Meet the TEN AND ONE Awards Judges: Khalifa Al Obaidly

Khalifa Al Obaidly is passionate about photography and started taking pictures already as a child, when his father gave him his first camera. He now works for Qatar Museums as Director of Artist in resident programs and is one of our newest additions to the judging panel for the TEN AND ONE AWARDS 2017. Get to know him through this short interview!

Hello! Welcome to the Lomography Magazine. Please introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Khalifa Al Obaidly, I'm from Qatar I work for Qatar Museums as Director for Artist in resident program which is held in old fire station building in Doha. I studied Marine Biology and started photography underwater in the 90's, actually photography is my passion and I live it everyday.

How did your interest with photography start?

My interest in photography started when my Father presented me a camera when I was in year 5 at school, that was during the 70's and as a child I was doing silly photos for the family and neighbourhood, but at the University of Qatar where I studied Marine Science I met the photographer of the university and started to learn from him all the darkroom secrets and developing films, I was also a member of Qatar Photographic Society at the same time where I developed my skills with the master photographers .

How would you define photography? What makes it worth pursuing?

I can say photography for me is stress reliever or it's a kind of expression I use to express myself, also it's a media tool which is familiar for everybody in the community and it's easy to transfer a message through it. Photography is a daily practice for all ages and it keeps you engaged more and more day by day.

What inspires you?

I get my inspiration from what surrounds me. I'm a morning person so I start my day very early and get the chance to live moments with everything around me. I also take photography as a media to interact and engage the people with the issues that affect them.

What makes a good photograph?

I think a good photograph can be made if the photographer considers some factors, the most important factor is practice and keep the camera with you wherever you are going, because the picture could come at anytime so you should be ready.
You have to be ready for this moment when the lucky scene is happening in front of you. This is what we call a lucky picture, but if you are not ready this lucky picture will never happen.

Any advice that you’d like to give aspiring photographers?

I would like to advice the photographers to look more around them and create a data bank of pictures in your brain, that will enrich your vision and culture and will inspire you with all the pictures you are taking. Also try to be yourself and use the tools (camera) you have and avoid complications. As much the picture is a symbol as stronger it will be if all the elements are completed.

2018-01-22 #people #tenandone #tenandoneawards #tenandonejudges