A week-long celebration of the art of photography awaits visitors and residents in Sharjah and the UAE as the sixth edition of Xposure International Photography Festival opens tomorrow(Wednesday, February 9) at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), the premier global festival which runs until February 15, brings together 70 world-renowned photographers, award-winning storytellers, and photojournalists on a single platform to showcase a carefully curated selection of 1,600 visual stories across a spectrum of genresthrough45 solo and group exhibitions. A diverse line-up of photo talent, including both emerging and established contemporary photographers from around the world, will showcase impactful images that offer compelling and insightful perspectives on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Extended to seven days for the first time this year, Xposure 2022 will feature an engaging and highly accessible programming comprising 28 inspirational talks, lively discussions, expert-led hands-on workshops, portfolio reviews, and more.

Xposure 2022 also hosts its first-ever Conservation Summit, under the theme ‘Save Our Oceans’, on February 10,to explore hope and solutions for ocean conservation.

Prominent names at this year’s edition include, amongst others, Magnum member Steve McCurry, who captured the iconic ‘Afghan Girl’ portrait for National Geographic; American photographer James Nachtwey who documents wars and critical social issues; and Brian Skerry, a photojournalist specialising in marine wildlife and underwater environments.

World’s leading photographers hail Xposure 

Ahead of the festival’s opening, Robin Morgan, founder and CEO of Iconic Images, said: “There are so few opportunities to showcase and celebrate the power and broad spectrum of photography or its ability to inform and illuminate.Xposure is probably the finest showcase in the world and undoubtedly the best organised. It is unrivalled in its curation of a visual universe.”

“Each year Xposure joins together the world’s most talented photographers in a celebration of photography unparalleled anywhere in the world. To have your work presented to such a receptive audience at Xposure is a joy,” said fine art photographerAndrew Prokos.

Travel photographer Chris Coe said: “Xposure is a beacon for showcasing great photography and a wonderful gathering for photographers from around the world. It’s a privilege to exhibit and talk at such an amazing event.”

Aidan J. Sullivan, founder of Verbatim Photo agency, who is participating in Xposure for the fourth time this year, said: “It is truly remarkable to see how the festival has grown not only in terms of physical space but also reputation. In just a few years, it has become one of the most important events in the industry. The atmosphere at the festival allows photographers to meet and socialise, share stories, and learn from each other.”

Award-winning British photographer Colin Hawkins, noted: “Xposure has made me even more aware of the global importance and power of the photographic image due to the incredible work on display which is often inspiring in terms of both storytelling and technical ability.”

Documentary photographer Ibrahim Iqbal described Xposure as an important platform to showcase important projects. He said: “Industry legends across the globe enlighten the show, and so, Xposureis one of the best opportunities to disseminate the work of new talent to a large number of viewers and critics in a better way.”

Describing Xposure as an opportunity to meet “the living legends of photography”, Dubai-based Slovenian photographer Beno Sardazic, said: “Xposure is a platform to learn new things, to spark our imagination with the exciting stories all the artists will tell, to admire and get inspired by the stunning visuals they created and to celebrate the passion we all share.”

Xposure International Photography Festival has grown to establish itself as the most significant photography and imaging show in the MENA region and is widely attended by leading media and film professionals, photography enthusiasts, students, and educators.