Cup of Coffee brings cheers to Indonesian photographer

Supplied Content (Edited)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 25, 2019

The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) has announced the winners of its November Edition of Instagram Photo contest.

Held under the theme, ‘My Cup of Coffee,’ Maizal from Indonesia won the ‘People’s Choice Award,’ and a brand new Nikon D7200 SLR, courtesy of Nikon Middle East & Africa.

There were four other winners in the contest, two from Turkey and one each from Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Inspiring and creative

HIPA Secretary General Ali bin Thalith said, “Coffee cups are amongst the most photographed subjects around the world. They not only bring people together, but they inspire energy, drive and just the right amount of ‘pick me up’ when we need it most. We enjoyed the plethora of submissions showing how they enjoy their ‘My cup of coffee.’ The winning submissions were both inspiring and creative in equal measures. We encourage all of photography community to put their skills to the test and participate in future competitions.”

Winner’s take

Winner Maizal @mmakdang said, “In the beginning the idea was conceptual; I designed and implemented it all in my old wooden kitchen in West Sumatra. I took the picture specifically for participating in the ‘My Cup of Coffee’ competition. I set the shutter speed to 20 seconds and poured the coffee as shown in the picture. This was not my first win, but winning one of the HIPA competitions is a dream of all photographers in Indonesia.”

Light and Shadow effect

Nahla Al Dulaijan of Saudi Arabia said, “I tried to draw a simple word or picture on the surface of coffee using chocolate foam, then I noticed the reflection of the lighting and the possibility of shadow forming on it. I liked the idea of ​​the bell shade, where the image expresses attention and weakness in harmony with the taste of coffee and the strength of colours. I started photographing food and coordinated my passion for expressive photography years ago. I enjoy telling stories through my pictures and introducing usual things through unusual ways.”

Photographers’ enthusiasm

Al Dulaijan said, “I knew about the competition through the enthusiasm of the photographers I follow on Instagram, so I participated in it and was happy to qualify for the final stage and then win; especially since it is my first experience in Instagram competitions. I thank HIPA for its efforts to support amateur photographers like myself. These beautiful competitions give photographers confidence in their choices and vision. As an amateur photographer, this win motivates me to continue practicing, acquiring skill and studying this art more deeply.”

The Winners