HIPA Celebrates 14th Awards Ceremony for Photography Excelle
The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) recently celebrated its 14th annual awards ceremony, showcasing the theme of ‘Power.’ Held at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, the event attracted dignitaries and photography enthusiasts from around the globe, highlighting the remarkable achievements of photographers worldwide.
Highlights of the Ceremony
Grand Prize Winner
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, presented the prestigious $200,000 Grand Prize to Italian photographer Gianluca Gianferrari. His breathtaking photograph of Mount Etna depicts a dramatic eruption, with flames and glowing lava contrasting against the pure white snow. This striking image not only captures the raw power of nature but also creates a celestial mosaic under a starry night sky.
Special Awards Recognitions
The ceremony also recognized several outstanding photographers with special awards. American photographer Rick Smolan received the Appreciation Award for his influential career as a photographer, author, and speaker. His work has significantly raised awareness of humanitarian issues globally.
The Content Creator Award was given to Mark Smith, an American photographer and filmmaker renowned for his expertise in bird photography. His impactful work has reached over two billion views and serves as a vital resource for aspiring photographers.
Omani photographer Salem Al-Hajri was honored as the HIPA Photographer of the Year for his compelling projects that celebrate Omani and Arab cultural heritage. His work connects ancient traditions with contemporary narratives, showcasing the region’s rich identity through vibrant imagery.
Insights from HIPA Leadership
During the event, Ali bin Thalith, Secretary General of HIPA, expressed gratitude to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his unwavering support of the award and the art of photography. He noted that this year, HIPA received over 87,000 submissions from approximately 50,000 photographers, reflecting the global embrace of photography as a powerful medium for storytelling.
Bin Thalith emphasized HIPA’s commitment to promoting photography’s cultural significance and its role in addressing global issues. He highlighted the award’s efforts to elevate Emirati photographers to international recognition, showcasing their dedication and talent.
Category Winners
The ceremony also honored winners across various categories:
– **’Power’ Category**: First place went to Syrian photographer Hashem Dardowra, followed by Indian photographer Deepak Singh Dogra in second, and Australian photographer Scott Portelli in third.
– **General Category**: In the ‘General – Colour’ category, American photographer Karine Aigner secured first place, with Jack Zhi and Marcin Giba taking second and third, respectively. In the ‘General – Black and White’ category, Australian photographer Ted Grambeau won first, followed by South African Chris Fallows and Emirati Yousef Bin Shakar Al Zaabi.
– **Portfolio Category**: Palestinian photographer Ali Jadallah took first place, with Marek Biegalski from Poland in second and Emirati Ammar AlSayed Ahmed in third.
– **Sports Photography**: The first-place award was presented to Vladimir Tadić from Bosnia and Herzegovina, with German photographer Laci Perényi and Japanese photographer Masatoshi Ujihara following in second and third.
– **Drone (Video) Category**: American photographer Karim Iliya won first place, with Norwegian Chrisander Bergan and Indian Shantha Kumar Nagendran in second and third.
FAQs
What is HIPA?
The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) is an annual photography competition that aims to promote photography as an art form and recognize talented photographers worldwide.
How many submissions were received this year?
This year, HIPA received over 87,000 submissions from approximately 50,000 photographers, showcasing a diverse range of talent and creativity.
Who presented the awards during the ceremony?
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the Grand Prize and various awards, alongside other dignitaries who honored winners in specific categories.
Conclusion
The 14th HIPA awards ceremony successfully celebrated the power of photography, recognizing both emerging and established talents from around the world. As the event continues to grow, it reinforces the importance of visual storytelling in addressing global issues and preserving cultural heritage. Looking ahead, HIPA remains committed to supporting photographers and enhancing the art of photography on a global scale.
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