The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) has once again cemented its status as the world’s richest photography competition. With a focus on sustainability, the 2024 edition awarded an incredible $1 million in prizes during a dazzling ceremony at Dubai’s Museum of the Future.
Selected from submissions spanning 205 countries, the winning photographs tell compelling stories of humanity’s bond with nature, emphasizing the urgent need for environmental stewardship. This prestigious event, championed by the UAE’s Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, celebrates not just artistic excellence but also the global call for sustainability.
Scroll down to explore the selection of 30 rewarded images we selected for you today and to read our interview with one of the finalists, Tobias Friedrich.
#1 Desire For More By Oleksandr Chornyi
Trapped by its own cravings, a snail, dissatisfied despite discovering a large strawberry, seeks more. Its relentless pursuit blinds it to the wealth already acquired, distancing it from true joy. This tale underscores the importance of appreciating the present and warns against an insatiable thirst for more, a pursuit that often deprives us of genuine happiness.
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21points
Bored Panda reached out to Tobias Friedrich, the photographer behind the breathtaking image 'Shades of Ice,' which showcases freediver Anna von Boetticher navigating the depths alongside a massive iceberg in the freezing waters of East Greenland. We wanted to learn what inspired Friedrich to focus on freediving in such extreme conditions for this project. The photographer shared with us: "I met Anna von Boetticher, the professional freediver, a few weeks before when she told me that she was coming on the same expedition to Greenland, and we decided to do a photo shoot together."
#2 Sharing Is Caring By Chen Wenming
In the Wuyi Mountains of China, a mother monkey and her baby tightly hold a fragrant pear. The fresh fruit emits a delicious fruity aroma, tempting the monkeys and creating a touching moment. The mother, with cheeks full of saliva, cannot wait to dig in but in her selfless maternal love, she will share the pear with her small child despite her insatiable hunger.
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19points
#3 Eyes On The Prize By Ali Ahmad Al Shamsii
Kenya's golden plains echo with the silent drama of predator and prey. A magnificent lion, its mane ablaze in the sun, rests in front of a fallen giraffe, his hard-won trophy. Vultures, masters of patience, circle in the sky, their keen eyes fixed on the king's feast. But the lion, battle-scarred and vigilant, isn't easily fooled. His gaze, unwavering, warns the scavengers to wait their turn in the circle of life.
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18points
When asked about the most challenging aspect of photographing underwater in East Greenland, Tobias explained: "Besides the sheer location difficulties and getting there was the most extreme condition in terms of cold water you can get: The water temperature is -2° Celsius which is not only challenging for the body but also the equipment."
#4 Shades Of Ice By Tobias Friedrich
In the freezing waters of East Greenland, freediver Anna von Boetticher navigates the depths alongside a massive iceberg. Clad in just a 6mm freediving suit, she explores the -2°C waters with remarkable composure. The snapshot was taken during a two-week expedition that offered perfect weather for various underwater shots, despite temperatures dropping to -27°C. Initially planned as a secondary focus, the freediving sessions quickly became the main subject of the project.
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16points
#5 A Home Divided By Dmitry Kokh
Polar bears on ice, humans on iron ships. Two paths diverge, progress versus the pristine. We build luxury to witness what we dismantle, marvel at achievements that endanger. Can we bridge this divide, mend the fractured home we share? The future whispers, a choice waits: reconcile or face the world divided within itself.
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13points
Next, we were curious about the photographer's reaction when he first saw the freediver alongside the iceberg. Tobias told us: "Initially, we were only planning to have a few photos of Anna, but after reviewing them on the first day, we decided to make her the main topic of the expedition as Anna was looking absolutely incredible in the water."
#6 Bond Of The Deep By Renee Capozzola
A mother humpback whale and her calf glide gracefully through the sunlit waters off Tahiti. The sun's rays pierce through the depths, illuminating the vastness of the ocean and the gentle giants swimming within it. The contrast between the mother's immense size and the calf's smaller form is a testament to the beauty of their timeless bond. Once hunted to near extinction, these majestic creatures now symbolise survival and grace in the tranquil waters of French Polynesia.
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13points
#7 Resilience By Padmanava Santra
Emerging from the sands of the Rushikulya River, a tiny Olive Ridley Sea Turtle embarks on its primal journey. It navigates the waves, leaving behind the safety of the shore, but fate throws it a surprise: a dead adult's shell, a chilling obstacle. Undeterred, the hatchling fights, squirms, and finally breaks free. With newfound strength and resilience, it rides the waves, joining its siblings in the vast embrace of the sea.
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13points
Lastly, Friedrich explained how 'Shades of Ice' stands out from his other works and the significance it holds within his overall portfolio. Here's what we learned: "It is definitely one of the best image series or photo shoots that I have done. The combination of a freediver next to an iceberg just hasn't been done before. Especially because Anna was only wearing a 6mm neoprene wetsuit, while I had the luxury of having a much thicker and warmer dry suit; nevertheless, it was still freezing."
#8 Bengal Fox By Agniswar Ghosal
For days, the Bengal Fox eludes discovery in Bolpur, occasionally spotted on the village outskirts. One evening, a mother fox and her kittens appear. In the waning light, she sits on an open paddy field, surveying her surroundings. A torchlight from behind enhances the drama in the photo, capturing the moment.
