Cultural Reflections

Capture innovative photographs that reflect the cultural values of society to show the diverse richness of people’s lives and identities. The pictures should show the way that culture is reflected in society and could record national events, religious festivals or other celebrations, music, folklore or cultural identify through national dress, fashion or faces. The places we live also provide a rich source of inspiration on how culture is reflected in our society, whether through the historical or natural environment or the modern construction of our cities.

As this year, we celebrate the famous photographer Murad Daghistani, we should look towards his work for inspiration on the way he captured the culture and society in his photographs to create a modern image that represents us and to reflect our cultural identity.

Nature

The Natural World is full of rich images. It is characterized by the diversity of its environment including natural landscapes, the beauty of flora and fauna and the grandeur of animals, birds insects and reptiles. This world provides a myriad of opportunities for the photographer to capture stunning images.

Nature Photography definition according to FIAP’s document n INFO 2001/341

Nature photography depicts living, untamed animals and uncultivated plants in a natural habitat, geology and the wide diversity of natural phenomena, from insects to icebergs.
Photographs of animals which are domesticated, caged or under any form of restraint, as well as photographs of cultivated plants are ineligible.
Minimal evidence of humans is acceptable for nature subjects, such as barn owls or storks, adapting to an environment modified by humans, or natural forces, like hurricanes or tidal waves, reclaiming it.
The original image must have been taken by the photographer, whatever photographic medium is used. Any manipulation or modification to the original image is limited to minor retouching of blemishes and must not alter the content of the original scene.
After satisfying the above requirements, every effort should be made to use the highest level of artistic skill in al) nature photographs.

Portrait

The art of the Portrait creates a memory through a picture that captures the faces of a person or people. It freezes a moment in people’s lives that can be shared with the rest of the world. The skill of a portrait photographer is to record the expressions of their subject creating a story with every image.

Macro

Macro photography brings subjects, which is not visible to the human eye, to life. The creativity and skill of the photographer can make these details a reality, sharing the beauty of this microscopic world with those around them.

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. It can capture the action or its aftermath, of pain or triumph or of 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.

Future Image by future eyes

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 1994)
   b) Up to the age of 21 Years (born after 1989)

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.