Union of Arab Photographers Workshop

Last week, I had the pleasure of teaching a three day workshop for the Union of Arab Photographers in Sharjah, one of the United Arab Emirates. The request from the UAP came up quickly and was unplanned, but I jumped at the opportunity to travel and teach in the Middle East. Having seen the Lynda course I recently published with Ben Long, they were interested in hosting a class on composition.

This was such an exciting trip and I found it fascinating to be in a culture so different from my own but sharing the same passion for photography. I found the UAE to be very enthusiastic about photography, to really value communication, and felt like it was a deeply appreciated medium.

All of the people I met with were incredibly warm, welcoming, and hospitable. The students I worked with were extraordinary- all were very enthusiastic, open, and eager to learn. Photography is such an important language, one that transcends cultural differences and communicates in rich, profound ways. It was a wonderful experience and I hope I have the opportunity to visit again some day!

I’m hoping to receive some samples of students work to post here within the next couple weeks…

Our class!