PHOTOGRAPHY Winners of HIPA’s ‘THE SEA’ and ‘TRADITIONS’ Instagram Photo Contest Announced

April’s ‘People’s Choice Award’ winner will receive a brand new CANON EOS M50 Camera, courtesy of Canon Middle East; May’s ‘People’s Choice Award’ winner will receive a brand new SONY Alpha a6300, courtesy of Sony Middle East.

HIPA Secretary General, His Excellency Ali bin Thalith said, “The photographic lens is always on the endless pursuit of mystery; and under the sea is one of its favourite hiding spots. The sea has long captured the interest and adventurous spirit of photographers all around the world. The quality of submissions reflects the awe-inspiring nature of our marine life.

Photos are also a great ambassador for sharing what holds great meaning and value in our lives; our traditions. All across the globe people have their own unique rituals and cultures and photography provides a beautiful platform to communicate and share our stories. We congratulate all our winners and continue to encourage our photography community to participate in our upcoming editions.”

April’s winner of the ‘People’s Choice Award’ was Arief Adhari @arief.photo from Indonesia and he said, “The photograph was taken in the Talsayan Sea on the island of Dirawan, Indonesia in 2017. Some whale sharks were swimming near traditional fishing boats. I was very happy to win the competition again, after having won the Ramadan 2016 edition. I am constantly inspired by many photographers including Paul Nicklen, Michael Yamashita and Arbain Rambey.”

The Emarati winner, Fatema Al Kamali @fatemaalkamali said, “The photo was taken in the Philippines in January 2019. The beauty of the beaches there gave me the enthusiasm of exploring the scenery from the air. It is the first time I win. I thank HIPA for this opportunity and I have a great desire to take more photos and participate in all the upcoming competitions. I always intend to inspire creators, share knowledge and send creative messages through the art of photography.”

May’s winner of the ‘People’s Choice Award’ was Mayank J. Prajapati @mayank.prajapati.9026 from India and he said, “The photo was taken during the annual Gangaur Folk Art Festival in Udaipur, Rajasthan. ‘Ghumar’ is the name of the folk dance performed by women in traditional costumes called ‘Sari’, which also cover their faces. The picture is entitled ‘Harmony’, where gratitude, simplicity, harmony of colors and movement stand out. Winning in the HIPA contest has a special prestige for all photographers. I consider photography to be a very fast and effective global communication medium, and I aspire to develop my talent and share with photographery communities around the world.”

WINNERS: The Sea

Fatema Al Kamali, UAE

Khalid Jamal Abdullah, Iraq

Salma Abdelfattah Mohamed, Egypt

Arief Adhar, Indonesia

Reza Golchin Kouhi, Iran

WINNERS: Traditions

Asad Abdullah Alnabhnai, Oman

Awf Abdullah Al Shehhi, Oman

Mayank J. Prajapati, India

Leyla Emektar, Turkey

Babak Mehrafshar, Iran