artistic, technical, and human perspectives; emphasising its philosophical and aesthetic aspects. The theme also aims to raise awareness of the importance of using power toward positive outcomes to help shape a better future.”

Submissions for HIPA’s Fourteenth Season will be accepted on the official website, www.hipa.ae  

The deadline for submissions will be the 31st May 2024 at 11.59 pm (UAE Standard Time, GMT +4:00).

Categories for HIPA’s Fourteenth Season of Competition:

Power

‘Power’, a multi-faceted theme, is not just something we can see or measure; it is also something we feel and engage with. It exists in many forms, each with its own dimensions and meanings. 

Whether in the raw force of nature, the creativity and innovation of humankind, the complexities of social and political conflict, or humanity’s attempts to control nature through technology, power manifests in countless ways.

Power is found in technological influence, as well as in the destructive forces that shape our world like wars, pollution and climate change. Power drives change and transformation - in ways both inspiring and unsettling. 

We invite photographers from around the world to explore and capture the concept of power through artistic, technical and/or human perspectives. This category welcomes all forms of photography including aerial, photojournalism, and even abstract, to highlight the philosophical and aesthetic dimensions of power.

Drone (Video)

Photographers have reached new creative heights using specialised tools to enhance their artistic control and produce exceptional ideas that have shaped the photography industry and influenced various fields.

This category invites photographers to present their artistry; showcasing content that combines creativity, emotion, and originality.

Sports Photography

If you enjoy the dynamic energy of sports action than this is the category for you. Photographers have to capture scenes that translate the emotional and visual narrative of sporting events. This is an exciting opportunity to blend sports appreciation with artistic expression.

General

Every year, thousands eagerly await the return of the General Category, as it remains the highlight for photographers to showcase their artistry that is not defined under a specific category.

More than one-third of the submissions over the years has been from this category; which continues to evolve advancing both in quality and diversity.

Due to its popularity, we continue to offer participants two opportunities to participate under these sub-categories: the first in Black & White - to transport us to the classic world of the monochromatic palette; and the second in Colour - to experience the rich tapestry of hues.

Portfolio (Story-Telling)

A challenging category for photographers to the art of visual story-telling, where each image weaves into a compelling narrative.

Photographers must create a powerful, unified series that engage and connect the hearts and minds of the audience in a way a single photograph cannot.

HIPA Photographer of The Year

Introduced in 2024, the ‘HIPA Photographer of the Year Award’ celebrates an exceptional photographer whose creative achievements over 12 consecutive months have resulted in a remarkable portfolio of visual masterpieces and ground-breaking photographic projects.

To participate, photographers must present their accomplishments from the past year, including current projects and future creative visions. Submissions should feature iconic images that define their artistic journey during this period.

Photographers meeting these criteria can submit their entries in accordance with the detailed guidelines.

HIPA Special Awards (By Invitation Only):

Photography Appreciation Award

Many people within the photography industry 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/have shown long-standing commitment to enhancing the art of photography. By awarding the recipient, HIPA hopes to give back a small amount of the respect and appreciation they deserve.

Photography Content Creator Award

Service to photography is not limited to taking stunning photographs, but extends to editors, publishers, bloggers, researchers, inventors, promoters and all print and digital content creators that have had a positive impact on the industry and helped shape it to what it is today.