Venkat Raman
Artistic exposure was the highlight of the winners of the June Contest of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Awards (HIPA) announced in Dubai on Tuesday, July 23, 2019.
Winners from the United Arab Emirates (Abdulla Albuqaish), Turkey (Fatih Ozdemir), Ibrahim Almulhim (Saudi Arabia), Salim Al Hijri (Oman) and Alexander Ramat (the Philippines) extolled the ‘Cityscape,’ adding creativity to the landmarks of Dubai and Istanbul.
Ozdemir was also declared the winner of the ‘People’s Choice Award’ for June 2019. He will receive a new Nikon D7200 SLR, gifted by Nikon Middle East & Africa.
Challenging Competition
HIPA Secretary-General Ali bin Thalith said, “Cityscape is a challenging, yet satisfying photography field. It requires the photographer to compose a unique angle amongst the structures that come together to create a cityscape. It is the ability to provide a new perspective on a city that makes this art-form so challenging. It was positive to see our Gulf photographers excel in this edition, and we continue to encourage our photography community to continue participating in our upcoming edition.”
Scene in Istanbul
Ozdemir said that his entry picture was taken in 2015, showing the Sulaymaniyah Mosque, one of the most important monuments of the Ottoman Empire, and a man on his way to the Mosque.
“The fumes of the stoves were mixed with the Sunlight. This is my first time as a winner. I am very passionate about photography, I realise the importance of winning photography competitions for my career and consider this as a turning point. I always strive to discover and capture unique images,” he said.
Albuqaish said that it was not difficult to place Burj Khalifa in the middle of the Dubai Frame.
“This is my first time as a winner in a social media photo competition. I feel happy and honoured. I shoot nonstop because I know that knowledge is limitless. Winning is the best proof of excellence in the photography profession, and gives me more support from friends and the community,” he said.
About HIPA
The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award is an internationally renowned photography competition. Launched in 2011 by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Awards Programme enjoys a social and legal stature as a tool for promoting Dubai’s vision of artistic and cultural excellence. For more information, please visit www.hipa.ae
Photo Caption:
- Abdalla Albuqaish captures Burj Khalifa in the ‘Dubai Frame’
- ‘The Dubai Canal’ by Alexander Ramat
- ‘Sulaymaniyah Mosque’ in Istanbul with a man on his way to the Place of Worship
