A Walk In The Park
Three years of travel during Covid photographing all 63 American National Parks. From Alaska to Maine from Texas to Washington stories of the parks, traveling during covid, people I met and just absorbing the beauty around me. Living in a camper and the approach I took to photographing the parks. The diversity of the land […] ...
The Lenses of Perception: Seeing the potential in others
It is said “We see the world, not as it is, but as we are – or, as we are conditioned to see it”. The is a powerful and practical talk aimed at Leaders in how we can truly empower others to believe they are capable of so much more (often than they believe themselves […] ...
Navajo: Portrait of a Nation
In 1992, I produced a coffee table book called ‘Navajo Portrait of a Nation.’ the project took two years, over 400 days, in the field, capturing the beauty of the Navajo people and the surrounding land. This book also produced a sixty-print, 18-month solo exhibit at the Smithsonian American History Museum in Washington, DC. Now, […] ...
From Personal to Universal: the Photography of Rania Matar
As a Lebanese-born American artist and mother, Matar has dedicated her photographic practice to exploring both sides of her cross-cultural experience, and personal narrative. Her work addresses issues of personal and collective identity, through photographs of girls and women in the United States where she lives and in the Middle East where she is from. […] ...
‘Happytecture’: A Captivating Journey Through a Whimsical World
Hasselblad Ambassadors and Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees, Anna Devís and Daniel Rueda, are two imaginative Spanish photographers and former architects. Today, this creative duo applies their architectural expertise to narrate captivating stories through fun and whimsical imagery, blending their keen spatial awareness with their artistic vision. Surprisingly, Anna and Daniel craft these surreal scenes […] ...
The Art of Compositing in Photoshop
Whether you’re combining multiple images in Photoshop to overcome obstacles that can’t be solved in capture or are creating multi-image photo-realistic montages, the tools and techniques needed to create a successful image are the same. In this presentation, Julieanne Kost will reveal the inspiration behind her powerful surreal composites and share how she selects a […] ...
Behind the Scenes of History
A visual magic carpet ride through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize winning photographer David Hume Kennerly as he documented some of the major events of the last seven decades. From the night Robert Kennedy was shot at the Ambassador Hotel in 1968, to the battlefields of Vietnam, the hearing rooms of Watergate, the resignation of […] ...
Guardians of Life: Caring for Land the Indigenous Way
When you think of the great beauty of the natural world, you probably think of Indigenous protected areas: the coral reefs of the Pacific, the rainforests of the Amazon, or the even the tundra of the Arctic. Few people understand that these lands and seas, lauded for their biodiversity and loved for epic beauty, almost […] ...
Wild Eyes: The radical promise of rewilding to restore our ailing planet
In this presentation, Beth Wald takes us on a visual journey, exploring protected areas around the world and their relative success or failure, looking at how parks are created, what and who benefits from protected areas and the importance of restoring species or “rewilding”. She will ask questions about our concept of wilderness/wildness, how disconnection […] ...
The Art of Visual Storytelling
Visual storytelling is a powerful, universal language that transcends all barriers. Join National Geographic Fellow & filmmaker Sandesh Kadur as he explores uncharted realms that host fascinating inhabitants. In his talk, Kadur reveals the artistry behind the use of visual imagery as a storytelling tool. Covering topics such as conception & creative development, technological aspects […] ...
Visions of the Wild
Join us for an extraordinary presentation on the captivating work of acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Florian Schulz. Get a behind-the-scenes look into the creation of his most iconic images. As a cinematographer, Schulz has left his mark on esteemed nature documentaries like BBC’s Planet Earth III, as well as numerous productions for Netflix, NatGeo, and […] ...
The Power of Emotion in Photography
In March 2023 Charlie Hamilton James travelled to Kenya to photograph a model looking at her phone as she sunbathed next t he corpse of a dead elephant. The image ‘Scrolling to Indifference’ was a comment on how we the escapism of our phones is blinding us to what is going on in the world. […] ...
