Have a Vision for Your Work, Don’t Rush Your Stories,” Says Award-Winning Photojournalist Giles Clarke at Xposure 2025

Photo : Sharjah Govt Media Bureau

The International Photography Festival 2025 is bringing together the works of over 300 talented photographers from across the world. Among them is Giles Clarke, an award-winning photojournalist who never originally planned to take this career path. His journey started in the dimly lit darkrooms of West Berlin, where he spent a decade mastering the art of black-and-white photography. After years in the commercial television industry, it was a trip to India in 2007 that changed his direction and led him toward long-form photojournalism.

On Sunday, at the Xposure 2025 festival, Clarke spoke at a focus group session about making a career in photojournalism. He shared his life’s experiences, insights, and advice for aspiring photographers.

Lessons from a Lifetime Behind the Camera

Despite working in different industries over the years, Clarke believes certain lessons have remained the same. “The darkroom taught me about framing, composition, and storytelling,” he said. “A good story has a beginning, a middle, and an end.”

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This belief in storytelling has shaped his work. Clarke is not drawn to the thrill of breaking news but to the deeper human stories hidden behind major events. He believes photojournalism should focus on people’s experiences rather than just capturing a moment of crisis.

Why Long-Form Journalism Matters

In an age where short-form content dominates the internet, Clarke stays committed to long-term storytelling. Instead of covering quick news stories, he spends years researching and documenting topics. One of his most well-known projects is his work on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in India, which he started in 2007.

“I’ve always been interested in how pollution and industrial disasters affect people,” he said. “We don’t think about what happens to all the things we throw away, but they have lasting effects on people’s lives.”

His photographs of the children born with mercury poisoning, twisted limbs, and severe neurological disorders are heartbreaking. But for Clarke, it’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about truly understanding the people and their stories. “Over the years, the mothers trusted me enough to let me into their homes. In many societies, disabilities are hidden away, but I felt it was important to show the real human impact of this disaster.”

Clarke’s approach to photojournalism is based on respect. His work often focuses on war-torn areas, displaced communities, and gender-based violence. Yet, instead of focusing on war itself, he chooses to highlight its long-term effects on civilians. “I’m not interested in showing guns and battles,” he explained. “I want to show what happens to the people left behind—the women, the children, the survivors.”

His work in countries like Haiti, Sudan, and Yemen has taught him the importance of knowing the history of a place. “You can’t truly understand a place until you’ve read about its past,” he advised.

Advice for Young Photojournalists

Clarke knows that many people see photojournalism as an exciting and adventurous career, but he warns that passion for storytelling is more important than the thrill of travel. “Some people think it’s about visiting dangerous or exotic places, but that’s not what really matters,” he said. “The real motivation has to come from a desire to tell important stories.”

For Clarke, the camera is just a tool. What truly matters is curiosity and dedication. “Ask yourself, ‘What am I trying to say? Why do I care about this? Have I done my research?’” he told young photographers. He also encouraged them to study the work of legendary photojournalists and use archives like the World Press Photo collection as a learning resource.

“We’re not just taking pictures,” he reminded the audience. “We are capturing important moments, telling powerful stories, and creating something meaningful.”

As he continues his long-term projects—most recently in Sudan—his philosophy remains unchanged. “Photojournalism isn’t just about getting a great shot,” he said. “It’s about creating a body of work that will have a lasting impact.”

Xposure 2025: A Must-Visit Photography Festival

Xposure 2025, the largest photography festival in the Middle East, is not just for photography lovers. It offers a chance for everyone to see the world through the eyes of experienced photographers. The festival runs until February 26 at Aljada, Sharjah, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience powerful storytelling through photography.