World Photography Day, celebrated on August 19, honors the creativity of photographers and their role in capturing human and societal issues, celebrating values of righteousness, virtue, and beauty. Photographers play a significant role in reflecting human conditions and efforts to sustain and preserve the planet’s resources and living beings. In line with Qatar National Vision 2030, photographers are dedicated to preserving the environment, promoting sustainability, and documenting progress.
Photographer Azzam Abdul Aziz Al Mannai views photography as a form of contemporary art and expression. He uses modern technologies and advancements in photography to express his connection to the environment and raise awareness about its preservation. Al Mannai emphasizes the importance of images in documentation and the role of World Photography Day in reminding us of this significance. He documents and preserves Qatar’s environment through his photography, highlighting environmental diversity, changes occurring in the natural system over time, and challenges such as climate change.
Al Mannai finds inspiration in both the desert and marine environments in Qatar, dedicating his efforts to highlighting their beauty and advocating for their preservation and protection. His exhibition, Azzam Al Mannai: Behind the Camera showcased photographs and videos that gained international attention, including the video ‘Whale Shark in Qatar’ shown on National Geographic. Through his work, Al Mannai serves as a visual and aesthetic motivator to mobilize efforts and innovate solutions for preserving the environment and maintaining natural balance.
Photographer Mohammed Jassim Al Baker acknowledges the achievements of photographers in raising awareness, spreading knowledge and culture, and capturing local and global events. Photography serves as a simple and beautiful language through which people can connect with one another, conveying genuine emotions. Al Baker emphasizes that the work of photographers aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 in areas of economic and social development, as well as environmental protection and development.
Al Baker specializes in photographing wildlife, particularly resident and migratory birds, to showcase the beauty and diversity of Qatar’s environment and efforts to sustain it. He has produced educational and documentary programs for Qatar TV and Al-Rayyan TV, culminating in an art exhibition entitled “Saber” at Qatar Photography Center in 2023. Through his photography, Al Baker supports the efforts of the State and its institutions in promoting sustainability and fostering a green culture in society.
In conclusion, World Photography Day celebrates the creativity of photographers and their role in capturing human and societal issues, promoting values of righteousness, virtue, and beauty. Photographers like Azzam Abdul Aziz Al Mannai and Mohammed Jassim Al Baker use their expertise and experiences to raise awareness about environmental conservation, sustainability, and progress. Their dedication to preserving the environment and advocating for its protection aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 goals of economic and social development, as well as environmental protection and development. Through their work, photographers play a vital role in documenting environmental diversity, inspiring efforts to preserve the environment, and showcasing the beauty and diversity of Qatar’s natural treasures.