Mobile photography
In this session led by Hind Al Raeesi, participants will delve into the fundamental rules of photography, emphasizing the significance of visual composition and aesthetics. Hind will guide attendees through the principles of visual nutrition, teaching them how to create visually appealing images that captivate viewers’ attention. The session will also explore techniques for capturing […] ...
The Art of Horse Photography
Horses have obtained a distinguished place among humans, unrivaled by any other creature. They have held great significance in beliefs, mythologies, and arts across diverse cultures and human societies. This is reflected in the artistic output of humanity, evident in primitive cave drawings portraying horses, as well as sculptures, murals, and paintings. As technologies have […] ...
Extreme Panoramic Landscapes
Alex Wides will open an enlightening discussion on landscape photography in its purest essence. Delving into the profound relationship between humanity and nature, Wides will draw connections to the trailblazing landscape photographers of the past and present, unraveling the evolving techniques that have shaped this art form. The talk will seamlessly progress to explore various […] ...
A Tale Of Two Keys
المحاضرة بعنوان قصة مفتاحين.رحلة بصرية داخل المسجد الحرام و المسجد النبوي من تنتهي بمفتاح الحجرة النبوية و مفتاح الكعبة المشرفة. سردية القصة تبرز أوجه التوازن بين المسجدين لتنتهي بسدنة المفتاحين. بني شيبة سدنة الكعبة المشرفة، و الاغوات سدنة الحجرة النبوية الشريفة THIS TALK IS IN ARABIC – TRANSLATION HEADSETS AVAILABLE Adel Al Quraishi will […] ...
Elevating the Voices of Women in Photography and Art
In ‘Elevating the Voices of women in photography and art’, four women present and discuss how a growing number of women are today among the industry’s best artists and storytellers making some of the most captivating images. Karin-Rehn Kaufmann, Rania Matar, Fatma Almosa & Hind Taryam at Stage X In the great company of Karin […] ...
Retrospectives and Perspectives: from Studio to Contemporary Photography
The continent’s photography is increasingly attracting attention through its presence in the world’s leading museums, galleries, fairs and biennials. Galerie Medina celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Rencontres de Bamako with the exhibition Bamako Dreams 30, where for the very first time the most prominent works from the continent will be shown in the Gulf […] ...
Documenting for History
Pete Souza will share insights into his distinguished career, emphasizing the importance of documenting significant moments in history through photography. From his early days as a photojournalist to serving as the official White House photographer for Presidents Reagan and Obama, Souza’s talk will highlight the power of visual storytelling and the role photographers play in […] ...
Speciality Importance in the Photography World
Join us on Stage X for an engaging discussion on the importance of speciality in photography. Hosted by the esteemed Mr. Adeeb Al Aani, this insightful session will delve into the significance of specializing in various genres and techniques within photography. Our distinguished guests, including Yousuf Al Zaabi, Dani Eid, Abdullah albuqaish, Khalil almansoori, and […] ...
Galaxy AI Photography Tips & Tricks
Explore how Samsung Galaxy phones powered by Galaxy AI make it easier for you to capture epic photos and videos in different environments and lighting conditions. Discover tips and tricks that will enable you to capture and edit cinematic photos and videos and elevate your mobile photography experience. ...
Galaxy AI Photography
Join our talk and take a journey to explore how Samsung Galaxy phones powered by Galaxy AI make it easier for you to capture epic photos and videos in different environments and lighting conditions. Discover tips and tricks that will enable you to capture and edit cinematic photos and videos and elevate your mobile photography […] ...
Get to know the best Samsung Galaxy AI Features
Take a journey to explore how Samsung Galaxy phones powered by Galaxy AI make it easier for you to capture epic photos and videos in different environments and lighting conditions. Discover tips and tricks that will enable you to capture and edit cinematic photos and videos and elevate your mobile photography experience. ...
Mastering Smartphone Photography for Travel with Samsung Galaxy
Take a journey to explore how Samsung Galaxy phones powered by Galaxy AI make it easier for you to capture epic photos and videos in different environments and lighting conditions. Discover tips and tricks that will enable you to capture and edit cinematic photos and videos and elevate your mobile photography experience. ...
