The International Photography Festival, Xposure, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, announced the acceptance of entries for the Independent Photojournalist Award (IPA) for both amateur and professional photojournalists until September 30, 2024 on the Xposure web link https://awards.xposure.net.
The Independent Photojournalist Award is dedicated to honouring and supporting independent photojournalists whose images while enhancing and complementing news stories raise awareness about vital issues and concerns all over the world.

The award includes three categories - News Journalism, dedicated to those documenting breaking news as it happens, Environmental Journalism, which highlights the problems and challenges facing the future of life on the planet, and Solutions Journalism, which is dedicated o photojournalism that deals with difficult and complex issues through rapid response and suggesting appropriate effective solutions.

Xposure allows photographers wishing to participate in the contest to submit a maximum of 12 photos in order to compete for the award.

HAlya Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, said, "the Independent Photojournalist Award reflects the commitment of the International Photography Festival, Xposure, to supporting photojournalism and encouraging independent photojournalists around the world for their contributions. The Award recognises their positive impact through their work in accordance with the noble ethics and professionalism of responsible journalism."

Al Suwaidi stressed the Xposure’s keenness to support distinguished talents who shine light on facts and global realities objectively and professionally. She underlined the importance of the role of photojournalists and journalistic image in documenting and supporting news media and information, in addition to highlighting vital global developments and social and humanitarian issues to present a complete picture to the world.

Independent Photojournalism Award requires adherence to a high ethical framework, the work is honest and impartial, and it tells the story in journalistic terms. Newspaper stories, in particular, are presented clearly through pictures rather than words.