HIPA Announces Theme, Categories For The Thirteenth Season Of Competition

The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) has announced the categories for its Thirteenth Season of competition, which will be themed, ‘Sustainability’.

The new season will now contain five main categories with ‘Sustainability’ serving as the main theme. There will be two new categories, ‘Sports Photography’ and Short Videos (for Social Media). Rounding off the categories will be ‘General’ (Colour and Black & White) category and ‘Portfolio (Story-Telling)’ category. The Thirteenth Season will be open from 10th March 2024 until midnight on 30th June 2024 (UAE time | GMT: +04:00), on the official website.

Ali Bin Thalith, the Secretary-General of HIPA, highlighted the organization's global focus and its role in shaping societies culturally and intellectually. Bin Thalith noted the growing popularity of the 'Sports Photography' category and the anticipation of healthy participation, especially with the increasing interest in sports photography. The Thirteenth Season's main theme, 'Sustainability,' reflects the cultural foundation and artistic umbrella chosen by HIPA's Board of Trustees, aiming to raise societal awareness and promote intellectual maturity. In addition to traditional photography, the 13th season opens the competition to short videos for social media platforms, allowing creative content makers to share inspiring and motivating stories with a positive impact on society. Submissions for HIPA's Thirteenth Season are accepted on the official website until June 30, 2024.

Categories for HIPA’s Thirteenth Season of Competition:

Sustainability

Highlighting the vital connection between the present and the future, sustainability is the ability of society to develop without depleting essential natural resources. Photography, as a powerful medium, plays a crucial role in raising awareness of such critical issues and supporting sustainable development. Through the creative lens of your camera, you have the opportunity to convey the delicate balance required to sustain our world. Photography has the power to make a difference by visually narrating the story of sustainability and inspiring positive change.

Portfolio (Story-telling)

One of most challenging categories for photographers to skilfully invite us into a story through a series of photographs.

A photographic narrative delves straight into the subject matter and tells the story from a photographer’s perspective. This is your opportunity to engage and connect the hearts and minds of the audience in a way a single photograph cannot.

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.

Short Videos (for Social Media)

With the widespread popularity of short videos on the social media platforms, we have noticed the presence of remarkably creative talents capable of producing engaging, meaningful and impactful content that resonates with a wide audience.

For the Thirteenth season, we are opening the doors to content creators to present distinctive and creative ideas through short videos tailored for social media platforms. These videos must narrate inspiring and motivational stories that have a positive impact on society.

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.

News Source: Dubai Media Office