Timelapse: Beyond the Basics
Have you always found timelapse photography intriguing and already made first attempts with your camera? Now it’s time to dig a little deeper, learn and create more interesting videos! We will introduce ideas for enhancing your time-lapses through different techniques and equipment: time-slicing, 360 cameras, long term timelapses, adding movement and connecting scenes. You will […] ...
About Light, Essence and the Rhythm of Nature
“A summer night in the field under a starry sky, the whisper of reeds in the wind, the tinkling beauty of ice floes gathering on the shore, the silence under the canopy of a forest in midsummer, and the fascination of light changing the landscape …” Sandra Bartocha presents her new lecture celebrating stillness, movement, […] ...
The Power of Images and Photography in Cultural Representation
Ahlam AlBannai, an esteemed artist and educator, will explore the profound impact of visual arts, particularly images and photography, on representing and preserving cultural narratives during her talk on Stage X. Drawing from years of engaging with diverse communities, conducting research and imparting artistic knowledge to new generations, AlBannai offers a unique perspective on this […] ...
Wildlife Photography Fundamentals
Step into the mesmerising world of Wildlife Photography fundamentals with award winning and National Geographic photographer Craig Parry, where every click captures untamed beauty and raw moments in nature. This keynote presentation is a visual safari into the heart of nature’s wonders, led by seasoned photographer Craig Parry who unveils the secrets and moments behind […] ...
What is Left
Join Nicole Tung for this session “What is Left”. In this presentation, Nicole will share her experiences of covering conflicts since 2011, and discuss the continued role and photojournalists have in documenting the social changes taking place within various contexts of conflict. Nicole will look at the moral complexities in navigating the role of a […] ...
Guns, Beauty and the Anthropocene: A journey to the dark side of modern culture
Zed Nelson will take us behind the scenes on his three major book projects, leading up to his latest major work, ‘The Anthropocene Illusion’ (currently exhibited at Sharjah). Starting with his multi-award-winning book and exhibition project, ‘Gun Nation’ – a project that explores the paradox of why America’s most potent symbol of freedom is also […] ...
Generative Ai: An alternative approach to art, architecture through humanity
Architecture is the cornerstone of our visual identity since the dawn of human civilization. It has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, often being harnessed to showcase the might of the powerful or to send enduring messages that stand the test of time, while reflects the capabilities and paradigms of our ancestors. As we […] ...
A Quest for Beauty in Landscape Photography
Landscape photography constitutes an eternal pursuit of atmosphere, where light and the pursuit of beauty serve as my key references—an aesthetic anchor. My photographic intent is rooted in a magnetic attraction to expansive spaces coupled with a quest for beautiful light—an inspiring force that resonates with my instinct for freedom. In photography, my aim is […] ...
Photography: The Universal Language To Bring Positive Change
Wildlife photojournalist Britta Jaschinski believes that the universal language of photography, is the best motivation for creating positive change. With her images, she provides the evidence to call upon governments, lawmakers, businesses, opinion leaders and consumers to implement the urgent and necessary changes to ensure a safe and sustainable future for all humans and animals. […] ...
BENDING LIGHT: The Moods of Color
In the past few years, I have revisited many of the photographs I have made in my career, and the stories behind them. It is important to revisit these stories and to understand their purpose in the creative process as a means of introspection as well as expression. Photography has always been a way for […] ...
A Photographers Paradise: Documenting A Turbulent America
Photojournalist Jean-Pierre Laffont was recently awarded the French Legion of Honor for his brilliant documentary work, which has contributed to our understanding of major events of the 20th century. When JP Laffont left Paris he was the assisting a famous photographer who photographed movie stars but his dream was to be was to be a […] ...
Perspectives of Youth in Photojournalism
Join Ahmed Obaid for an insightful discussion on his journey in photojournalism. From overcoming challenges to embracing positive experiences, Ahmed will share valuable insights gained throughout his career. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from his experiences and gain inspiration for your own journey in storytelling through photography. ...
