The Sixth International Session 2011. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.