As part of its ongoing efforts to expand the community of professional photographers and videographers, the Qatar Photography Center—affiliated with the Ministry of Culture—has launched a series of specialized training courses at its headquarters in the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara).

On July 7 and 8, the center will hold a course titled “How to Create a Lasting Image” led by trainer Saleh Al-Marri. The course will cover several key topics, including how photographers perceive scenes through an artistic lens, proper use of lines in composition, image analysis as an entry point to understanding creative photography, and steps for building a purposeful photography project. Interactive hands-on exercises are also part of the training.

Abdulaziz Al-Kubaisi, Deputy Director of the Qatar Photography Center, told Al-Sharq that these courses are carefully designed as part of an annual training calendar. During the summer, the focus shifts to beginner-level courses aimed at teaching the fundamentals of photography, including Lightroom and lighting basics. More advanced courses—such as portrait and nature photography—are offered later in the year.

Al-Kubaisi emphasized that photography is an enjoyable and accessible hobby for everyone, especially with the availability of high-quality smartphone cameras. However, he noted that true skill comes from continuous training and technical development, which is a priority at the center. He also highlighted the importance of lighting as a key element in achieving high-quality images, recommending morning and late afternoon as the best times for photography. While talent is important, learning the rules is even more essential, he added.

The Qatar Photography Center aims to foster photography as a creative hobby, support photographers, and enhance their artistic abilities while keeping pace with technological advancements. At the same time, it remains committed to its core identity as a national platform for photography.

The center has also built strong collaborations with global brands such as Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony. Thanks to these partnerships, many Qatari photographers have become official brand ambassadors and certified trainers. Al-Kubaisi praised the Ministry of Culture for its vital role in organizing exhibitions and events—most notably, the Doha Photography Festival and the launch of the Doha Photography Award last year. These efforts have greatly contributed to the support and development of the local photography scene and the discovery of emerging Qatari talent through year-round courses, workshops, competitions, and exhibitions.

The Qatar Photography Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, has announced the organization of a specialized workshop on the fundamentals of photography. The workshop will be held from June 23 to 25.
The training will be conducted by instructor Fatima Al-Emadi and will take place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Center’s headquarters, located in the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara). Participation requires prior knowledge of the registration terms and bringing a professional camera.
The Center had recently conducted a specialized workshop on the basics of videography and editing, as well as a hands-on training focused on mastering lighting techniques and wedding photography angles.
These workshops and specialized programs are part of the Center’s ongoing efforts to expand the circle of professional photographers among Qatari talents, nurture the hobby of photography, encourage photographers, and enhance their skills and artistic capabilities in this field, while keeping pace with developments in modern media.

The Qatar Photography Center, in collaboration with the Qatar Football Association, has launched a new specialized training course titled “Football Photographer”, aimed at developing skilled professionals in the field of football photography. The course is part of the official activities of the 2025 Amir Cup.

This initiative is designed to support emerging talent and provide them with the tools to pursue a career in sports photography. Through a combination of direct fieldwork and classroom instruction, participants will gain practical and theoretical knowledge using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques that meet both local and international professional standards.

As part of the training, participants will be granted access to Amir Cup stadiums, allowing them to apply their skills in real-time match settings—offering invaluable experience in capturing the dynamics of live football events.

The launch of the “Football Photographer” program reflects the Qatar Photography Center’s ongoing commitment to nurturing national creative talent and strengthening the role of photography as both a documentary and artistic medium within the sports industry.

The curtain has fallen on the inaugural edition of the Doha Photography Festival, which concluded on Wednesday evening. The event, organized by the Qatar Photography Center under the Ministry of Culture, took place across from Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area, bringing together a distinguished group of Qatari and international photographers, along with eight global companies specializing in camera equipment, as part of the cultural season’s activities. The festival saw remarkable success on all levels, attracting a large audience of photography enthusiasts throughout its duration.

Over the course of its seven days, the festival fostered a dynamic environment aimed at promoting heritage and photographic culture. It featured displays of antique cameras and historical photos, alongside workshops and lectures that enhanced knowledge exchange and created interactive opportunities for photographers to spotlight various artistic aspects.

The Ministry of Culture was committed to promoting photographic art in Qatar, highlighting photography’s importance as a medium of expression and documentation. Additionally, the festival aimed to inspire the community through the stories and experiences of photographers and promote photographic tourism within the country.

The Doha Photography Festival included a variety of personal and group exhibitions, displays of vintage photos and antique cameras, dedicated areas for film photography, and a main stage for lectures and talks by international photographers. Interactive workshops and platforms for the public were also organized.

Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Kubaisi, Deputy Director of the Qatar Photography Center and the Doha Photography Festival, noted that the festival attracted a high turnout from photography enthusiasts. He described it as an ideal destination for photography lovers, being the largest event in Qatar’s photography community.

