Saudi Gazette

A YOUNG Saudi health management technician is gearing up to make his dream come true by winning a reality TV program in photography.

Hesham Al-Humaid along with three other amateur photographers from the UAE, Egypt and Lebanon will be competing in "I am a Nat Geo Photographer", the first reality TV program in the region designed to nurture the talent of aspiring photographers from around the Arab world.

Aligned with National Geographic Abu Dhabi's vision to increase local and regional content programming with high appeal to Arab viewers, "I am a Nat Geo Photographer" is a four-part show that is shot in different countries across the Middle East and North Africa. It features four amateur photographers who compete against one another in a series of challenges, as they try to capture a photograph worthy of being featured in National Geographic Al-Arabiya magazine.

The 2018 season show is in the UAE and the challenges take the contestants to iconic locations across the country. The show will introduce the contestants to millions of viewers across the region, who will get unprecedented access to their personal and professional journey, as the series unfolds.

Commenting on his participation, Al-Humaid, who picked up the camera from a young age and also a die-hard explorer who travels to the furthest corners of the world every year in search of the perfect portrait and story, said: "To be a National Geographic Photographer is a huge thing. It is not easy to be one. A NatGeo Photographer in my view has unique characteristics; he is a who that can handle tough circumstances and can adapt to any situation. To become a NatGeo Photographer is a dream for me.”

He added, "My strength in photography is my love for adventure. I am courageous and a risk taker, and this gives me the ability to always have unique images. My weakness is my shyness, which limits my abilities as a photographer.”

"I am a Nat Geo Photographer" reflects National Geographic Abu Dhabi and Nikon's partnership and shared the mission to nurture the development of Arab youth photographers across the region.

In addition to the expert mentoring the contestants will receive during the show, they will also receive intensive training at the prestigious Nikon school in the UAE, where they will further sharpen their creative and technical skills and mastery of the camera.

Commenting on the film, Abdulrahman Awadh Al-Harthy, acting executive director of television at Abu Dhabi Media, said: "Since its establishment in 2009, National Geographic Abu Dhabi has focused on presenting rich, factual content that has contributed to strengthen its leadership and expand its viewership across the region. With its wide viewership reach, 'I am a National Geographic Photographer' will enable all audiences of reality TV shows and photography enthusiasts and specialists the opportunity to acquire new skills and enhance their talent and capabilities, with in-depth guidance on photography methods.”

Al-Harthy also stressed that the program's new season will also highlight the UAE's unique essence and its infrastructure development, which is a unique opportunity to bring to the world the progressive socio-economic and cultural facets of the United Arab Emirates.