During my second year at The National I realised the pictures I'd been shooting had the potential to become a bigger body of work. I felt to the outside world the UAE had not been covered well photographically, and often when it had it was clichéd images. I wanted to show different aspects of the country. When I am on assignment – shooting the ladies at Dubai World Cup, National Day in RAK or going to visit an abandoned labour camp – I might already have an idea of what I will find and what could make a good picture.
However I really try to be open and ready – even the most run-of-the-mill assignment can lead to great picture. I hope that my series shows people, places and events that many people in UAE don't yet know exist.
* Jaime Puebla
Opening night for Cabinet of Curiosities will be held November 18 from 7:30pm onwards at Gulf Photo Plus, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz. The exhibition is free to visit and open to the public from November 18 to December 19, 2013.
His exhibition in Gulf Photo Plus will be the first solo show of his work. To see more of his work, visit www.jaimepuebla.com.
