Sharjah 24: The Xposure International Photography Festival drew to a close this week, leaving a trail of inspiration, knowledge and admiration in its wake. Among the throngs of regular visitors, amateur enthusiasts and seasoned photographers alike, people shared their resounding praise for the festival – including the depth of its exhibits and its organisation. Voices from all over the world expressed their appreciation for the rich tapestry of experiences offered at the 8th edition of the festival, which they all said is one of its kind.

Akbar Al Khabori, an amateur photographer and videographer from Oman, praised the organisation and layout of the festival, saying: “It's very well organised and so calm here. You can see the different types of photographs at your own pace and there is plenty of space, which means that you can have some of the exhibit areas to yourself at a given time for a more private experience. It’s almost like being in a live museum or art gallery.

“Photography is constantly about improving and updating oneself, and such events are the best places to enable that.”

Ogadi Emenyeonu, a Nigerian member of the faculty of Mass Communication at the University of Sharjah, said he was taking some of his students around at Xposure for a hands-on learning experience and to raise their awareness about the issues that affect the world. “I brought my photojournalism students here since this is the best way to gain practical knowledge and exposure. It’s one thing to sit in class and show them documentaries and hold theory classes, but these kinds of exhibitions offer them a real understanding of the methods of photography as well as subjects that matter universally.

“My students will get to take their own photographs here and write stories or create projects around them, which is also for the university photography magazine called Panorama. They need to be aware of what is happening around the world and all the news and conservation are the perfect avenue for learning.”

Anca Boicu, a Romanian visitor from London, who was attending with her partner, a photographer, said she was amazed at everything about the event and got deeply emotional about the experience. “I have never experienced something like this before. The fact that they invited all these photographers under one roof, and you can talk to them all and find out how they arrived at their story, where they travelled to and the people they met, the stories behind every picture,” Bociu said. “This is just an incredible experience. I have been here since day one and don’t want to leave. Everyone who is participating and attending are so involved in the event, the atmosphere is palpable.”

“Also, I’m amazed by the openness to culture in Sharjah and visitors like me are aware that it is due to the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who is passionate about such events. I’m so grateful I was part of this and could not be happier.”

Indian national Adley Robinson, a young photographer, said it was his first visit to Xposure. “I enjoy seeing all these different types of photos of people and view the world through their perspectives. It’s interesting how all these topics from climate change to cityscapes and world events are showcased and interpreted in a different manner by each photographer,” Robinson said.

All the visitors praised the fact that the activities on the sidelines – such as the Cinema which screened a number of interesting short films and documentaries throughout the event, as well as the workshops on photography, filming and drone skills, which added so much value to the event and gave them new insights into the world of film and photography.