Photography exhibition: Through the lens, portraying tribal life

Trained under foreign professionals, 17 photographers showcase their work.

ISLAMABAD:

You don’t take a photograph; you make it, in the words of American photographer Ansel Adams. Taking realities and transforming them into art, some 17 photographers from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) displayed their work at the National Art Gallery on Thursday.

Through the photo narratives, they discussed the unique perspectives and insights they learned in a training programme led by photographers from the National Geographic magazine. The programme was funded by USAID.



“The US government is proud to support the work of these talented young photographers, who are cultural ambassadors for Pakistan and Fata,” said US Embassy Minister Counselor for Public Affairs Peter Brennan. “They have given the American people a better understanding of what everyday life looks like in Pakistan,” he added.

The young photographers come from mixed socio-economic backgrounds and represent various regions of Fata. The photo exhibit provided glimpses of everyday life, as well as beautiful shots of famous landmarks such as Faisal Mosque.



The photographers were selected from over 250 candidates in a rigorous application process to participate in the training programme, which included two sessions led by National Geographic photographers.

Muhammad Rizwan, 25, from Jandola, Frontier Region, Tank, said, “Before participating in the photo camp, I was using my mobile camera to take pictures and didn’t know how to take a great photo. Now I understand the editing process and how to select a compelling photo from many.”

The National Geographic Photo Camp introduced photographic storytelling techniques that encouraged the aspiring young photographers to explore their unique perspectives and styles. They also learned how to tell their stories with those living outside of Fata.

Huma Gul, a 22-year-old business student at University of Peshawar, said, “I got the opportunity to learn photography from some of the most skilled photographers in the world. I also learned that I could tell important stories through photography.”

The large frames displayed at the gallery told stories of the rich culture and beauty of the region. Hammad, one of the photographers who freelances for various NGOs, displayed 10 photos. He shot a boy diving into a pond on the outskirts of Peshawar. “They are drug users and were having a good time taking a dip,” said the photographer while talking to The Express Tribune.

He also captured the towering structure of the only remaining mosque in Peshawar against an overcast sky. Though lacking precise focus, the photographs stood out for their light and composition.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2013.