Photographer Osama Elolemy, Xposure 2025, and photography as a tool for connection with nature and people.

Photo : Sharjah Govt Media Bureau

In today's fast-paced digital age, when we are surrounded by images all the time, award-winning photographer Osama Elolemy feels that we should slow down and look at the beauty that we miss. Addressing the 9th International Photography Festival (Xposure), he spoke about photography as an effective means to narrate stories and rediscover the magic of nature.

Elolemy, a Dubai-based Egyptian photographer, has snapped breathtaking landscapes and touching human portraits around the world. Familiar to his considerable social media fan base as 'Genie in a Click,' he has developed a reputation for eliciting intense emotions in his photography. His images don't merely capture a moment in time—they evoke a sense that lingers with the viewer long after they have gazed upon it.

Photography as Lifestyle

In his session entitled Rediscovering Joy: A Journey Through the Essence of Nature, Elolemy talked about how photography is not merely a career to him—it is a lifestyle. He shared that he does not only aim to take photographs but to make the viewer feel something special when viewing them. "I desire for my images to kindle a sense of awe and cause individuals to recall the beauty they have perhaps forgotten," he added.

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His presentation was an open invitation for the audience to return to nature, to listen for the finer points of detail, and to view photography as more than just a means of recording memories—it is a means of living life more deeply and meaningfully.

Africa: A Source of Inspiration

Although Elolemy has visited numerous locations, Africa is close to his heart. "Each journey to Africa represents a new page in my creative life," he explained. "I see rough, untamed beauty—not only in the views but in the people and their profound connection with nature."

Through his photography, he hopes to bring attention to Africa's rich cultures and stunning landscapes, bringing his viewers closer to the people and landscapes that he photographs. He takes months researching each shoot, wanting each photograph to have a story. "It's not about pushing a button; it's about waiting for the right moment," he said.

Capturing Emotion Through the Lens

Elolemy's passion for photography has been recognized globally, with honors from the Tokyo International Foto Awards, New York Photography Awards, and European Photography Awards. His portraits are more than just faces—he gets to the emotions, experiences, and narratives concealed in every image.

We exist in a world where human beings are more concerned with capturing their lives rather than living them," he noted. "My photography is intended to get people to slow down, breathe, and really see the world."

His photos are a reminder that despite how distracted our world is, beauty still exists—provided we bother to look.