Enter the HIPA Contest Today to Win the Biggest Prize of Your Life!

The Middle East is forging its path to be a leading space for photography. Dubai opening doors for photography exhibitions to Saudi Arabia becoming a prominent space to sell photographic spaces, there is so much happening in the region. But that’s not all. The Middle East also hosts some excellent photography contests. One of them is the Hamdan International Photography Awards (HIPA), a great platform for amateurs and professionals to showcase their talents. And now, they are back with their fourteenth edition, which is a perfect opportunity for those who want to win big.

The Theme and Categories of HIPA

This year, the theme of the contest is Power, which, according to HIPA’s website, is defined as a “complex and multi-faceted force” that has been a part of “pride and honor” in our history. Thus, the images submitted to this contest have to portray the concept of power, which can be from any genre, aerial, photojournalism, and even abstract. The photographs can be artistic, technical, and/or portray human perspectives and be able to convey the “philosophical and aesthetic dimensions of power.”

The contest has five categories: Power, Sports Photography, Portfolio, General (black and white and color), and a new category, Drone (video). The latter addition has been added specifically to recognize those who use drones to create diverse and unique visuals. Furthermore, it also helps people using different techniques and gears to showcase their talents.

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The Sports Photography category, which becomes permanent this year, allows particoants to showcase their craft that went in capturing the energy and drama of the game. It is also a great way to celebrate people who continue to be overshadowed by other genres.

Portfolio is a great category for anyone who captures moving series. As for general catgroy, this offers participants a way to explore their vision without boundaries and constraints.

HIPA also has three special awards this year: The ‘Photography Appreciation Award’, The ‘Photography Content Creator Award‘ (by invitation from HIPA) and the ‘HIPA Photographer of the Year Award‘ (by submission and nomination).

The Big Prizes

HIPA also has some exciting prizes for varied winners with a total pool of $1,000,000. The grand prize winner will get $200,000. In addition each category has three winners. The first, second, and third prize winners will get $40,000, $30,000, and $20,000 respectively. Similarly, there is something special for the other three awards. The Photography Appreciation Award winner will get $100,000, while the HIPA Photographer of The Year and The Photography Content Creator Award will get $80,000 snd $50,000 each.

Still Thinking Why You Should Participate?

Founded in 2011, HIPA has found some exceptional judges to look at the entries and choose winners. This includes a jury of internationally renowned photographers, photo editors, and more, who look at your work. In addition to the grand prize, one also gets immense exposure after they have won the award. You will be published in various photography-focused magazines, news papers, and even have a social media presence. Above all, it is a free to enter contest.

HIPA also have a very strict rule about AI photography, and the AI images sent to them will be disqualified. This truly great to know, considering what happened wit Sony Photography awards a while back. HIPA, over thee years, has awarded some truly exceptional work, paving the way for many emerging talent. It would be a missed opportunity if you don’t apply this year!

The contest will accept deadlines until May 31. For more information, visit their website.