Xposure 2026 Kicks Off: Sharjah's Photography Showcase

The 10th Xposure International Photography Festival, known as Xposure 2026, will be held in Sharjah from January 29 to February 4 at Aljada. This event, organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), marks a decade of celebrating visual narratives and fostering professional development in the field of photography.

A new feature this year is the Hadara Stage, which joins the expanded Stage X, collectively hosting over 126 discussions and presentations from esteemed photography professionals and global leaders.

Workshops and Portfolio Reviews

Xposure 2026 will present 72 workshops targeted at photographers of varying expertise, spanning genres such as street, documentary, landscape, and cinematic photography. Attendees can expect practical sessions to hone essential skills including lighting, composition, color, and post-production techniques.

Highlighted workshops include:

• The Theatre of the Ordinary led by street photographer Vineet Vohra, focusing on everyday moments.

• Landscape Photography: Vision and Technique taught by Mohammad Anabtawi, emphasizing the art of expressive landscape imaging.

Additionally, more than 280 portfolio reviews are scheduled, allowing interactions with photo editors, curators, and industry experts. Notable reviewers include Aidan Sullivan, Claire Harbage, Pulitzer Prize winners Essdras M. Suarez and Mohammed Muheisen, along with senior editors from National Geographic and Getty Images.

Global Discussions on Stage X

Stage X will host panels centered on topics of migration, freedom, and trust. Highlights include:

• Stories of Migration, Culture and Humanity, with Athens as the Guest of Honour, featuring insights from Christina Kalligianni, Maro Kouri, Antonios Pasvantis, and Dimitris Tosidis.

• How Freedom Survives in Afghanistan, presented by photojournalist Kiana Hayeri, who delves into ethical approaches to capturing women's experiences.

• How to Build Trust in Difficult Places, led by Tomasz Tomaszewski, focusing on responsibility in fragile environments.

Debut of Hadara Stage

The Hadara Stage will promote cross-cultural dialogues and empathy. Noteworthy sessions include:

• Harnessing Soft Power, featuring Glenn Gainor, Odessa Rae, and Ayten Mirzoyeva, discussing the global influence of storytelling.

• Exposing the Trade Secret: A Conservation Paradox, offering insights into ethical wildlife filmmaking with director Abraham Joffe and journalist Adam Cruise.

Xposure 2026 offers a distinctive opportunity for photographers and enthusiasts to learn, connect, and exchange cultural insights, reinforcing Sharjah's status as a prominent center for international visual storytelling.