The Power of a Single Image: Panel Talk

Qatari photographer Khalifa Al Obaidly originally studied marine biology at the University of Qatar and MBA at HEC Paris, Underwater photography was one of his earliest formative experiences with the medium.Since 2002 Al Obaidly has concentrated on Qatari tradition and culture through the twin themes of Desert and Sea, seeking to convey through his photography the importance of the traditional wooden boats, called Dhows, as reflections of Qatari history and bearers of the spirits of Qatari culture and the soul of the pearl divers. In addition to his own photography work, Al Obaidly has worked at a number

of science and art museums, including the Aquarium at the Qatar National Museum, working on a project to construct a museum of photography and build a collection of work and serving as an assistant director at the Islamic Art Museum (project) through the Qatari National Council for Culture, Art and Heritage.

Al Obaidly is also involved with many Qatari heritage programs and initiatives, as well as leading the Msheireb Art Centre an old girls’ school in heart of Doha has converted to Art center and established “Found Objects Project” (Echo Memory or Sadda AL Thekraiat) which seeks to create art from found objects for Heart of Doha Project. As he worked on the four Museums of Msheireb, Jalmod House, Radwani House, Mohammed Bin Jassem House and The Company House. 

Khalifa leaded Firestation (Artist in Resident program) for seven years and developed the artist in resident program with many other programs to support. The local artist and connect them to international art seen. Director of Photo Festival is the new department Al Obaidly creating under QM to celebrate the young artists in the region and support their voice and thoughts in the photography and Art field in WANA region.

I began my journey in photography in the sixties, a time that birthed various art styles, but it was black-and-white cinema that truly captivated me. I watched my first color film in 1966 titled “Love in Tokyo.” My initial fascination was with cinema projectors and I would host film screenings for family and friends at home. In the summer of 1980, I traveled to Britain to study English. There my English teacher Christine, gifted me a book by the German historian Helmut Gernsheim, titled “A Concise History of Photography”.

This book ignited my passion for photography with a quote from its early pages that has stayed with me: “Of what use are lens and light to those who lack in mind and sight?

This quote resonated deeply with me and guided my photographic journey. Upon returning to Doha, I persuaded my father to buy me a Canon A-1 from Al Maha Store on Abdullah Bin Thani Street. This camera became my cherished tool for capturing some of my most beloved photographs. My career took a significant turn in 1990 when I met the late photographer Rashid Safar Abdullah Al-Khunji who introduced me to the Qatar Photographic Society. Rashid’s personality and my love for photography influenced me. I spent countless hours on outdoor shoots and long nights developing films and analyzing each image with him.

My passion for photography eventually led me to teaching. I became a trainer at the Qatar Photography Society and various centers in Doha and I conducted courses in Dubai as well. Throughout my career I have not only been influenced by the many people I met but also made a significant impact on them through my dedication to the art of photography.

Alwaleed Khaled is a photographer based in Alwakra, Qatar. His passion for photography was rekindled in while capturing his family's daily moments, from taking new photos to archiving family archives - encouraged by his work in digital cultural heritage. Inspired by surrealist and Dada art movements, he uses photography to portray abstract ideas. His scientific training as a biochemist and molecular biologist influences his experimental approaches and exploration of technical tools, from self-developing film to macro photography, pinhole photography (constructing a room-sized camera obscura), cyanotype printing, and infrared photography. Alwaleed's photography aims to explore unseen vistas and create new worlds, an attempt to escape from the mundane and our perceived reality. When not holding a camera, Alwaleed is an open-access advocate; he believes in maximizing the possibility of reusing openly licensed content, from heritage collections to scientific research.

Manjri Saxena is a freelance photographer based in Qatar. She is a certified photojournalist from the New York Institute of Photography. She has Completed comprehensive courses in Professional Photography from BIPP and Graphic Designing from OTHM, mastering the craft of visual storytelling and innovative. Other qualifications include a Masters in Computer Science.

Manjri, a visionary photographer and advocate for cultural heritage, has achieved remarkable milestones throughout her career. Her achievements include her photos being exhibited in 15+ National and International Exhibitions. She has been awarded for her work by multiple famed organizations in Qatar such as the Qatar Museum, British Council, Multiple ministries such as the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Islamic Affairs and, Ministry of Public Health. She has also won contests like 35awards and WIKI Loves Monuments. She is the General Secretary of the Photography Club at ICC (Under the Indian Embassy) in Qatar and has mentored many photo walks, been a part of the Judging panel for various photography competitions and is an active member of various photography clubs across Qatar.

Her additional works include being a part of the Host Media at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and for AFC Asian Cup 2023 and AFC Asian Cup U-23 2024. She has also done photography for collaboration in a cookbook by British publisher "Lightning Source UK Limited". Her work has been featured in renowned publications and digital media.