6th Annual Emirates Photography Competition

Under the patronage of International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is organizing the Sixth Session of the Emirates Photography Competition (EPC) 2011.

The aim of the EPC is to develop photography in the United Arab Emirates by attracting as many photographers as possible and nurturing their talents and by supporting professionals. EPC intends to achieve this through specialized workshops, interactive meetings, seminars and holding both solo and collective exhibitions inside and outside the country. The EPC also encourages the comprehensive acquisition and publication of photographic works.

Being one of the most renowned photographic events in the Middle East, the EPC invites the submission of outstanding works of different artistic styles. However, all participating works must respect performance values and standards of photographic art, as well as FIAP rules.

In each annual session, the EPC has a “Main Theme” that encourages photographers to explore untapped potential. There are also four additional themes which may vary from one year to the next.

This year, the EPC celebrates the famous US photographer Ansel Adams (1902-1984), one of the greatest creative talents in the history of photography. He was best known for his dazzling black-and-white photographs, which are still inspiring the photographic world today. He developed the Zone System, for determining a picture’s optimal exposure and development. His books and pictures are a precious visual legacy. The Sixth Session’s ‘Black and White’ theme focuses on Adams’ works and is a tribute to the importance of his research and study of photography.

As part of the Sixth Session’s program the EPC also honors photographer Noor Ali RashId (1929-2010), one of the leading figures in the art of photography in the UAE. The EPC would like to honor Noor Ali Rashid in recognition of, and as a token of appreciation for, his photographic work, which documents details of life within UAE society and its ruling families.

A special award named after the late photographer Noor Ali Rashid will be given to the best Emirati photographer of 2011 for works that highlight local environmental and cultural symbols of the UAE through participation in different themes of the competition.

Due to the distinguished level of the participating works at the previous UAE Talent Competition, the youth section of the EPC has been split into two age groups: sixteen to twenty-one and those under sixteen.  The Competition seeks contributions under the theme ‘Image of the future’ and it aims to recognize young photographic talent from around the world.

For the first time the EPC will give an award for the best collection of photographs from participants living in the Arab world. A FIAP Gold Medal will be given to each of the best five authors participating in the Sixth Session.

There will also be an award for the best five groups from international photography associations and clubs. This will support the role that these clubs play in developing the cultural movement of photography.

The EPC believes in the inclusive nature of art and its timeless ability to unite the interests and creativity of human beings everywhere, as well as the ability of photography to facilitate interaction and communication amongst people. Therefore the EPC’s Sixth Edition will be open to all photographers from around the world.

Sections of the Competition

First: The Main Theme

Black & White through Creative Eyes

Capture innovative pictures in monochrome only, which demonstrate the magic of black and white and reflect its varied contrast in different subjects of life. Show the energies of expression and creativity, whether from nature; the activity of humans, their lifestyle or facial expressions; essentially capturing life’s detail, or interactions through the camera.

As, this year, we are celebrating the famous photographer Ansel Adams, it is worth considering him as the inspiration for this theme, particularly in regard to his visions in the field of black-and-white technique. Not only will his work provide inspiration for subjects and themes, but it will also inspire you to apply his techniques to capture the world as you see it.

FIAP definition of Black and White:

A black and white work fitting from very dark grey (black) to the very clear grey (white) is a monochrome work containing various shades of grey.

A black and white work toned entirely in a single colour will remain a monochrome work able to stand in the black and white category; such a work can be reproduced in black and white in the catalogue of a salon under FIAP Patronage.

On the other hand a black and white work modified by a partial toning or by the addition of one colour becomes a colour work (polychrome) to stand in the colour category; such a work requires colour reproduction in the catalogue of a salon under FIAP Patronage.

Second: General Themes

1 – Wildlife

The Natural World is full of rich images. It is characterized by the diversity of its environment, the beauty and the grandeur of species, and dazzling terrains where the world of animals, birds and reptiles roam freely… This world provides a myriad of opportunities for the photographer to capture stunning images.

2 – People at Work

There is a close correlation between human beings and work in the continuity of life and its development. This relationship has contributed to the formation of the cultural record as people have built civilizations and converted raw materials into valuable products. People adapt their environment, contribute to their society and create handicrafts; each field serving as a record of the diversity of the world’s cultures.

3 – Sport
The photography of sport and movement provides a vivid example of the value of the critical moment in the captured image; whether it is still or moving;  of the action or its aftermath; of pain or triumph or of different expressions of movement and sequence in sport or the reaction of spectators. The artistically and dramatically crafted picture can give the greatest impact despite the familiarity of this area due to journalistic photography.

