After the cold and dreary winter of 2025 in England, I found myself back in Dubai for a three-day photography assignment, a welcome escape from a messy home renovation and the chilling temperatures. Having lived in Dubai for almost nine years before returning to England in 2020, stepping back onto Dubai soil was a nostalgic experience. With a free day before the shoot, I decided to explore my old neighbourhood in Tecom, now known as Barsha Heights. I caught up with an old colleague and met with a few friends from my previous company, who kindly showed me their new studios.
When shoot day arrived, I was up bright and early to join an energetic group of 20 photographers for the prestigious 1 Billion Followers Summit. This unparalleled three-day event brought together the world's top creators and industry experts, focusing on entertainment and professional growth. I was excited to cover the main stage at iconic venues like Emirates Towers, the Museum of the Future, and DIFC, where we had an impressive lineup of speakers including Simon Squibb, Maye Musk, Tucker Carlson, Jay Shetty, and Zach King. Over the course of the event, I had the privilege to capture VIP guests, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his family.
As an event photographer, the fast-paced nature of these large-scale events demands quick turnaround times for images. I owe a huge thanks to my dedicated team, especially the runners who swiftly transported memory cards to the editors for culling and editing. The thrill of capturing high-profile speakers and guests in stunning venues, combined with the urgency of delivering images for press and social media, is incredibly rewarding. While such assignments are rare in the UK, they reaffirm my passion for event photography. I eagerly look forward to returning to Dubai and expanding my horizons as an international photographer.
