Among a galaxy of 53 camera exponents who will be at the Xposure International Photography Festival (Xposure 2019) in Sharjah next month, are four industry heavyweights – Stephen Wilkes, Frans Lanting, Gabriel Wickbold and Will Burrad-Lucas – festival organisers have announced. For the first time in the UAE, works of these internationally acclaimed photographers will be curated by Xposure 2019 as exclusive exhibitions.

This presents a unique opportunity to all photography enthusiasts in the UAE to observe their works and attend talks and seminars during which these photographers will share their artistic and professional journeys, revealing special techniques they use to frame the perfect shot.

Xposure 2019 will be held from September 19–22 at Expo Centre Sharjah, and is organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB).

Stephen Wilkes’ ‘Day to Night’

Stephen Wilkes is an iconic photographer whose works are displayed at prominent museums around the world, and are also part of prestigious private collections. His works have appeared in leading publications such as the New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Time, Fortune, National Geographic, and Sports Illustrated, among others. His ‘Day to Night’ project consists of epic cityscapes and landscapes, portrayed from a fixed camera angle for up to 30 hours.

A seminar on the exhibition will be held on September 22, from 6:00 pm to 7:00pm.

Frans Lanting’s ‘Eye to Eye with Life’

For four decades, Frans Lanting has documented the nature, from the Amazon to Antarctica, to promote understanding about the earth through images that convey a passion for nature and a concern for the future of our living planet. He has been hailed as one of the great photographers of our time. Lanting’s fine art prints are represented in many public and private collections, and he has had more than one hundred solo exhibitions at museums and galleries around the world.

This exhibition features highlights from some of his many projects, which features intimate portraits of animals that reveal the kinship of all life on earth.

A seminar on this exhibition will be held on September 20, between 6:50pm and 7:50pm.

‘I am Light’ by Gabriel Wickbold

Gabriel Wickbold seeks inspiration in the contemporary human being and in everyday issues such as sustainability, ageing, the relationship of dependence with technology, female empowerment, among others.

Wickbold will participate in a seminar titled ‘Resignifying Contemporary Photography’ on September 20, from 6.0 to 6.50 pm.

Will Burrad-Lucas’ ‘Land of Giants’

Will Burrard-Lucas is a British wildlife photographer and entrepreneur well-known for developing devices such as the BeetleCam and camera traps, which enable taking incredible close-ups of animals in the wild. This exhibition features Burrard-Lucas’ in-depth photographic study of the vanishing tuskers of Africa.

Burrard-Lucas will address a seminar titled ‘Remote Adventure’ on September 22, between 3:40 and 4:20 pm.

‘The Masters’ previewing event  

At an exclusive event on September 18, the four photographers will make short presentations to introduce their individual projects and the concept behind them. This will be followed by a guided pre-view tour of their exhibitions led by the artist. This ‘by invitation only’ event runs from 4-6pm.

SGMB Director: We have taken great care in selecting this expert line-up

HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau, said: “We have taken great care in selecting the expert line-up for Xposure 2019. It is one of the reasons the festival has grown into one of the largest photography platforms for experts, aspiring photographers as well as the general public in this region. Our focus has always been to keep the festival relevant by seeking out master photographers from all around the world, who share their works and stories with us. Xposure is also a reinforcement of our commitment to support local talent by empowering individuals. Meeting with some of the industry’s most respected professionals will certainly add to their knowledge and technical know-how, and prime them to compete against the best in the world.”

Xposure is the official photography platform that combines a broad range of activities with a consumer product Trade Show. Supported by internationally acclaimed professionals and industry experts, Xposure International Photography Festival offers many exciting opportunities to learn new skills and network with leading professionals and enthusiasts, along with the opportunity to see, handle and try the latest photographic products.

For more information and the details of the event programme, please visit: www.xposure.ae. The latest updates and details about the exhibitions, seminars and workshops taking place can be had by following the event on social networking platforms via: #xposurexpf.