4 – Still Life & Abstract

The idea of art is to reshape reality and develop new ideas invoked by our awareness of the relationships between the harmonious or conflicting shapes around us. A photograph can create an integrated single entity drawn from variations between shapes and concepts. The idea is that the image has a synthetic, live and consistent structure.

5 – Future Image by future eyes -for entrants under 21

This is a special category for those participants that are under 21 years of age.  It will be split into two groups; those who are between 16 and 21, and those under 16.

A.     Up to the age of 16 years (born after 1993)

B. Up to the age of 21 Years (born after 1988)

The Theme of this category is open, and covers a wide range of topics such as nature, people, landscapes, abstract, details or other styles of photography. All images should show the creative or artistic ability of the photographer, demonstrating the use of light, composition and creative vision that contribute to a photograph’s ability to portray a message or a story.

To enter this category the photographer does not need to use a professional camera, but can use any digital camera available from which a high quality image can be obtained.  Images from mobile phones are not allowed.  Participation as a group is also allowed if through a school, college, university or other educational institution.

PRIZES

Grand Prize

AED 50,000 + FIAP Gold Medal
given to the best participation in the Main Theme

Main Theme Award

First Prize
AED 20.000 + FIAP Gold Medal
Second Prize:
AED 15.000 + FIAP Silver Medal
Third Prize:
AED 10.000 + FIAP Bronze Medal

General Themes Award

The following three prizes are given to the winners in each of the four General Themes:
First Prize:
AED 20,000 + FIAP Gold Medal
Second Prize:
AED 15,000 + FIAP Silver Medal
Third Prize:
AED 10,000 + FIAP Bronze Medal

UAE Talent Award

The following three prizes are given to the winners on the Future Image by future eyes category for the each age group.

First Prize:
AED 12,000 + FIAP Gold Medal
Second Prize:
AED 10,000 + FIAP Silver Medal
Third Prize:
AED 8000 + FIAP Bronze Medal

“Noor Ali Rashid” Award for the Emirati Photographer of 2011

Given to the best portfolio presented by an Emirati photographer, highlighting local, environmental and cultural symbols of the UAE.

Prize:

AED 30,000 + FIAP Gold Medal

Emirati photo Award

Given to an Emirati photographer for their best works across all themes.
First Prize:
AED 20,000 + FIAP Gold Medal
Second Prize:
AED 15,000 + FIAP Silver Medal
Third Prize:
AED 10,000 + FIAP Bronze Medal

Arab photo Award:

Given to participants living in the Arab world for their best works across all themes, which include:

Five FIAP Gold Medals.

Photography Clubs Award

Given to the best group participation by photography associations or clubs from around the world, which includes:

Three prizes of AED 10,000 + FIAP Gold Medal

Five FIAP Gold Medals.

• All medal winners from outside the UAE will have five-day invitation, inclusive of travel and accommodation costs, to attend the EPC’s program and award ceremony in Abu Dhabi.

• All medal winners will receive trophies, in the shape of the EPC’s logo, and FIAP medals.

All those participants that receive an honourable mention will receive FIAP Ribbons.

• All participants will receive, by mail, a copy of the EPC’s book and a participation certificate.

Prize money in each section will be paid to winners in UAE Dirham or the equivalent in foreign currencies. Prizes will be given to participants in person in Abu Dhabi or be transferred to their bank accounts on the date of award ceremony.

•The value of the UAE Dirham is roughly: US $ 1 = AED 3.70

•A passport copy will be required to be able to receive the award.

Terms and Conditions:

To participate in the EPC, photographers must:

1. Log on to your account on the Emirates Photography Competition website www.ephotoc.net or if you are a new user register on the site.

2. Fill in the application form in English only.

3. A numerical code will be emailed to you on successful registration. Please use this code in file naming and when you send your entry and participation fee to EPC.

4. Pay their participation fees in cash, in US Dollar or UAE Dirham only, as following:

A. Individual participation in the Main Theme: US $ 20 – AED 70.

B. Individual participation in the General Themes: US $ 10 – AED 35 for each theme.

C. Individual participation in all themes (Main and General): US $ 45 – AED 180.

D. Group participation in all themes (Main and General): US $ 40 – AED 145 (per participant).

E. participation in the Future Image Theme: US $ 10 – AED 35.

Rules related to participants:

5. Entry is open to all photographers worldwide, amateur or professional either as an individual or as a Group.

If entering as a Group there must be a minimum of 10 participants and the entry must be sent on a single CD/DVD with a separate folder for each author. The folder is to be labeled with the participant’s name and individual registration code.

