I’ve worked in the Middle East a good deal, and, courtesy of the photo organization known as Gulf Photo Plus, spent a lot of time in the UAE, mostly in that highly improbable amalgam of glass and steel that has swirled out of the desert in dizzying fashion, Dubai. GPP is gathering again, next week, and I will miss it for the second year in a row.
Sorry for that. I have dear friends in Dubai, and certainly will miss all of my fellow instructors. Anyone attending who reads this blog, please go up to Maggie Steber and give her a big hug from me! If you see the Strobist, encourage him to take a deep breath, relax, and try TTL. Baby steps, David, baby steps.
It is a terrific, buzzing week of photographic learning, and I’m glad it’s still ongoing. It started years ago (I first attended in 2007) and was a bit, well, let’s call it informal and loosely organized. It was taken over by Mohamed Somji, and his wonderfully intuitive business partner Hala Salhi, and they have worked tirelessly to make it a go-to photographic resource in an area of the world where such get togethers are not all that commonplace.
Mo and Hala have become dear friends. They welcome all the instructors and participants with open arms and between the two, they pull off an organizational miracle out there in the wild desert. Hala has also doubled as a photo subject, on occasion.
The desert is such a brutally barren source of photographic inspiration. I made one of my favorite pictures of Annie out there in the great sandy beyond. I had always wanted Annie to come to Dubai with me, for the experience, and to meet everyone. I knew she and Hala would hit it off, and they indeed became like sisters quite quickly.
Annie and I have always wanted Mo and Hala to come visit. Sadly, that window seems to be closed, at least for a while. Hala is Syrian, and her family is from the Aleppo area. They have scattered, but are safe. I know the strife in her homeland is an ongoing pain in her heart. If it ever ends, she and her family would go back and rebuild in a heartbeat.
So, I say hello from afar this year, as many disparate people from all over gather under the big tent known as photography. That’s the thing about pictures. They are important. They cross boundaries simply and directly. They need no statehood. They are, at their core, expressions of love, tolerance, decency, sympathy, friendship and understanding. They don’t sow fear. They don’t exclude. They beckon, and embrace the viewer.
They don’t need a visa.
More tk…..
Wonderful story Joe…. thanks
As a second half of life, newer photographer, it makes me proud to read this. Glad to be a part of that welcoming tent.
I wish this world was made of all photographers that wish to share the world’s beauty, in frienship, love and understanding not politics. ..
Joe,the last paragraph is very nicely said!
I agree with Tim, the world needs to take a breath, and enjoy a coke. I think you would make a great ambassador for some one other than the people with the big yellow and black sign.
thank you Tim….nothing like good pictures to start a conversation….best…
Hey Joe! Hope you & Annie are well. Seeing the group shot in Dubai from 4 years ago brought back some great memories. I still stay in touch with a number of fellow photographers from various parts of the globeI I met during GPP. Colour, nationality, religion, gender – none of these things mattered there, We were all just human beings sharing our love of photography. Your final paragraph is fantastic, All the best, Simon
Love that first image! I’m wondering how you lit Dubai in the background, Joe 😉
So, do you have a job in the Middle East? If so, how did you get involved with it? If not, do you go for a seminar or for personal learning?
Great piece, the photographies are great. great Photo editing
Beautiful Story!
I agree with Rudi. The first one is great and also 3rd one seems most awesome to me! Really loved the 3rd one. Nicely done!
Cracking image…like spiders at work.