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Osama Elolemy: Photography.. powerful tool for connection

February 23, 2025 / 6:31 PM
Osama Elolemy: Photography.. powerful tool for connection
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Sharjah24: We live in an age filled with fast-paced digital experiences, but fine art photographer Osama Elolemy takes a step back, inviting viewers of his work to reconnect with the simple, awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world. Speaking at the session Rediscovering Joy: A Journey Through the Essence of Nature during the 9th International Photography Festival (Xposure), the Dubai-based Egyptian photographer shared his deep-rooted philosophy of photography as a means of storytelling, connection, and self-discovery.
Elolemy, known to his vast social media following as ‘Genie in a Click’, has made a name for himself capturing the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. His work is underpinned by his belief that photography is not just about preserving a moment but about evoking emotions that linger long after the image is viewed. “My goal is to create photographs that don’t just tell a story but make people feel something profound,” he shared. “I want my images to ignite wonder, to remind people of the beauty they might have forgotten to notice.”

His session was an invitation for audiences to reconnect with nature, to find meaning in the smallest details, and to embrace photography as more than a medium, but as a way of life.

Africa: A love letter to nature and humanity
Elolemy’s artistic journey has taken him across the globe, but it is Africa that holds a special place in his heart. “Every trip to Africa is a new chapter in my creative journey,” he explained. “It’s where I find raw, unspoiled beauty: not just in the landscapes, but in the people, in the way they exist in harmony with nature.” Through his work, he aims to highlight the deep cultural and environmental richness of the continent, using photography to bridge the gap between his audience and the subjects he captures.

His meticulous approach to photography involves months of conceptualising before a single shot is taken. “It’s not about snapping a photo, but about waiting for the right moment, the moment that speaks,” he said. This patience and dedication have led to globally recognised and award-winning work, earning him accolades from institutions such as the Tokyo International Foto Awards, New York Photography Awards, and the European Photography Awards (EPA).

For Elolemy, photography is a deeply personal experience, one that requires an emotional connection between the photographer and the subject. “When I take a portrait, I’m not just capturing a face. I’m capturing a story, an emotion, a lifetime of experiences wrapped in a single frame.” To him, the most powerful images are not just visually stunning but emotionally resonant.

Our world is increasingly disconnected from nature, and work like Elolemy’s serves as a reminder to slow down and rediscover joy in the everyday. “We live in a time when people are more focused on documenting their lives than living them,” he remarked. “Through my photography, I hope to inspire others to pause, breathe, and truly see the world around them.”

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) Xposure 2025 is taking place in Aljada, Sharjah until February 26. To plan your visit, see https://xposure.net/
February 23, 2025 / 6:31 PM

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