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13points
#9 Parasite By Khaldoon Aldway
Birds with red bills and eyes, called oxpeckers, perch on giant African buffaloes. This unlikely pair work together when oxpeckers feast on ticks and other pests that bother the buffalo, keeping it healthy. In return, the buffalo gets a tick-free life and an early warning if danger approaches. The partnership is a testament on how different creatures can help each other thrive in the wild.
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13points
#10 War In Gaza By Fatma Alzahra Shbair
October 7th, 2023 triggered a devastating conflict, with tens of thousands killed and widespread displacement in the Gaza Strip. Amidst this destruction, the lines between personal and professional life vanished. Like many in Gaza, hunger, fear, and loss became daily realities for one family. The hardest challenge wasn’t work, but the constant worry for loved ones in harm’s way. For 190 days, they fought against illness, fear, and deprivation. Yet, through telling the stories of others, the storyteller realised they were also sharing their own—an intertwined account of survival and collective suffering.
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12points
#11 Resilience By Rahul Sachdev
In the golden light of dawn, a Southern White Rhino stands underneath the trees in the Solio Game Reserve, Kenya. Rays of sunlight pierce through the canopy of trees, casting a warm glow on its powerful silhouette. The tranquil scene offers a glimpse of a simpler, more harmonious time in nature, where this magnificent creature roamed freely, away from the threats posed by humans. Surrounded by the lush forest, the rhino stands resilient in the ongoing struggle against human greed and habitat loss.
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11points
#12 Chasing Scents By Florian Ledoux
On Svalbard's melting sea ice, a lone male polar bear navigates the fragile landscape. Mid-May, a time of transformation, paints the ice with uncertainty, yet his resolve remains unwavering. Decades of rising temperatures have stolen half the ice, leaving behind a treacherous path. The Arctic, Planet Earth’s guardian, trembles, and this bear's determined trek becomes a symbol of resilience in the face of all the challenges.
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11points
#13 Lost Tribes Of Papua New Guinea By Sarah Wouters
Papua New Guinea’s rich tribal cultures, once disrupted by European colonisation, are now preserved through vibrant annual festivals. These events, held in Goroka and Mount Hagen, showcase the traditional costumes and rituals of tribes such as the Mudmen of Asaro, the fire-making Graiku, and the feather-adorned Jiwaka. Despite the erosion of their customs over time, these festivals offer a glimpse into the unique heritage of the island’s many tribes. Outsiders can witness traditional performances, ceremonial attire, and rare cultural practises, helping keep these ancient traditions alive in the modern world.
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11points
#14 Shadow Surprise By Ira Block
Navigating Bangkok's streets is a visual feast for any photographer. A white cat surprisingly encounters a mural featuring a black cat on a light wall, creating a striking scene.
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9points
#15 Sarban By Asghar Besharati
Sun-kissed sands, endless blue, and two unlikely companions - Sarban and his trusty camel, embarking on a seaside walk. A playful dip in the turquoise shallows, then back to the rhythm of the dunes, their laughter echoing against the whispers of the waves.
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9points
#16 Fight Of The Purple Moorhens By Debabrata Sarkar
Purple Moorhens are striking birds found in wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes across parts of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Characterised by their vibrant plumage, they feature deep purple bodies, bright blue wings, and distinctive red frontal shields. Purple Moorhens can be territorial and may engage in aggressive behaviours toward each other, especially during the breeding season. These fights can involve vocal displays, chasing, and even physical confrontations, as seen.
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9points
#17 The Escape By Ahmed Abdallah Al Housni
A chaotic scene unfolds during a camel race in the Wilayat of Bidiya, Sultanate of Oman. As a camel veers off the track, its cameleer struggles to regain control, kicking up clouds of dust. Among the crowd, a young girl, screaming for help, tries to escape the charging camel, yet her panic goes unnoticed. In a swift display of skill and bravery, the cameleer manages to steer the camel back onto the track, ensuring the girl’s safety before pausing to check on her well-being, even as the race continues.
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8points
#18 Matriarch’s Lead By Ateeb Hussain
A herd of elephants cross the dry, cracked lakebed of Amboseli National Park, led by a determined matriarch who pauses, her trunk outstretched as if reaching for the group behind her. The parched landscape offers no respite during the two-hour journey to the marshes, where the last sources of water remain. In the midst of one of the worst droughts in years, Amboseli’s elephants must endure this unforgiving trek in search of survival.
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8points
#19 Blue Artic Fox By Fahad Alenezi
The life of arctic foxes is threatened when winter arrives, a season of slow death due to food scarcity, putting them at risk of starvation. Consequently, their average lifespan in the wild ranges from only two to three years. In this shot, male arctic foxes fiercely compete for food amidst the snowy, icy mountains of Iceland in February, a breathtaking scene highlighting their struggle for survival.
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8points
#20 Sar Agha Girl By Hamed Al Ghanboosi
A young girl, from Sar Agha village in Iran, stands in the foreground with an intense gaze, her blue eyes capturing the viewer's attention. Her green embroidered dress shimmers with intricate details, along with a matching green headscarf. The girl's expression and attire encapsulate a sense of heritage and resilience unique to her community.
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8points