When compared to its far more glitzy neighbor, Dubai, or the oil-rich capital, Abu Dhabi, the tiny emirate of Sharjah is often missed out when cities of the United Arab Emirates are discussed. But Sharjah is often the most recognized city in the Gulf for being a beacon of culture and the arts of all kinds. Now in its 10th edition, the 2026 Xposure photography festival is another shining testament to the city’s efforts in promoting visual arts at a global level.
Editor’s Note: The Phoblographer was part of a press trip to Xposure at Sharjah. We were invited to see the festival, interact with the photographers, attend workshops, and share our insights with our readers. Since we believe in transparency, we want to let our readers know that the cab rides between the venue and my home in Dubai were paid for, but this post is not sponsored.
There are some photography festivals that feel like trade shows and others that feel like showbiz events. Then, there are those rare ones that feel like a real gathering of people who still believe passionately in the craft. The annual Xposure photography event in Sharjah is definitely among the latter. Even spending just a single day there showed that this event is not focused on trends, gear launches, or social media hype. It focuses purely on photography itself. This event is all about how photography is done, why it’s done, and what responsibility comes with pointing a camera at the world.
When photography festivals are spoken about, Xposure doesn’t often feature in those conversations. But after my third visit to one of their editions, I strongly feel it should be at the top of any such list. In terms of the quality of the workshops and photography exhibitions out here, there is simply no comparable match today. It might not have the glamour or the bells of a WPPI or an Imaging USA, but it doesn’t try to be so.
Showbiz isn’t at the heart of Xposure – it’s purely and simply education and awareness of the unlimited talent pool of photographers and photojournalists around the world. In this regard, Xposure really sets itself apart, and these aren’t my words. They’re from the photographers I met here at this year’s festival, who came from various corners of the planet not just to exhibit or teach, but also to attend and immerse themselves in a week-long celebration of photography.
Even spending just a single day there showed that this event is not focused on trends, gear launches, or social media hype.
My workload at my day job prevented me from attending more than one day out here, but I’ve made a resolution to take some days off next year at the time of the event and come out rejuvenated and refreshed after attending more workshops at Xposure. This year, I was able to attend one workshop and also had a private guided tour by one of the exhibiting photographers.
Storytelling with In-Camera Multiple Exposures, by Deanne Fitzmaurice
The only workshop I was able to attend this year was hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Deanne Fitzmaurice. In a time when most offbeat photography experiments end up being finished in software (or, worse, manipulated by AI tools), the idea of this workshop felt refreshing even before it started. The idea that complex, layered images could be made entirely in camera without relying on post-production caught my attention entirely, as it focused on intention and discipline rather than convenience.
Deanne brings decades of experience as a photojournalist, and that experience showed in the way she taught the class. There was no mystique around technique, and no effort to overwhelm. She patiently showed attendees how to intuitively create multiple exposures in-camera. Sometimes, this meant capturing new frames in succession with the ability to see the first shot layered over the incoming one. At other times, it was about blending images already stored in the camera. What mattered most was not the camera’s feature, but the photographer’s ability to spot frames that naturally merged. Whether through complementary shapes, balanced colors, or emotional cues, Deanne showed that experimentation was key to excelling in this technique.
Her approach was both methodical and instinctive. She talked about training the eye to anticipate how two images might interact before pressing the shutter, instead of waiting for something interesting to appear later on a computer screen. The settings were explained clearly, but always aimed more at storytelling than technical perfection. The process we were shown was taught as a way to keep authenticity, not water it down. The resulting images felt deliberate, thoughtful, and distinctly photographic, not digitally made.
This is something we at The Phoblographer love and constantly champion: creating images should be a photographer’s talent, not a generative AI tool’s. The workshop also served as a reminder that multiple exposures were once a creative limitation that became an expressive tool, and that such a limitation can still hold power today. We weren’t just taught techniques in the class; Deanne reinforced a philosophy of staying close to the act of seeing.
The process we were shown was taught as a way to keep authenticity, not water it down.
From Existence To Extinction
A meaningful experience during my visit to Xposure was being guided through Dr. Al Can’s exhibition by Dr. Al Can. He is an award-winning underwater photographer, author, and scuba diver with over 2,500 dives worldwide, and it was quite interesting to learn that photography is not his main job. Rather, it has been a long-standing personal passion. This distinction was important to note, as it shows in both the intent and restraint of the images on display. His exhibition at Xposure showed his long-term commitment to marine ecosystems. It wasn’t just a collection of isolated underwater photographs.
As Dr Alp explained to me how specific photographs were taken, it became clear that many images came from long observation and a deep understanding of marine behavior, most certainly not just through lucky encounters. The photographs depicted rare marine species that were captured not by chance but through careful planning and understanding. Scuba divers are easily seen as predators by marine life. Approaching these subjects without causing disturbance is important.
It became evident during the tour that Dr. Alp’s ongoing photography aims to highlight the ongoing depletion of coral reefs and the wider impact this has on marine life. Many species depend directly on coral ecosystems for their survival. Coral decline directly affects the future of ocean life. Rising ocean temperatures driven by increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels were cited as the main reason for coral depletion. He also mentioned ocean acidification caused by the same process. Hearing all this from someone who has observed and photographed these environments for decades added context and credibility to the work. The pictures serve as records of change, not just representations of beauty.
A Must Visit For Photography Purists
Beyond individual exhibitions, workshops, and brand stalls, Xposure as a whole stands out for its scale and execution. Sharjah’s government has spared no effort in bringing together a wide range of workshops, talks, and print exhibitions over the course of a week. The quality of the printed work on display is exceptionally high. Several experienced American photojournalists attending the festival remarked that events of this scale and production value are uncommon even in more established photography markets.
The lighting, spacing, and presentation of the photography exhibits were really conducive to anyone wanting to slowly study and seek deep meaning in the photos. Prints were displayed with intention, not overcrowded or treated as secondary elements. Despite the seemingly overwhelming scale, it felt very well organised.
Xposure is definitely not an event designed to be rushed through. Spend considerable time and attention out there to come out feeling thoroughly inspired with your imagination refreshed. My day trip there reinforced the idea that photography continues to hold value as a disciplined craft and a means of communication. Next time, I’m making sure I attend on most, if not all, days. I hope that someday, Sharjah will build a grand museum for photography too.