'43 Photographers' book launched in Dubai

Dubai turned muse for 43 photographers as they united in one canvas to mark 25 years of Motivate Publishing in the UAE.

Unveiled at the Bastakiya courtyard, “43 Photographers” is a coffee table book tribute that captures the cosmopolitan culture of the UAE.

“What started out as an idea during our 40th national day project culminated to coincide with our 25th anniversary,” said Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner and Group Editor, Motivate Publishing, at the book launch.

“The images capture the UAE’s national identity and some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and hidden corners.”

Pitched on 43 easels that lined the walls of the wind towers, the canvas prints of the images, one each from the selected photographers, presented a trip down memory lane.

“The images are diverse and capture life in the UAE, both past and present. The book is dedicated to the people and rulers of the emirates,” read Fairservice’s foreword in the book.

Talking about Motivate’s publishing history, he revealed that it was “My Vision” by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that was enormously successful, “selling 80,000 copies”.

“43 Photographers”, which comes in four different covers as the publishers couldn’t decide on any one, was handed over to dignitaries Mohamed Al Noori, Director of Environmental Centre for Arab Towns; Saeed Al Nabooda, Director General of Dubai Culture; and Mohamed Al Shirawi, CEO of Emirates Printing Press. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, who has penned a foreword in the book, was unable to attend due to bad weather.

Picked from over 1,000 submissions, the publishers decided on 170 images from 43 photographers. “It’s interesting that you find pictures not just from professionals but also from many, talented amateurs. Our book publishing began with amateur authors, who went on to enjoy great success. So, it was only befitting that we invited professional and amateurs for this work,” Fairservice said.
American nature photographer Dave Clark, whose click of the feathered grey heron, seen in Al Ain, made it to the album. “I sent it (the book) to a couple of friends who lived here and they’re thrilled.”

Scottish photographer Grant Bishop’s  picture showed a colourful set of balloons floating into the misty blue sky. He said it is his efforts in 2007, when he blogged one photograph per day for a year, that prompted selectors to pick his picture.

A small group of Filipino photographers too found their place in the spotlight. Joey Anasco’s portrait of a little boy cycling against the sunset was impressive, while Donnell Gumiran’s picture of men chatting against the background of a boat on the beach was dramatic. “I like documenting the life of Emiratis,” said Gumiran.

But it was Filipino Charlie’s psychedelic shot of the souk, achieved after tinkering with the shutter speed, that won a lot of applause. “I took this picture during my photography class but was surprised when it was selected because for me it was just fun,” he said.
 

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