Sharjah24 : Participants honed their skills in impactful storytelling through images under the guidance of celebrated Venezuelan photographer Ana Maria Arevalo Gosen at a Focus Group session titled “Eyes on the Impact” at the 9th edition of the International Photography Festival, Xposure, at Aljada, Sharjah on February 21.
Exploring impactful storytelling in photography
Amateur and professional photographers shared ideas on creating impactful stories focused on climate change, artist portraits, and wildlife conservation. Ana Gosen encouraged participants to rethink their creative processes, aligning their work with ethical and community-focused goals to make storytelling a meaningful force for change.
Ana Gosen's experience and insights
National Geographic Explorer Ana Gosen, known for impact-driven projects addressing women's rights and environmental issues, referenced her work on Unomia, an invasive coral species affecting Venezuelan waters. Her impactful images helped mobilize community and governmental action.
A Six-Step process for effective storytelling
Participants applied Gosen's six-step process—goals, audience, platforms, call to action, success metrics, and creativity—to develop impactful projects. Under her guidance, they identified audiences, collaborators, and action plans, refining their storytelling approach.
The importance of ethical storytelling
Through reflection and storytelling, the group honed their photojournalistic skills into a co-creative process that respected the integrity of those portrayed while addressing ethical challenges and emphasizing social impact.
Upcoming workshops and presentations
Madrid-based Gosen will conduct a five-hour workshop on Intimacy and Photography on February 22 and a presentation titled “Eternal Days” on February 26, offering insights into the hidden worlds of incarcerated women in Latin America.
Xposure 2025: A global celebration of visual storytelling
Organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Xposure 2025 runs from February 20-26, featuring over 100 galleries, 300 renowned photographers, and more than 2500 images. Learn more about this major platform for visual storytelling globally at Xposure.