Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA) 2026 - Family

AI policy

The Dreams Through AI category invites participants to capture a photograph with distinct compositional intent, then transform it into a harmonious AI-generated image that reflects an imagined dream, with the competitive edge lying in the strength of the original concept, composition, vision and execution.

RAW files

To ensure objectivity, the panel critiques all work anonymously through a rigorous four-stage process that includes initial screening for rule compliance, scoring from specialized judging groups, comprehensive scoring by the entire panel for top entries, and a final stage involving legal and technical verification, including review of original RAW files and model releases.

Editing rules

HIPA isolates AI-generated work in a dedicated 'Dreams Through AI' category and keeps all other categories on the camera-captured side of the line. The four-stage judging process culminates in legal and technical verification including review of original RAW files and model releases - one of the more rigorous verification regimens in international fine-art photography.