Omani wins top prize in global photography competition

Muscat: An Omani lensman has won global honour for capturing stunning images of wildebeests migration in Africa.
Among the 10,000 photographers who participated recently in the Xposure International Photography Festival, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, on Saturday, Waheed Al Fazari, a multi-award wining photographer, has done it once again, this time claiming the top award by beating participants from across 94 countries.
Known for his ability to capture multi-dimensional wildlife in his pictures, Waheed’s entry ‘Al-Obor’ was selected as the best among 10,000 other entries.
The photograph was taken during Waheed’s journey in Africa. Waheed’s photograph depicted one of the largest movement of African wildebeests while they crossed the river that connects Tanzania and Kenya. The competition included eight categories: Landscape, portraiture, best of the Emirates, action and sport, children’s, photojournalism, still life and wildlife. Waheed has won more than six national and international awards. The most recent award was from the Federation of International Art Photographers.
He also won an honour medal in the Oman International Photography Competition. Waheed started practicing photography in 2013. His favourite category is wildlife.
“When we go deep into photography, we realise it can reveal a new world that many of us will never see,” said Waheed.
Concerning the difficulties he faced while capturing the images of the wildebeests, Waheed stated: “The time management was very difficult. I waited since early morning to capture wildebeests while they crossed from north to south.”
“Capturing the migration of wildebeests was the most interesting moment of my life,” remarked Waheed.
“It was a great chance to exchange experience with international photographers. Depicting the stories that influence our lives and showing people new amazing angles are not easy, but they are interesting,” he explained.
“I am really happy with this achievement. I raised Oman’s stature in this festival. I am proud of myself and all the Omani photographers who progressed in their ranks in international competitions,” he noted.
“I dedicate this award to my family, friends, photographer friends and the photography association which supported me,” he added.
Xposure International Photography Festival 2017 is a vital initiative that supports Sharjah’s cultural development.