Finalist, HIPA - Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashin Al Matoum International Photography Award 2025

The Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA) is an annual event showcasing awe-inspiring images by professional and amateur photographers from around the world.

Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA) is an international photography award, founded in 2011 under the patronage of the crown prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The annual total prize money is USD$100,0000 (up from $389,000 in 2013).

The award is open to anyone. In its first year (2011/2012), 5600 photographers were involved from 99 countries; in its second year (2012/2013), 19,000 thousand people from 121 countries were involved.

This is the photo contest with the biggest prize money in the world, but it is only one winner in each category.

For the Portfolio category, the theme for this year is Power.

"Power can be defined as a complex and multi-faceted force that has been a source of pride and honour throughout history. It is a fundamental human desire, difficult to fully capture due to its broad scope and diverse meanings. Power drives change and transformation - an engine for progress. It can also inspire or instill fear, making it a dynamic and influential force in human life."

For the eighth year in a row, the ‘Portfolio’ category continues to bring in great photographic works from photographers that have an awe-inspiring passion for visual story-telling."

Only the best photos make it to the finals....

This is my 3rd time as a finalist in the "Portfolio" category of the contest - the first was a few years back with "Flowers of Ethiopia"...and then "The Venice Carnevale" in 2023.

This year, my photo project is called The Wall at the Venice Carnevale - Lost Between Stars and Shadows (威尼斯嘉年華的街頭舞台 - 迷失在星光與陰影之間 ヴェネツィア・カルネヴァーレの壁 - 星と影の間に迷う).

This is a very large photo project, consisting of more than a 100 photos of the 100+ photo subjects. The full series will probably be ready and released at the end of the year.

The contest requires 8 photos to form a series, hence I quickly chose some of the more memorable ones from a few months back.

The titles for the 10 photos for this contest:

1. Pulcinella

2. Witches of the Forgotten Tales

3. Two Pulcinellos

4. Clash of the Titans

5. Djinn

6. The Painted Lady

7. The Red Queens

8. The Purple Jester

   
   

You can read about their individual descriptions and stories on their dedicated blog posts...

2025 is my 11th year at the Venice Carnevale...

These are photos from my daily life at the Venice Carnevale...

This is my 11th year at the Venice Carnevale...

A Decade of Disguise: My 11-Year Photographic Journey Through the Venice Carnevale

There are places that whisper to the soul, enticing you back year after year, promising new secrets, new light, and new stories. For me, that place is Venice, and its most compelling guise is during the Carnevale. For the past eleven years, as winter's chill still bites the air, I've found myself drawn back to the labyrinthine calli and misty canals, not as a mere spectator, but as a dedicated photographer, chasing the fleeting magic of this ancient festival.

My first encounter with Venice Carnevale was transformative. Stepping into St. Mark's Square, enveloped by a symphony of silk and velvet, intricate masks, and the muffled murmur of voices, felt like walking onto the set of a dream. It was an immediate, overwhelming urge to capture every facet of this living theatre, a spectacle unlike any other. What began as a passionate pursuit soon evolved into an annual pilgrimage, a deeply ingrained ritual.

Beyond the Snapshot: The Art of Anticipation

Eleven years in, it’s no longer about simply snapping pictures. It's about understanding the rhythm of the Carnevale, the nuances of the light, and the unspoken language of the Comportati – the dedicated, costumed participants who truly bring the festival to life. My days begin before dawn, navigating the deserted calli by the glow of streetlights, seeking out the perfect, untouched backdrops before the crowds descend.

The challenge, and the joy, lies in the waiting. Waiting for the lone figure to emerge into a ray of morning light piercing an ancient archway. Waiting for a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the throng. Waiting for the elegant sweep of a cloak, the tilt of a mask, or the subtle gesture that reveals the character beneath the disguise. It requires immense patience, a keen eye for composition, and an understanding that the best shots are earned, not rushed.

The Muses of Masks and Mystique

Over the years, many of the Comportati have become familiar faces – or rather, familiar masks. There’s an unspoken camaraderie that develops between photographer and subject. They understand my quest for the perfect shot, and I appreciate their dedication to their elaborate costumes, which are often months, if not years, in the making. These aren't just outfits; they are carefully crafted identities, drawing inspiration from history, commedia dell'arte, and pure fantasy.

Photographing them is a dance of respect and collaboration. Sometimes, a simple nod is enough to ask for a pose. Other times, it's a brief conversation, a shared laugh, before they step into character for the lens. Capturing the intricate details of their masks, the textures of their fabrics, and the way they embody their chosen persona is a constant source of inspiration. Each portrait is an attempt to distill the essence of their fleeting transformation.

Challenges and Evolving Perspectives

The Venetian Carnevale, while enchanting, is not without its photographic challenges. The crowds can be overwhelming, especially in popular spots. The weather is often bitterly cold, with occasional rain or thick fog that can either enhance the atmosphere or make shooting incredibly difficult. And then there's the sheer exhaustion of early mornings, long days on your feet, and late nights processing images.

Yet, these challenges have only sharpened my skills. I've learned to work with less-than-ideal light, to find quiet pockets amidst the chaos, and to anticipate the flow of people. My photographic style has evolved from trying to capture everything to focusing on more intimate, character-driven portraits. I've moved beyond the obvious landmarks, seeking out the quieter bridges, hidden courtyards, and shadowed alleys where the true magic often unfolds.

The Enduring Allure

After eleven years, I've seen some subtle changes in the Carnevale itself, but its core magic remains undimmed. It is still a place where time seems to fold in on itself, where history breathes alongside contemporary artistry. It's a testament to human creativity, a celebration of escapism, and a profound communal experience.

For me, the Venice Carnevale is more than just an event; it's an annual school of light, composition, and human connection. Each year, I return with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to explore new angles, tell new stories, and deepen my understanding of this ephemeral, beautiful dream. And as the final fireworks explode over the lagoon, marking the end of another Carnevale, I always find myself thinking, "Until next year, Venezia, until we dance in the shadows once more."