How to start your FPV journey
Join us for an exhilarating journey into the world of FPV drones with the renowned FPV Drone Pilot and Videographer, Abdulla AlQasim. In this captivating stage talk, Abdulla will delve into his personal journey with FPV drones, sharing insights, experiences, and the secrets behind his mesmerising aerial footage. Discover the essential steps to kickstart your […] ...
The Easiest Way To Learn Photography Fast
In this enlightening session led by Ahmed Alraeesi, beginner photographers will receive invaluable guidance to kickstart their photography journey. Alraeesi will provide clarity on setting goals and cultivating the right mindset for progression in photography. Through insightful discussions and practical advice, participants will gain a clear direction and motivation to pursue their passion for photography […] ...
Endangered Heritage of the Middle East
Over the past few decades, the cultural heritage of the Middle East has been increasingly threatened by neglect, misappropriation, and deliberate destruction. Since 2010, Richard Wilding has worked on projects which aim to preserve vulnerable heritage in diverse regions of Asia and North Africa including Saudi Arabia, Kurdistan, Iraq, Syria, Egypt and Afghanistan. In this […] ...
Place & Identity: 4 Emerging Emirati Women Artists
The UAE’s standing as a global cultural hub is undergoing rapid transformation. The Saadiyat Cultural District has emerged as a pivotal force in the burgeoning art scene, marked by the establishment of prominent institutions such as the Sheikh Zayed National Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Currently, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, […] ...
The Sacred Nature Initiative (SNI): Reconnecting People to Our Planet
The Sacred Nature Initiative (SNI) is built on three pillars: to Inspire, Educate and Conserve. This is an urgent mission, amplified by the climate crisis and brought into sharp focus by the covid pandemic. An intact global ecosystem – what we call ‘nature’ – is essential for human well-being and survival. But a catastrophic loss of […] ...
Against All Odds
By any standards, Rick Smolan has an impressive resumé. As a photographer, he has shot for TIME, Newsweek, and National Geographic. As an entrepreneur, he created the bestselling “DAY IN THE LIFE” books, a series which broke the mold of traditional publishing by selling over 5 million copies. He has gone on to innovate in […] ...
Astrophotography
embark on a captivating journey into the realm of astronomical photography with renowned expert Yousuf Alqasimi. In this exclusive session, Yousuf will provide a comprehensive overview of astronomical photography, delving into its various types and the distinctive techniques that set them apart. Discover the secrets behind capturing breathtaking images of celestial phenomena, from mesmerizing star […] ...
Through the Lens of War: The Photojournalist’s Ethical Crossroads
Join Afshin Ismaeli in his compelling session, “Navigating the Ethical Crossroads: A Photojournalist’s Journey Through War.” In this presentation, Afshin will share his profound experiences as a photographer in various war zones, shedding light on the challenging decisions faced by photojournalists. Delve into the complexities of capturing images in the midst of conflict, where the […] ...
The Art Of Formula 1
An exciting, intriguing, insightful and revealing presentation of eight of Darren Heath’s Formula 1 photographs superbly illustrating the various styles, techniques, principals and inspirations employed by Darren at over 500 Grands Prix to create stunning imagery of the world’s premier motor sport competition. The superstar drivers, the technology driven teams, the glamorous locations, the challenge […] ...
Chasing the Light
When Covid hit I decided to do a retrospective of my work. I have been doing this for over 50 years. Day one was exciting day two the same. Day three I felt like shooting, to create something. Day four I thought of a project I have been wanting to do for ten years. Americas […] ...
Behind Closed Doors: In the Oval Office with the Presidents’ Photographers
Former chief White House photographer for President Barack Obama Pete Souza and former chief White House photographer for President Gerald R. Ford David Hume Kennerly will show photos and talk about their experiences working behind closed doors of the American presidency. The discussion will be moderated by James Hornstein, a leading intellectual property attorney. Kennerly […] ...