Four stunning images captured the hearts of judges in the GDN’s hugely popular Bahrain Today photographic competition and the people behind the lens have proudly walked away with perfect prizes and much acclaim.
The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) sponsored the contest which attracted more than 200 participants sharing more than 1,300 images in four categories for a chance to win coveted cameras as well as a three-month free subscription to our publication.
“Every image had its own story to tell while also capturing the true splendour and essence of our beautiful island in composition, colour and concept,” said Al Hilal Group managing director, Ronnie Middleton.
“I was truly moved by these winning images and applaud the photographers for their creativity. We have so many talented photographers in Bahrain and it is our pleasure to provide them with the platform they deserve to showcase their skills.”
Fahad Asab, 37, wowed head of the judging panel, Al Hilal’s Group creative director Andre Bigg, with his image capturing the iconic clock tower in Riffa, winning him the Architecture and Buildings category.
Mr Asab, who is currently visiting his family in India, was delighted when the GDN tracked him down during his vacation to break the news. “It was such a great surprise,” said the thrilled accountant, who has lived in Bahrain for the past 10 years.
“I knew it would be difficult to win because many members of the photography group I joined, called the Friday Dawn Shooters, had sent in their own entries and they are all so talented.
“It gives me immense joy and happiness being chosen the winner in this category and it’s a case of ‘double delight’ because I could share the moment with my family who I have not seen since before the pandemic!”
Mr Asab
Mr Asab used a Canon 5d mark IV with Canon 16-35 f2.8 lens, which he refers to as his ‘constant companion’ to create a time-lapse creation as he was driving around the tower.
His prize was picked on his behalf by his cousin, Amshid Akbar Ali, at a special ceremony yesterday at NBB Tower in Manama.
Mr Pillai
Vinod Pillai, 51, won the Flora and Fauna category with his captivating image of a group of seagulls’ mid-flight as the sun was setting. He used a Nikon D850 with a 200mm-500mm lens.
“I took this image in Arad Bay while I was looking for flamingos,” said Mr Pillai, an electrical engineer superintendent, from Hidd. “I came across these seagulls during my search and decided this was the image for me!
“This is my first time I have won an award for one of my images and I have been a photographer for almost five years. I love taking images of landscapes, seascapes and wildlife. My aim is to capture moments that may never be repeated and, even if they are, they will never be exactly the same.”
Mr Alkooheji
Bahraini Abdulla Alkooheji’s dramatic photograph of Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Bridge and the surrounding Bahrain cityscape landed him first place in the Landscape and Seascape category which he captured using his smartphone.
“Winning a camera is great,” said the 36-year-old from Diray Al Muharraq. “I have never had my own so this competition has upgraded my photographic equipment. I wasn’t expecting to win so I’m very happy. This kind of competition gives photographers like myself the encouragement and motivation to keep going.”
Ms Giannotti
Brazilian Juliana Marquetti Giannotti, who has been living in Bahrain for the past two years, won the People of the Kingdom category with a wonderful shot of her four-year-old son, Bruno, celebrating Bahrain National Day.
“I cried when I got the phone call,” said an excited Ms Giannotti, from Awmaj Islands, who picked up one of her Canon cameras to record the special moment.
“My family and I were celebrating Bahrain’s National Day near Bahrain Bay when we can came across an installation of many Bahraini flags. I thought it was absolutely breathtaking.
“My son isn’t usually the easiest person to take pictures of as he is always moving around but he was mesmerised by all the flags, giving me a chance to take the picture, capturing that beautiful moment. Winning this was such a joy as it made me feel like my vision was appreciated and would be shared.”
The images also caught the eyes of the NBB team whom were delighted with the outcome.
“The submissions were beautiful and we are very happy about the winners that were chosen,” said NBB’s corporate communications assistant manager, Dana Maher Abul.
“This contest was a great way to showcase these talented photographers. We believe in investing in the people of Bahrain and the community and are thrilled to have been a part of such a competition as this. Well done to all!”
A selection of contest images will feature in the Bahrain Annual Report 2021 special publication out, free to subscribers of the GDN, on December 15.
mai.alkhatib@gulfweekly.com
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