6. Photographers can participate in one, some, or all themes (Main and General).

7. Each photographer can submit a maximum of four photographs to each theme. The same photograph cannot be entered into more than one Theme.

8. Instead of submitting individual photographs into the Main Theme participants may submit a portfolio for the Main Theme only, provided that the portfolio corresponds to the theme (monochrome). A portfolio should consist of at least six and no more than ten photographs.

9. The closing date for the receipt of participating works is the March 31, 2011.

10. Participants must submit their photographs digitally on CD or DVD and keep the originals for reference if requested by the Administration of the EPC. E-mail attachments will not be accepted. CD/DVD will not be returned.

11. Each CD or DVD must have the participant’s name and registration code written on the disc (no sticky labels) and be mailed along with the participation fees to the following address:

Mr. Bader Al Nomani

Emirates Photography Competition

P. O. Box 2380

Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

If to be delivered in person or via courier:

Mr. Bader Al Nomani

Emirates Photography Competition

Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

Road 17, the National Theatre building, Art Workshop.

Phone: +971 2 657 6378 and +971 2 657 6352

Rules related to Photographs:

12. Photographs may be in colour or monochrome, except photographs for the Main Theme, which must be in monochrome.

13. Photographs can be edited or have additions as long as they are authentic and are the own work of the participant.

14. Photographs with scripts, borders or drawings such as signatures are not accepted.

15. Each image must have a unique file name, as follows:

XZZ-######-Title of Image.jpg

Where X is the Theme Code

M for the Main Theme

W for Wildlife

P for People at Work

S for Sport

A for Still Life and Abstract

Y is Picture of the Future

Where ZZ is the numbering sequence used on your entry form

01 – 04 for the general Themes and 01-10 for Portfolios submitted into the Main Theme.

Where ###### is your unique registration code given after completing the Entry Form, on the EPC website.

For example entries for the Main Theme will have the following file name

M01-100521-Morning Sunrise.jpg

M02-100521-Indian Temple.jpg

The number and title of the Image must match those submitted on the application form.

If submitting a portfolio for the Main Theme please give a title to each of your images as well as a title to the portfolio.

16. Photographs must be submitted in JPG format only and saved at the largest size, and highest quality and at least 300 dpi.

To get high quality printouts, it is not advisable to scale down the originals or enlarge or scale down quality settings whether the originals are less or more than 300 dpi. Regardless of the camera type, unchanged original photos definitely give the best printouts.

17. Photographs originating from film, medium or large format cameras or slide are all acceptable provided they scanned and entered digitally.

18. Photographs that participated in previous sessions of the EPC are not accepted.

Participants shall:

19. Acknowledge that the works submitted are their own and are not plagiarised or adopted from or do not include any elements from works by other artists.

20. Acknowledge that the rights related to their submitted photographs have not been assigned, sold, reserved or licensed in any way whatsoever to a third party or be subject to any restriction that may restrict their use or publication by EPC.

21. Acknowledge that they have obtained all the required approvals with respect to the persons appearing in their photographs or with respect to their publication in books, prints and exhibitions as per the above rules.

22. Authorize the EPC to exhibit their submitted photographs in exhibitions organized by ADACH inside and outside the UAE.

23. Authorize the EPC and ADACH to reproduce and publish or allow third parties to reproduce and publish, all their submitted photographs through all types of international media outlets providing that it is for non commercial purposes. The intellectual and material rights will remain with the photographer.

Other conditions:

24. The Administration shall have the right to reject without justification any entry that does not meet the requirements, objectives or themes of the EPC.

25. Once submitted, participants shall not have the right to withdraw their photographs.

26. The EPC shall not be liable to any loss or damage of any entry or participation fees resulting from mail service or any other reason whatsoever.

27. The rules and regulations of participation are final. Participation shall constitute an inclusive and prior approval by participants of the above said rules and regulations. Entries that do not observe such rules and regulations shall be rejected.

Calendar

Closing Date for the receipt of entries: 31^st March 2011.

Judging: 10^th April 2011.

Notification of Results by email: 15^th April 2011.

Award Ceremony and Exhibition: May 2011.

Issue of catalogues: May 2011.

Jury Panel

A five members Jury, with expertise and competencies in all Visual Art and Culture, from local and International Level, will be announce later.