Post by : Badri Ariffin

Sharjah is gearing up to host the 10th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival, known as Xposure 2026, from January 29 to February 4 at Aljada. Organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), this week-long event recognizes a decade of visual storytelling, professional advancement, and global dialogues in photography.

This year's festival sees the debut of the Hadara Stage alongside the expanded Stage X, collectively hosting upwards of 126 talks, dialogues, and presentations led by eminent photography experts worldwide.

Workshops and Portfolio Reviews

Xposure 2026 will showcase 72 workshops catered to photographers of all expertise levels, covering various styles such as street, documentary, landscape, and cinematic photography. These sessions will impart essential skills related to light, composition, color, and editing techniques.

Highlights from the workshop lineup include:

• The Theatre of the Ordinary with street photographer Vineet Vohra, aimed at capturing daily life scenes.

• Landscape Photography: Vision and Technique by Mohammad Anabtawi, focusing on expressive landscaping.

Additionally, over 280 portfolio review sessions will pair attendees with photo editors, curators, and industry leaders. Reviewers include Aidan Sullivan, Claire Harbage, Pulitzer Prize winners Essdras M. Suarez and Mohammed Muheisen, along with senior editors from National Geographic and Getty Images.

Global Conversations at Stage X

Stage X will feature discussions on pressing topics such as migration, freedom, and trust. Some highlights include:

• Stories of Migration, Culture, and Humanity, with Athens as the Guest of Honour, featuring speakers like Christina Kalligianni and Antonios Pasvantis.

• How Freedom Survives in Afghanistan by photojournalist Kiana Hayeri, focusing on ethical storytelling surrounding women’s lives.

• How to Build Trust in Difficult Places by Tomasz Tomaszewski, addressing patience and responsibility in sensitive storytelling.

Introduction of the Hadara Stage

The Hadara Stage will emphasize intercultural dialogues and the importance of empathy. Some key sessions include:

• Harnessing Soft Power, featuring Glenn Gainor and others discussing the global influence of storytelling.

• Exposing the Trade Secret: A Conservation Paradox, discussing ethical wildlife filmmaking with director Abraham Joffe and journalist Adam Cruise.

Xposure 2026 promises a unique fusion of education, networking, and cultural exchange, affirming Sharjah’s role as a focal point for global visual storytelling.

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