Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Sharjah is all set for the 10th iteration of the Xposure International Photography Festival, Xposure 2026, taking place from January 29 to February 4 at Aljada. Organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), this week-long event commemorates a decade of visual storytelling, professional development, and international photography discussions.
This year's highlight includes the debut of the Hadara Stage alongside an expanded Stage X, where over 126 talks, sessions, and dialogues will be held featuring insights from global photography experts.
Workshops and Portfolio Reviews
Xposure 2026 will feature a total of 72 workshops targeting photographers of every skill level, focusing on areas such as street, documentary, landscape, and cinematic photography. Practical sessions aim to enhance skills like lighting, composition, color, and editing.
Noteworthy workshops include:
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The Theatre of the Ordinary, led by street photographer Vineet Vohra, centered on capturing the essence of everyday life.
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Landscape Photography: Vision and Technique by Mohammad Anabtawi, focusing on expressive approaches to landscape photography.
Participants can also engage in over 280 portfolio review sessions, connecting them with esteemed photo editors, curators, and industry veterans. Reviewers for this edition include Aidan Sullivan, Claire Harbage, Pulitzer Prize winners Essdras M. Suarez and Mohammed Muheisen, alongside senior editors from National Geographic and Getty Images.
Global Conversations on Stage X
Stage X will host discussions on themes such as migration, freedom, and trust. Key panels include:
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Stories of Migration, Culture and Humanity, celebrating Athens as Guest of Honour, featuring speakers like Christina Kalligianni, Maro Kouri, Antonios Pasvantis, and Dimitris Tosidis.
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How Freedom Survives in Afghanistan by photojournalist Kiana Hayeri, focusing on the ethical documentation of women's experiences.
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How to Build Trust in Difficult Places by Tomasz Tomaszewski, addressing the themes of patience and responsibility in sensitive contexts.
Introduction of Hadara Stage
The Hadara Stage is dedicated to fostering cross-border conversations and cultural understanding. Important sessions include:
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Harnessing Soft Power, where leaders Glenn Gainor, Odessa Rae, and Ayten Mirzoyeva will discuss the global influence of storytelling.
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Exposing the Trade Secret: A Conservation Paradox, an examination of ethical wildlife filmmaking with director Abraham Joffe and journalist Adam Cruise.
Xposure 2026 promises an enriching experience of learning, networking, and cultural exchange for photographers and enthusiasts, confirming Sharjah's role as a pivotal center for global visual storytelling.
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