Saturday, Apr 14, 2012

Gulf News

Abu Dhabi When she first learnt about pinhole photography in university, little did Shamma Al Ameri know it would spark a passion for the archaic photography technique.

“I was amazed by just how simple the concept was. It is just a box, with a small hole to let sunlight in that then captures an image on the photographic film located inside,” she said.

“I decided to learn more about it, so I went online and was stunned by just how big its community is. I bought a camera and once it arrived I began using it to document my surroundings,” she added.

Shamma explains that, because pinhole cameras don’t have viewfinders or lenses, using them makes for a trial and error style, until one becomes accustomed to using them.

“I began using it in 2005 and it took me some time before I became comfortable using it, understanding what are the ideal locations and the amount of sunlight needed,” the Dubai-based Emirati artist said.

“In fact, the first series I shot were of the Burj Khalifa being constructed because I strongly felt that it was history in the making,” she added.

She recently exhibited her images at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which ran from March 28 until April 2 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

“I had a lot of positive feedback from visitors, and also received requests to photograph landmarks such as the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque,” Shamma, who has a BA in Arts and Design from the Latifa College, said.

Challenges

“Recently, I completed a photographic book of the UAE commissioned by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority a year ago,” she added. However, it was a challenging project as she sometimes had to contend with varying weather conditions and accessibility issues.

“One of the hardest places to shoot was actually the oases in Al Ain because there was either too much shade or sunlight in different areas so it was difficult finding the right spot,” the 26-year-old said.

“In situations like that, I use a Polaroid as a test print because they develop on site before using 4x5 negatives, which are old format prints. But sometimes the risk is that the photographs do not develop well since the films I purchase are mostly expired. This is because film rolls are no longer being produced,” she added.

The images are then developed at a darkroom in her home. Despite facing such challenges, Shamma feels that even as digital photography continues to evolve, there are still those who prefer using film.

“I do not think film photography will die out completely…some photographers prefer this method as it does not rely on a lot of technology and instead emphasises the relationship between them, their subject and surroundings,” Shamma, who is currently doing her Master’s, said.

Breaking stereotypes

“Personally, I like using pinhole photography because it captures the elements that we identify strongly with in both the UAE and the region — time, change and our connection to the past. Besides, it helps me break stereotypes because I would go to all sorts of locations, such as construction sites,” she added.

However, Shamma acknowledged that initially, people did not understand what she was doing or her motivations. “I would go into different neighbourhoods and I would either get curious or suspicious looks…but what drives me to document them is change, whether something is being built or demolished,” she said.

In addition to her photographic works, Shamma has also participated at various art exhibitions.

“Right now, my works are being shown at an exhibition entitled ‘Five Art Beats’ in the Dubai Ladies Club. They are being displayed as part of the ‘Nomad Box Project’, which I co-founded in 2010,” she said.

Situated inside a 12-metre long shipping container, the Nomad Box Project was debuted at Art Dubai. Since then, it has travelled to different locations in the city, providing both artists and members of the public with a unique art venue. “I would love to bring it to Abu Dhabi one day...maybe we can transport it for Abu Dhabi Art when it takes place later this year.”

By Nathalie Farah ?Staff Reporter

Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.