10 winners announced for the December edition of HIPA Instagram Photo

The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, HIPA, has announced a total of ten winners for the December edition of the monthly Instagram Photo Contest, ‘Architecture’.

HIPA received submissions under the hashtag #HIPAContest_Architecture, through its official HIPA Instagram account. The ten winners are from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Spain and the United Arab Emirates. Winners will receive their respective HIPA Recognition Awards in the coming days.

Speaking on the latest Instagram Photo Contest results, the Secretary-General of HIPA, Ali bin Thalith, said, "The theme for this month’s Instagram Photo Contest targeted photographers with a keen eye and appreciation for architectural masterpieces. These photographers are often very educated and well-versed in critiquing architectural works and as a result we have received some fabulous submissions, including a wide variety of indoor and outdoor architecture from around the world. We congratulate all of this month’s winners and in-turn encourage all photographers to look more into this intriguing form of photography."

Contest winner Esam Kabli, from Saudi Arabia, described his winning photograph as, "A mix of historical and modern architecture in downtown Jeddah involving a building which was built in the 80s. Fortunately for me, the sky was clear the day I took this photograph which meant the sunlight provided the perfect lighting for this particular building." He also revealed that he has previously won 2nd place in the landscape photography contest as part of the Outdoor Photographer Magazine annual photo competition with another black and white photograph. He added, "I am very happy to win in the prestigious HIPA Instagram Photo Contest and I hope that I can create more great photography in the future which can stand the test of time."

Another winner, Bahraini photographer and filmmaker Jaan Al Balushi, said, "On a recent visit to Dubai, I thought it would not be right if I don’t pass by Burj Khalifa and sure enough, I captured this photograph that particular time." Al Balushi has previously won several photo and film awards and continued, "Every time I win an award it feels like my very first win, which only encourages me to work even harder!"

The theme for the first edition of the Instagram Photo Contest in 2017 will be announced in the coming days on HIPA’s social media platforms.