Xposure 2026 Set to Kick Off in Sharjah

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The city of Sharjah is gearing up for the 10th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival, Xposure 2026, taking place from January 29 to February 4 at Aljada. Hosted by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), this week-long event marks a significant milestone in visual storytelling and professional development within the photography community.

This year’s schedule features the introduction of the Hadara Stage along with an expanded Stage X, both of which will collectively host over 126 discussions and dialogues led by prominent figures and experts in the field of photography.

Workshops and Portfolio Reviews

Xposure 2026 will present 72 diverse workshops designed for photographers of all experience levels, covering various styles including street, documentary, landscape, and cinematic photography. Participants will engage in hands-on sessions that emphasize essential techniques such as lighting, composition, color management, and editing skills.

Highlighted workshops include:

• The Theatre of the Ordinary, conducted by street photographer Vineet Vohra, focuses on the art of capturing the everyday.

• Landscape Photography: Vision and Technique by Mohammad Anabtawi, aimed at enhancing expressive landscape imagery.

Moreover, over 280 portfolio reviews will facilitate connections between participants and industry professionals, including photo editors and curators. Reviewers consist of notable names such as Aidan Sullivan, Claire Harbage, Pulitzer Prize winners Essdras M. Suarez and Mohammed Muheisen, alongside senior editors from National Geographic and Getty Images.

Global Conversations on Stage X

Stage X will host in-depth panels addressing issues like migration, liberty, and trust. Notable discussions include:

• Stories of Migration, Culture and Humanity, which highlights Athens as the Guest of Honour, featuring speakers Christina Kalligianni, Maro Kouri, Antonios Pasvantis, and Dimitris Tosidis.

• How Freedom Survives in Afghanistan by photojournalist Kiana Hayeri, focusing on the ethical challenges of documenting women's experiences.

• Building Trust in Difficult Places discussed by Tomasz Tomaszewski, exploring responsibility and patience in challenging contexts.

Debut of Hadara Stage

The Hadara Stage is set to spotlight cultural empathy and cross-border dialogues. Key sessions encompass:

• Harnessing Soft Power featuring leaders Glenn Gainor, Odessa Rae, and Ayten Mirzoyeva on the global impact of storytelling.

• Exposing the Trade Secret: A Conservation Paradox delving into the ethics of wildlife filmmaking with director Abraham Joffe and journalist Adam Cruise.

Xposure 2026 is set to offer an exceptional mix of educational opportunities, networking, and cultural exchanges, solidifying Sharjah's standing as a pivotal location for global visual storytelling.