Every August 19th, photographers worldwide celebrate World Photography Day, an annual moment to recognise the art, craft, science, and history of photography. This year’s theme, “MY FAVORITE PHOTO,” encourages photographers to share their most meaningful captures alongside the stories behind them.
At Canon, we believe that photography’s greatest strength lies in connecting communities, preserving heritage, and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. This drives our commitment to supporting creative talent development, from established professionals to newcomers picking up a camera for the first time.
This philosophy recently materialised through a youth-focused photography workshop organised by Dubai’s School of Life initiative. Canon supported the program by providing expert instruction from renowned photographer Jorge Ferrari – Canon Ambassador, who guided participants through a three-part curriculum covering photography fundamentals, portrait and street photography techniques, and collaborative storytelling for exhibition preparation.
The workshop’s inspiring outcomes demonstrate the program’s success. We’ve selected eight standout images from participants, each representing their personal interpretation of “my favourite photo” while illustrating the varied perspectives that emerge when communities access proper training and equipment.
Eight distinctive photographic voices:
1. “Stillness in the Wind” by Ahmad Bilal
Ahmad’s composition captures a woman in a traditional black abaya positioned on a rooftop, her silhouette creating a striking contrast against intricate geometric latticework. The architectural patterns weave naturally around the subject, connecting her to Dubai’s cultural landscape while natural lighting enhances human form and surrounding details. This image honors cultural heritage through contemporary photographic technique.
Shot on Canon EOS 4000D | Printed on Canon Pro 2600
2. “Hidden Memories” by Havra Mallalan
Havra explores personal narrative through intimate domestic spaces, where wall textures and architectural details speak volumes even without direct human presence. Ambient light creates an authentic mood while maintaining clarity throughout the frame, allowing these silent spaces to become storytellers themselves. Each surface and shadow carries emotional weight, transforming ordinary rooms into vessels of memory.
Shot on Canon EOS 4000D | Printed on Canon Pro 2600
3. “The Warmth of Stone and Tales of Time” by Hossam Zibdieh
Hossam captures neighbourhood life during Dubai’s renowned golden hour, when warm light transforms ordinary streets into something cinematic. Traditional wooden doors and pathways anchor the composition, while atmospheric dust particles drift through the frame, adding texture and visual movement. The careful timing ensures detail remains visible across bright and shadowed areas, turning everyday urban scenes into compelling documentation of community life.
Shot on Canon EOS 4000D | Printed on Canon Pro 2600
4. “Echoes of Memory” by Masoumeh Rahmani
Masoumeh documents life in Al Shindagha’s historic market district, weaving storytelling seamlessly into their bustling environment. Despite challenging mixed lighting conditions, she keeps moving subjects sharp while allowing market stalls and architectural details to provide rich context without overwhelming the central narrative. The result captures intimate human moments and the broader cultural atmosphere defining this historic neighbourhood.
Shot on Canon EOS R50 | Printed on Canon Pro 2600
5. “Back to Our Roots” by Mohamad Abdelghany
Mohamad explores the deep connections between place and cultural identity through traditional village scenes that speak to heritage and belonging. His composition moves fluidly from foreground details to distant views, with buildings, landscape, and cultural markers organizing into meaningful layers that create both visual depth and narrative richness. The sharp focus across different distances ensures each element contributes to the larger story about roots and identity.
Shot on Canon EOS R50 | Printed on Canon Pro 2600
6. “Echoes of the Past: A Visual Story from Al Shindagha” by Reny Mathew
Reny carefully documents Al Shindagha’s architectural heritage with attention to how light reveals the character of traditional building materials. Directional lighting brings out texture and detail in weathered surfaces, while the geometric patterns inherent in the architecture create a visual rhythm that guides the eye through the composition. The work balances technical precision and deep respect for the location’s cultural significance.
Shot on Canon EOS 4000D with EF-S18-55mm Lens | Printed on Canon Pro 2600
7. “Al Shindagha Threads” by Salma Nabil
Salma documents traditional textile craftsmanship through intimate observation of weaving processes and cultural practices. Her close-up approach captures fine details with precision while maintaining enough environmental context to show how these ancient traditions continue to thrive in daily life. The image successfully bridges craft techniques with broader cultural meaning, creating a visual record that honors the technical process and its deeper significance within the community.
Shot on Canon EOS 4000D | Printed on Canon Pro 2600
8. “Whispered Stories” by Mymun Malik
Mymun focuses on traditional woodcraft and reveals intricately carved pieces where natural light becomes a collaborator, emphasizing every groove and texture that speaks to generations of skilled craftsmanship. Her shallow depth of field isolates the detailed work while keeping just enough background visible to establish the heritage setting. This intimate approach allows viewers to appreciate both the precision of traditional carving techniques and their continued relevance within contemporary cultural spaces.
Shot on Canon EOS R50 | Printed on Canon Pro 2600
Canon continues to support photography development through educational institutions and community organizations. These initiatives help preserve cultural heritage while providing practical skills training for emerging visual storytellers across different experience levels and backgrounds.
