Arab photographers capture 'Moments' for competition - in pictures

National Geographic Abu Dhabi received more than 40,000 entries for its annual competition

Ahmed, from Egypt, highlights the life of a camel driver near the famous Pyramids in the Giza area. In and around the Pyramids, camel drivers continue to play a key role in transporting tourists, like the old days when camels were the main source of transportation. Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

Al Baraa Al Mansour highlighted the story of this innocent little girl in Yemen, while on his way back home in the Taiz region of the country – capturing a spontaneous and authentic moment as the girl was deeply immersed in her drawings. Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

Mansour Al Shahri, from Saudi Arabia, spotlights residents of the Southern region of Saudi Arabia, in the city of Tanumah. The story highlights the mix of old and new through showing a traditional meal to which modern touches have been added such as an Al Marai drink. Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

Firas, from Saudi Arabia, captures the story of a young man sitting in contemplation on the roof of his humble neighborhood at night and using a neon lamp as his only source of light. Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

Enas Kamel, from Saudi Arabia, showing the emotions of confusion mixed with fear of a young boy, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Enas felt a strong connection with the little boy where she reassures and comforts him through meaningful glances. Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

Anouar, from Morocco, showcases a traditional exhibition of horsemanship in Morocco performed during cultural festivals and as a closing ceremony during Moroccan wedding celebrations. Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

Marwan, from Egypt, spotlights a spontaneous moment of a famous female singer, enjoying her moment of glory on stage, while immersed in her performance. Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

Soumaya Az, from Morocco, shed light on an elderly blind woman, nicknamed endearingly the “Blue Jewel”, in the Chefchaouen, Morocco region, who sits on her balcony every morning and spreads happiness and love throughout the neighborhood. Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

National Geographic Abu Dhabi recently held an open call for Moments, its annual photography competition, and it received more than 40,000 entries from across the Arab world.

The project aims to nurture the talent of regional photographers who tell the stories of people in the Middle East and North Africa, including Ahmed from Egypt, whose image shows a camel driver near Giza; Al Baraa Al Mansour who captured a little girl in Yemen, immersed in her drawings; Firas from Saudi Arabia, who pictured a young man sitting alone on a rooftop with a fluorescent lamp; and Mansour Al Shahri, who shows a traditional meal in Tanumah, Saudi Arabia.

The award-winning Saudi photographer Tasneem Sultan is a panel judge for Moments, and has these tips for budding photographers: set your subject in silhouette against an interesting backdrop, portraits are best when they include a gesture, or if they make good use of negative space; and show the environment and ambience to give an image a sense of place.

The winner of the competition will have their image printed in the Arabic edition of National Geographic, go on an expedition to Italy and receive camera equipment. earn more about the competition and see additional images at www.natgeo-moments.com

________________

Read more:

National Geographic launched annual 'Moments' photography competition

________________