Delivering the session on Friday (February 10), Gower displayed a collection of photos he took in different countries and settings - spanning workers in Zambia to local female artisans in Sharjah’s town of Dibba Al Hisn, and shared with them the different approaches and techniques he applied to each project to make his subjects comfortable as they posed for the photographs.
Illustrating a live example on Stage X, the photographer invited a member of the audience to be his subject for the session and demonstrated the various methods he uses to reduce their stress by making funny gestures or asking them to recall happy thoughts.
“A lot of people I photographed came back to thank me and said the experience instilled confidence in them which led them to explore new avenues and even start their own ventures”, the photographer noted.
Gower closed the session by encouraging the photographers in the audience to think about the purpose of the medium and find their own unique approach to take it to the next level.
Until February 15, Stage X, which made a debut this year, has been designed as a platform for an exciting collection of talks and discussions, creative showcases, activations and product reveals, in a bid to offer festival visitors not just the best of photography, but an entire range of stimulating activities to experience and enjoy.
For an optimal experience, please
