We started with our favourite photo memories of Cannes Film Festival 2009… Our Porfolio Section is back to work after a few weeks holiday. On the spotlight this issue ? Three artists who took part in the last Emirates Photography Competition (www.ephotoc.net).

AHLAM AL AHMED - UAE

www.aalahmed.com - www.eu-pho-ric.deviantart.com

When/How did you start photography ? My fascination with photography started 3 years ago and is continuing to grow today. I aspire to understand humanity in all its different aspects, whether they be psychological or emotional, through photography. I do not capture an idea without thinking deeply about it and getting emotionally involved in its concept, in order to be able to convey to the viewer with a touch of individuality that would intrigue. I have a great interest in psychology, sociology and politics that is the main reason why I express my opinions through photography.

Your best photographic experience so far? My first exhibition on September 21st, 2008 which was sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. My work was selected as the 'Best Emarati Photographer's Portfolio' of the 3rd Emirates Photography Competition 2008.

Your 'dream picture' as a photographer? A portrait of H.H Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan "may God bless him".

The story behind the selected shot? I pursue photography in order to prove that the Arab Muslim woman has talents that can make her stand out and shine in this field, as well as give her an opportunity to express who she is from within the context of her religion and her Arabian values. I like to show that with the mysterious and the feminine, and with women.

OMAR ABDULRAHMAN AL ZAABI - UAE

www.alz3aabi.deviantart.com

When/How did you start photography? I took up photography towards the end of 2005 with a Canon g6. Like many other photographers, it was an attempt to see the world differently, in a way I hadn’t seen it before. Since then, my camera has been a constant companion.

Your best photographic experience so far? The Steve McCurry workshop (organised in Abu Dhabi in Feb 2009). To learn from the best is an experience that defies description. It needs to be lived. It opened up my mind to a whole new level of photography. From that point onwards, I began to see everything from a different perspective. I used to take 'instant' shot but now I work more ahead to 'create' a picture, taking into accounts model openness , lighting and overall composition.

Your 'dream picture' as a photographer? I don’t think in those terms. To me a dream is something that will never be realized and so a dream photograph is one that I will never take. I believe that no matter what I do, I am setting a benchmark for myself. There is always a new technique to learn or a new skill to add. If I take my dream picture, I will stop learning from that day onwards.

The story behind the selected shot? This picture was taken during the Al Dhafra Festival. I saw this kid and was fascinated by the way he was eating the biscuit. I tried to play with him by taking the biscuit away so that I could get a different facial expression and I ended up with this image.

HANI AL MAWASH - KUWAIT

www.almawash.com

When/How did you start photography? I started my photographic journey in late 2002, and it was for the purpose of documenting my sea and ground trips.

Your best photographic experience so far? My best photographic experiences include general photography from high angles, equine photography, and portrait photography in India.

Your 'dream picture' as a photographer? Any shots from South or North Poles.

The story behind the selected shot? The shot is called 'Before Christ' because it reminds me of the timeless beauty of the Arabian horse. The picture shows the wild side of Arabian horses. It also expresses this very old overwhelming mood. I love the black and white effect which noticeably emphasizes my composition. Finally, I think I won't be able to capture such a shot again and that's why I consider it as my best artistic work so far.