Al-Kubaisi also highlighted that the festival served as a perfect platform for Qatari photographers to showcase their artistic works and talents. He praised it as a rich event that has contributed to enhancing the artistic landscape, opening new horizons for photographers to learn about the latest trends and technologies in the world of photography.

He added that the festival featured a variety of photo exhibitions across different genres, offering a remarkable diversity through Qatari photographers. This event has played a role in promoting visual culture, encouraging the public to appreciate the art of photography and familiarizing them with its various types and techniques.

The Deputy Director of the Qatar Photography Center explained that the festival included interactive activities for the public, such as studios and a live interactive room where visitors could take commemorative photos in various styles. The festival also offered personalized photo printing services for specific exhibits, available for a fee, as a way to support photographers.

The final day of the Qatar Photography Festival featured a series of lectures on the main stage, presented by an elite group of Qatari and international photographers. The first lecture, titled “Architectural Photography,” was given by Abdullah Al-Mashifri, followed by a talk on “Tips for a Successful Photography Trip” by Ali Saif Al-Din, and “Secrets of Creative Mobile Video Photography” by Issa Al-Jamali.

The concluding events also included training workshops, such as “Equine Photography” led by trainer Omar Al-Hammadi and “Food Photography” by trainer Fatima Al-Amadi.

The first edition of the Doha Photography Festival, which has entered its fourth consecutive day, highlights the creativity of participating photographers through a diverse collection of photographs. The festival, running until November 13, is part of the cultural season and is organized by the Qatar Photography Center under the Ministry of Culture. It is held opposite Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal.

On its fourth day, the festival featured a series of lectures and workshops presented by renowned global photographers. The main stage hosted several lectures, starting with “Expressive Art in Photographic Imagery” by Asmaa Al-Abdullah, followed by “Coordination and Symbols for All Content Types” by Dr. Ali Mohammed, and then “Underwater Photography” delivered by Faisal Al-Jarkas. The day’s lectures concluded with “Capturing Emotions in Sports Photography”, presented by George Ferrari.

As for the workshops, the first was “The Art of Mobile Photography for Future Photographers” by Reem Al-Badr, followed by “Unlocking the Power of N-Raw with Nikon”, led by Mohammed Rezai.

The Ministry of Culture aims to use this festival to enhance Qatar’s photographic heritage and culture by highlighting old cameras and photographs, improving photographers’ skills, and promoting local photographic art. The festival also emphasizes photography as a tool for expression and documentation.

In this context, Abdulhadi Al-Marri, a specialist in urban photography, expressed his happiness at participating in the first edition of the Doha Photography Festival. He thanked the Ministry of Culture and Qatar Photography Center for creating an opportunity to highlight photographers’ works under one roof. He noted that his participation highlights the value of city and architectural photography. Al-Marri emphasized that the festival’s standout feature is the gathering of photographers and major companies in the field, offering a platform for direct communication and exchange of expertise.

Reem Al-Badr, another photographer, commented: “I am sharing with festival visitors a collection of my works specializing in newborn photography, which highlights the beauty and innocence of children in a distinctive style.” She pointed out the challenges of newborn photography, particularly the unpredictability of their movements.

Saleh Hamad Al-Marri, a photographer, remarked: “The festival has provided photographers with an exceptional opportunity to connect, create, and exchange expertise.” He encouraged everyone to visit the festival to benefit from its workshops, lectures, and interactive activities. Al-Marri praised the festival as a hub for creative photographers, emphasizing its role in facilitating the exchange of expertise and fostering connections among photographers.

Architectural photographer Khalid Al-Muslimani shared: “My participation in the festival stems from a sense of duty and national responsibility to showcase Qatar’s history and heritage to the world.” He added that he is particularly drawn to photographing heritage buildings that reflect the country’s history, alongside modern structures.

The festival, which runs until November 13, features the participation of eight global companies specializing in cameras. It includes individual and group exhibitions, displays of antique cameras and photographs, a section dedicated to film photography, and a main stage for lectures and seminars by international photographers. Additionally, the festival offers interactive workshops and platforms for attendees.

The Doha Photography Festival aims to enhance the art of photography in Qatar by highlighting its importance as a medium for expression and documentation. It seeks to inspire the community through the stories and experiences of photographers while promoting photography tourism in Qatar.

Through this initiative, the Ministry of Culture aspires to preserve and enrich Qatar’s photographic heritage by highlighting vintage cameras and photographs, developing photographers’ skills through workshops and lectures, and fostering knowledge exchange in the field.

The first edition of the “Doha Photography Festival,” held as part of the cultural season and organized by the Qatar Photography Center under the Ministry of Culture, continued its activities for the third consecutive day. The event, taking place opposite Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area, saw a large turnout, with the public eagerly attending lectures and workshops led by renowned international photographers.

