If AI Is Trained on Your Photographs, Is the Result Still Photography?
Photography has worked without a camera and without shooting. Generative images test what is left after that.
You spend twenty years building a photographic archive, then train a generative model on it. The model begins producing images that look unmistakably like your work. Are those images photography?
Two questions hide in that one. Are the images photographs? And can the practice that produced them still be photographic?
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HIPA Photography Award Passes 1 Million Photos as 15th Season Judging Ends
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Patron of HIPA, honours American photographer Scott Kelby, recipient of the Photographic Research/Report Award in HIPA’s 4th Season, Life in Colour.
The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) has finished judging its 15th season, with 'Family' as its theme. The award has now received more than one million photographs from over 500,000 photographers from 209 countries. Winners will be honored on 10 November 2026 at Dubai's Museum of the Future.
From HIPA:
The Board of Trustees of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) has announced the completion of the judging process for the award’s 15th season, themed ‘Family’.
The announcement was made during a Board of Trustees meeting at HIPA’s headquarters in Dubai, where members reviewed annual performance reports, strategic initiatives, development plans and preparations for the season’s awards ceremony which will take place on 10 November 2026 at the Museum of the Future.
This season featured five categories: Family, Portfolio (Story-Telling), Sports Photography, General and Dreams Through AI.
The Board also revealed that HIPA has now received more than one million photographs submitted by over 500,000 established and aspiring photographers from 209 countries, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most influential photography platforms and the largest active international photography community.
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee with the winners of HIPA’s 14th Season, Power.
A Global Platform Born in Dubai
H.E Abdulrahman Bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of HIPA’s Board of Trustees, highlighted the transformative vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Patron of HIPA.
He said, “The award has redefined the global photography landscape by establishing Dubai as an international centre for visual culture and creativity. Through its sustained investments in photographers and creative talent, HIPA has created life-changing opportunities for visual storytellers around the world, empowering them to document humanitarian, environmental and social issues while pursuing sustainable careers.”
He added that the award has played a significant role in supporting creative industries, strengthening visual culture and advancing sustainable development through the power of photography.
A Living Global Visual Archive
Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Vice Chairperson of HIPA’s Board of Trustee, described the award’s collection as a unique cultural and documentary resource.
“With more than one million photographs from 209 countries, HIPA has evolved into a remarkable visual archive that documents human, environmental and social transformations across the globe,” she said.
“This collection represents an invaluable artistic and anthropological record of the 21st century, and Dubai is proud to be its home.”
Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Vice Chairperson of HIPA’s Board of Trustees, honours American photographer Karim Iliya.
The World’s Largest Photography Community
Ali Bin Thalith, Secretary General of HIPA, said the organisation’s achievements extend far beyond the competition itself.
“Reaching half a million photographers and receiving more than one million images are milestones that place HIPA along the world’s most influential photography initiatives,” he said. “Our community spans 209 countries, creating an unparallel platform for visual dialogue, cultural exchange ad artistic excellence."
Bin Thalith added, “HIPA has delivered more than 230 specialised training programmes, benefitting over 10,000 photographers, while also providing dedicated initiatives for government employees, People of Determination and inmates in correctional institutions.
He noted that the award’s educational efforts include hundreds of published articles and visual programmes designed to promote photography culture and professional development throughout the UAE and the wider Arab world.
“The rising international visibility of photographers from the UAE and the Gulf region reflects the lasting impact of HIPA’s workshops, mentorship opportunities and engagement with world-class judging panels,” he said.
Photography as a Universal Language
Board of Trustees member Majid Al Bastaki said “HIPA has achieved a remarkable level of cultural globalisation by proving that photography is one of humanity’s most powerful common languages,” he said. It transcends borders cultures and languages while fostering understanding and connection among people.”
He added, “The international media and photography communities continue to recognise HIPA’s transparent judging process, robust intellectual property protections and blind evaluation system.”
Building Creative Human Capital
Board of Trustee member and renowned artist Matar Bin Lahej said, “HIPA’s impact extends well beyond recognising winners. Many awards end when the prizes are presented. HIPA continues creating value through education and capacity building. By investing in photographers and developing their skills, the award contributes to the long-term sustainability of the photography sector and strengthens Dubai’s position as a regional centre for photography education.”
Renowned sports photographer and HIPA judge Laci Perényi (GER)
International Recognition
Members of this season’s judging panel also praised HIPA’s global influence.
Award-winning American photo editor Kurt Mutchler noted that US media reports directly compare HIPA to leading American photojournalism and documentary photography awards, such as the Pulitzer and POYi. HIPA is recognised for its ability to attract entries from over 200 countries, owing to its inclusive nature and lack of restrictive entry barriers. He also highlighted the American media's praise for the humanitarian dimensions of the award’s annual themes—such as ‘Family’, ‘Diversity’ and ‘Hope’—and how they align with global cultural trends focused on human connections, social justice, and environmental protection.
Renowned German sports photographer, Laci Perényi, stated that European photographers view HIPA as a launchpad for international stardom; the visual impact of the winning images propels photographers into the ranks of stars with both power and confidence. He also noted that the European photography community regards HIPA as successful in sparking human engagement and fostering international interest in major global issues.
Polish documentary photographer Tomasz Tomaszewski remarked that HIPA has successfully utilised photography as a universal language to unite peoples and bridge cultures. He highlighted how the European arts press refers to HIPA as the "Oscars of Photography," citing its significant role in enabling winning creatives to achieve professional independence and dedicate themselves to environmental and humanitarian projects, in addition to the prestigious media exposure gained through their association with the award.
About the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA):
The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) is an internationally renowned photography competition. It was launched in 2011 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. The award enjoys a social and legal stature as a tool for promoting Dubai’s vision of artistic and cultural excellence. On a local level, the award hopes to develop and increase awareness of the art of photography amongst the local Emirati population. For more information visit www.hipa.ae
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