Sharjah24: At the vibrant 9th International Photography Festival (Xposure), the inspiring stories of Lisa and Simon Thomas shine brightly. This adventurous couple embarked on a thrilling two-decade motorcycle journey, covering an incredible 507,000 miles across over 80 countries. Initially, photography wasn’t their goal, but the need to document their experiences transformed them into skilled photographers. Their stunning images, which beautifully capture the raw elegance and profound humanity of our world, have graced global exhibitions, inspiring countless others.
The purpose behind their photography
Renowned photographers Simon and Lisa Thomas delved into the profound purpose behind their captivating work. Simon posed an intriguing question: "Is there a message behind our photography? Why do we feel compelled to capture and share the beauty of the world?"
The beauty of Snowdonia and beyond
Lisa passionately shared their stunning backdrop, "We live in a breathtaking part of the world, in Snowdonia, Wales. But we aim to show that other countries possess equal beauty—whether it's the majestic mountains or the vast, enchanting deserts."
Facing moments of doubt
Throughout their remarkable journey, the couple has faced moments of doubt. "Unsurprisingly, there have been times when we felt like giving up," Lisa admitted. "We always agreed that if one of us wanted to stop, the other would support that decision, rather than persuade them to continue. That's not the kind of travel we enjoy, nor is it reflective of our relationship."
Reflecting on their adventure
Simon chimed in, reflecting on their incredible 500,000-mile adventure, "There’s only been one fleeting moment where I thought, 'This is enough.' That’s it—just a fraction of a second."
Transformation through travel
The couple acknowledged the transformative impact of their travels, stating, "We are very different people now compared to when we set out."
Gratitude for support
They expressed heartfelt gratitude to their friends, family, and the festival for providing this remarkable opportunity. "We must also thank His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for the support to take part in the event," they concluded, highlighting the collaborative spirit that fuels their inspiring work.