On the main stage, the day’s lectures began with “Travel and Nature Photography” by photographer Suleiman Al-Riyami, followed by “Studio Light Shaping” presented by Ali Al-Rifai, and “Capture Your Ideas Using Artificial Intelligence” delivered by Abdulaziz Al-Yousef. The day concluded with a lecture titled “In the Dark: Low-Light Photography” by Shadi Nasri.

As for the workshops, the first one focused on “Photographing Flying Feathers” led by trainer Mohsen Jaafar, followed by a session on “Video Basics” led by trainer Mohammed Al-Dumairi.

During his lecture, Omani photographer Suleiman Al-Riyami showcased various applications that aid photographers in capturing high-quality images of natural landscapes. He also shared a selection of his work, speaking highly of the Doha Photography Festival: “The festival is creative and comprehensive, encompassing everything related to photography, and it reflects the organizers’ commitment to supporting photographers amidst significant technological advancements in photography.”

Al-Riyami emphasized that photographer should always be prepared, with camera, battery, and equipment checked and ready. He noted several techniques photographer can use to achieve clear, high-quality shots of natural landscapes and people’s lives.

Saudi photographer Abdulaziz Al-Yousef, in his lecture, highlighted generative artificial intelligence and its potential benefits for photographers and photography enthusiasts. He explained how AI can be harnessed to enhance and facilitate the preparation process for photography. He added that the Doha Photography Festival greatly contributes to the development of photographers by providing new knowledge through its lectures and workshops.

Author and photographer Mohammed Jassim Al-Baker, known for his book (Saber), which documents the lives of resident and migratory birds in Qatar, expressed his delight at participating in the Doha Photography Festival. He remarked that, in its inaugural edition, the festival stands as one of the most impactful events in the photography world and is poised to gain a strong reputation both locally and internationally. He added that the festival serves as a meeting place for photographers from various regions, enabling the exchange of ideas and experiences. Al-Baker highlighted the festival’s significance, noting the valuable lectures, seminars, and educational workshops it offers.

Regarding his own participation, Al-Baker explained that he is displaying a collection of photographs of resident and migratory birds in Qatar, which capture the essence of the Qatari environment.

Photographer Ali Saif Al-Din, known for his focus on wildlife and nature photography and the recipient of numerous international awards, commented on the festival, describing it as an artistic event that brings together many photographers, providing them with opportunities to connect and exchange knowledge. He noted that the festival includes enjoyable segments and inspiring messages, offering a platform for photographers to showcase their work through exhibitions and to learn from both local and international photographers in the lectures and workshops. Al-Din shared that he is presenting a series of photographs depicting Icelandic volcanoes.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Culture, inaugurated the first edition of the “Doha Photography Festival,” which is being held as part of the cultural season activities and organized by the Qatar Photography Center under the Ministry of Culture.

The inauguration was attended by several distinguished guests, including His Excellency Mr. Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh Al Marri, Minister of Labor; Her Excellency Ms. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of Social Development and Family Affairs; His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Chairman of the Qatar Press Center; and Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Buainain, Secretary General of the Qatari Documentation House.

The festival, held opposite Darb Al-Saai in the Umm Salal area, will run until November 13, featuring the participation of eight global companies specializing in camera technology.

The event includes a variety of exhibitions, both personal and group shows, as well as displays of vintage photographs and antique cameras. Additionally, there is a dedicated space for film photography and a main stage for lectures and seminars delivered by international photographers. The festival also hosts workshops and interactive platforms for the public.

Commenting on the festival, His Excellency Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al-Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture, stated: “The launch of the first edition of the Doha Photography Festival within the cultural season aims to enhance the art of photography by highlighting its importance as a means of expression and documentation. It also seeks to inspire the community through the stories and experiences of photographers, promote photographic tourism, and organize workshops to build capacity within the community.”

He explained that the festival serves as a meeting point for photographers and creatives, bringing together global photographers and specialized companies in the field of photography under one roof. His Excellency also noted that the Ministry, through the Doha Photography Festival, seeks to strengthen photographic heritage and culture by showcasing vintage cameras and photographs, as well as developing photographers’ skills.

Mr. Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, Director of the Qatar Photography Center, added that the festival aims to provide a platform for showcasing work, with more than 30 photographic exhibitions allowing local photographers to connect with the public.

Al Buainain also mentioned that several global companies, including Canon, Nikon, and Sony, along with local and Gulf-based stores specializing in photography equipment, will participate in the festival, enriching the experience for both participants and visitors.

The Doha Photography Festival aims to elevate the art of photography in Qatar by emphasizing its importance as a means of expression and documentation. It also seeks to inspire the community through the stories and experiences of photographers and to promote photographic tourism in Qatar.

The Ministry of Culture, which oversees the festival, looks forward to fostering photographic heritage and culture by showcasing vintage cameras and photographs and enhancing photographers’ skills through workshops and lectures that encourage knowledge exchange.