The name of this series implies a single image that captures a moment of the past in a fraction of a second. Just as an image does not have to be taken on an expensive camera or perfectly composed and printed, so sometimes it is not the professional photographer who takes us most vividly back to a particular place and time.
C P Mammootty arrived in Abu Dhabi from India in June 1975. Working as an accountant and raising a family, he still lives here nearly 40 years later. For all that time, he has kept his passion for photography, taking part in competitions and exhibitions, both here and in India.
Mammootty has kindly offered to share some of his work. This is one of the earliest, a street side view of the celebration of National Day in 1975. This was the first such parade since the formation of the UAE in 1971. He recalls: “Spectators waiting to see the march-past, parade of various armed forces, cavalries and cultural tableaux.”
This splendid falcon was one a series of decorated arches placed along the Corniche, with prizes offered for the best decorations. The parade was discontinued many years ago, but thanks to Mammootty, we can still have a ringside view.
* James Langton
