Suaad Al Suwaidi, the first Emirati woman wildlife photographer, has a unique journey that led her to pursue photography instead of the engineering and architecture fields she was originally trained in. Born in Abu Dhabi and raised in Louisiana, US, Suaad had a fun and diverse childhood that equipped her with an appreciation for different cultures. Despite initially being afraid of animals with more legs than her, Suaad discovered her passion for photography while studying engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Her photos of birds along the Schuylkill river in Philadelphia became the beginning of her wildlife photography career.
After receiving multiple awards for her work in architecture, Suaad found herself overqualified for the jobs she applied for. Following her mother’s advice, she made the bold decision to transition to photography full time in 2019. That same year, she was recognized as the first Emirati Woman Wildlife Photographer, a title that came as a surprise to both her and her family. Suaad’s dedication to capturing the emotions of animals in the wild has earned her accolades, including invitations to speak at TedX events and receiving various awards for her photography.
Suaad’s focus on capturing the essence of the animal kingdom stems from her belief that animals, like humans, have families and complex emotions. She is determined to bring awareness to the importance of wildlife and the conservation of our planet through her photography. One of her missions is to capture the majestic lion, a symbol of strength and resilience in the wild. Suaad believes that empathy towards all living creatures, including wild animals, is essential for coexisting harmoniously on Earth.
Despite her initial fears and doubts, Suaad’s journey as a wildlife photographer has been marked by courage and determination. Through her lens, she aims to showcase the beauty and vulnerability of wildlife, emphasizing the need to protect and preserve our planet’s natural resources. As she continues to explore new territories and capture captivating images of wildlife, Suaad remains committed to raising awareness about the importance of conservation and empathy towards all living beings.
