Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi: Photographer hunted for beauty

From the hobby to the passion, the story of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, has evolved with documenting the beautiful moments and the art of photography, as the first chapter began since childhood, and the march continued, even between the congestion of work and responsibilities, as he organizes his time; Nature and its fluctuations and scenes of civilizations and cultures to recognize the importance of the image as a cornerstone in art and civilization, and a tool to convey the facts and build awareness and the formation of conscience, despite what is required beautiful shot that remains.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, in his dialogue with the UAE today, revealed the secrets of the hobby, which does not talk about much in its own context, but puts it in the general context, and the role played by the image in life in various manifestations, stressing that a good photographer is As a hunter, he is always motivated to capture beauty and fleeting moments.

About the beginnings

And about the beginnings of the tale with the camera, he said that «my relationship with the camera began since childhood, founded on a strong base of passion and desire to perpetuate beautiful moments that may not be repeated, without the presence of the camera and the image would have lost many moments in this life forever. Over time, passion has become a belief in the importance of this art, and a conviction of the feasibility of using it to win different issues. The image embraces among its lines, lights and colors a lot of knowledge, addressing the public and conveying ideas to them easily and force may not words.

“My hobby has taught me that every storyteller and storyteller may be the only witness. No one sees the world and events from the same creative angle that the photographer sees, and no one grabs the hidden details as skillfully, and when the photographer displays his photographs, he actually tells them. An integrated story. So I always say: Listen to the picture and do not look at it only, live details and look for the stories that embody and remember who took it, and ask yourselves about the purpose of them, and do not pass by unnoticed ».

Many types of photography appeal to Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, who believes that the search options for species in photography fade, and there are moments, situations and times impose seizure of the image `` Between the magic of the desert and the night are manifested many places of beauty because of its special rhythm inspire the photographer to dive into unique worlds. "Black may dominate the night scene, but under its black robe, a lot of beauty and color, so I photograph the stars with certain techniques and special inspire me movement, which I try to track and freeze with a lens shot."

"Besides night photography, I am impressed by the portrayal of cities, cultures of peoples and nature with their beauty and creatures. "Every city has its own personality. I try to record the details that show this character. If I look at a picture years later, I can identify it immediately."

The Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council «Nature has its own ritual of research and motivation, similar to stimulate the hunter, but without prejudice to those beautiful beings who practice their lives in front of us safely. In one of my travels to the African continent, I waited for a group of ferocious animals that I found walking alongside each other, watching their movements, and in my head the subject of a particular picture. But in a sudden move, the animals were interested in running and pulling out of the place, and quickly took a picture. When I returned from my trip and reviewed it, I found it unclear, but one animal from the group showed signs of speed and movement in the shot, and I liked and caught my attention, so I kept it, and I consider it one of the pictures that coincided with its beauty. ''

Birth of an idea

How was the idea of ​​the International Film Festival (Exposure) born? A question answered by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, said: «Our work in the Sharjah Media Council and the Information Office of the Government of Sharjah with the image on a daily basis has had the most impact in the launch of the festival, which aims to emphasize the importance of the image, which contributes to the advancement of the reality and the future of photojournalism in the world. Photographers on this type of art from different angles, as well as presenting inspirational models of photographers who have been able to change or influence the course of events and people's ideas and attitudes towards certain issues ».

“For me, like other photography enthusiasts, the festival is an opportunity to develop my talent and discover the secrets of photography, leading to professionalism, which allows for a rapprochement between professionals from around the world and amateurs. We have moved from the observer status of the state of the photojournalism sector to the development of the skills and expertise of photographers, and support the excellence of them, and open the way for them to learn about the creations of photographers from around the world ».

Regarding the challenges faced by «Exposure», Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi considered that the real challenge is to insist that the festival be a comprehensive international and attract the most famous photographers «as we faced challenges at the beginning, including marketing the event, and attracting international photographers, the event was not known in this way since His start, especially since his organization was at the height of the preoccupation of many photographers, as it comes at the end of the year. But we have overcome the challenges with perseverance and adherence to the message of the festival, the photographers themselves have become our ambassadors, know the whole world about the festival ».

Humanitarian issues

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, said that Exposer went beyond merely serving the press photography sector, as it adopts several humanitarian issues because Sharjah's work is closely linked to its cultural and artistic project that supports creativity according to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan's vision. Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, is a vision that Sharjah's government and private institutions meet and are in line with the general trends of the UAE.