Phoenix Reflections

Roll down your car window and notice drivers crib (of course …along with you) about the sudden closure of roads and essential highways in Sharjah. Transport Authorities consider their job well done by placing minuscule signs diverting the traffic to pipe width lanes (if you could call them that). While one commuter flings his hands frantically in the air, another tries to make a beeline entry into the already reduced lane space. One tries to juggle his options on weather it’s the left …or maybe the right that’s moving faster, the other makes sure you never enter his territory. And then, there are people like me… what’s different you may ask? Oh! I crib! I crib a lot. And I assure you, you don’t want to be my passenger when I do.

However, I’ve learnt to channel this frustration in a way that has benefited my appetite for exploration as well as saved others from my road rash. Being a driver for the last two years, I yet have to discover the nooks and corners of Sharjah which conceal quite a few picturesque treats. The recent closure of a flyover (without early intimation by the way) that links Sharjah with the highway sidetracked me to a part of the city that, despite being in the UAE for the last 20 years have witnessed for the first time. Lined with some good restaurants and an architectural delight called the Sea View was just picture perfect (if only I could maneuver the car and camera simultaneously.)

I would suggest this to people but the only catch: your fellow passengers may slay you for all those pleasure stops.

Style from the Past
A Photographic Society like any other club or society brings together like minded individuals who share a common passion: to capture the worlds delights on film. The first society could probably be spotted on the map of London, the Edinburg Calotype Club formed in 1843. From then on such societies sprang in many other parts of Europe. America caught up, establishing the American Photographic Society in 1858. Initially being in the experimental stage, The Calotype Society formally reestablished itself as the famous Royal Photographic Society in 1894. These advocates of photography spread their knowledge and gained insights of others on emerging photographic trends. As more amateur’s hit the scene with the development of digital photography, rather than joining existing clubs they began their own exclusive societies. Today, these societies have become a raging trend all over the world, gaining prominence in Asia as well.

Cropping the distance
Melanie Jones, whose husband insisted she buy a camera, is an avid member of the Light chasers, a photographic society operating at the Cultural Foundation of Abu Dhabi. All her fears were banished at the first meeting she attended. “I was never into photography. My husband forced me to one of their sessions at which he was already an active member. Though initially it felt like alien terms were being hurled at me, the colloquial attitude eventually put me at ease.” Asking her about the need for such clubs she was quick to point out the inherent nature of man to display his talent to the rest of the world. The societies give individuals a chance to share their work and gain insights of the rest of the members. Redha Qallabi, a member of the Qatar Photographic Society shares a similar view. However, while Melanie is an amateur, Redha is a working photographer. This clearly depicts the concoction of people that form a part of these societies. “We learn from one other,” said Redha, “This is how we develop ourselves as photographers.”

Redha Qallabi (Right) Photograph: Afshan Ahmed

Enhancing the vision
With the advent of online communication, it is said that the world is at our finger tips. With online forums and an ocean of avenues to render ones work why do we need tangible societies and clubs? “These clubs provide the benefit of a teacher-pupil relationship. The World Wide Web may provide you with all your answers but it lacks the aspect of personal one-on-one communication,” said Melanie. A formed society develops norms and guidelines for itself, the parameters within which the photographers display their effort. Maitri Somaia, a media student, appreciates the fact that she can capture locals of Abu Dhabi in a group as against going alone for photo shoots. “There are such undiscovered treasures in Abu Dhabi that despite being a resident for so many years, I was unaware of.” The Photographers Club provides a platform to socialize through passion for some while is a learning experience for the others. The camera sees what the eye doesn’t and photographic societies thrive on this nature of the art. “A similar sunset can be shot with so many different perspectives,” she added. These societies also provide a platform to exhibit quality material and even hold competitions to test one’s zeal to better oneself. The Qatar Photographic Society holds an annual competition that sees entries from all over the world pouring in for a common theme. “We have entries from distant places like Argentina, Slovakia and now, even India churns out amazing photographs,” said Redha.

Join the Club
Members meet weekly, bi-weekly or monthly to discuss various aspects of photography. Clubs may charge a membership fee or can be absolutely free. While many of these societies are group endeavors, some successful clubs are recognized by the government. “Our society is sponsored by the Government of Qatar. We are constantly encouraged to set higher bechmarks in the field of photograph and very soon we are planning to begin diploma courses as well,” said Redha Mohammed. Maitri, on the other hand stumbled upon a club on Google that doesn’t charge anything for sharing her passion. “I joined the Photographers Club through a social community website which I landed on while browsing for photography information.”

Photographic societies in the America and Europe have developed a niche for themselves and an entry into them has now become a feat in itself. In the Middle East, the trend has not yet caught up with the masses and such clubs are confined to certain locations. Perhaps in this land of opportunities, people are so consumed in their jobs that they lack the commitment and patience to peruse this skill. “People need to take out time and commit themselves, at least for a while. As a matter of fact these sessions tend to be relaxing and a pleasant shift from the hectic schedules of our daily life,” said Melanie. So enlightening, enjoyable and a way to meet many more photogs… Let’s say Cheese to that!

Some of the Photographic Societies that have an open membership in the Middle East are:

Light chasers

Qatar Photographic Society