National Geographic Abu Dhabi premieres brand new reality show, ‘I am Nat Geo Photographer’
The show, shot entirely in the UAE, features eight aspiring photographers from the MENA region
Abu Dhabi, UAE, May 22, 2014: What does it take to shoot a photograph that’s worthy of making it into National Geographic Al Arabiya magazine? Eight amateur photographers from around the region will find out exactly what lengths National Geographic’s photographers will go to in search of the perfect shot, while competing against one another in National Geographic Abu Dhabi’s newest series, I AM NAT GEO PHOTOGRAPHER, presented by Nikon.
I AM NAT GEO PHOTOGRAPHER premiered on National Geographic Abu Dhabi on May 21, 21:00 KSA/22:00 UAE. Episodes air the same time every Wednesday, with the finale on June 25.
Known for its evocative, engaging entertainment, National Geographic Abu Dhabi’s newest series is an entirely local production, shot in the UAE and featuring eight contestants from countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Levant.
Throughout the six-part reality show, the photographers will have to compete against each other while working their way through a series of tasks that take them across the UAE. From Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Mosque to Meydan Racecourse in Dubai and all the way to Fujairah, the amateur photographers will have their creative and photographic abilities stretched to their limits in each exciting challenge, which will test their ability to think quickly, engage with people, judge their environment, anticipate action, endure physical hardship and more! Only the more artistically dextrous will survive elimination to make it through to the final round.
At the end of each episode, a panel of judges will eliminate one contestant based on the quality of their work, with the competitor field getting increasingly smaller until the high-pressure face-off between the remaining three contestants in the final episode!
Judging the competition are three seasoned photographers and photography experts: Laura El-Tantawy, National Geographic photographer; Jack Dabaghian, professional photojournalist, and Matthew Dols, Assistant Professor of New Media in the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE) at Zayed University (Dubai and Abu Dhabi campuses).
Athreyan Sundararajan, Head of Marketing, National Geographic Abu Dhabi, said: “’I am Nat Geo Photographer’ is a reality show that is all about talent. If you thought photography was a passive exercise this show will change your mind; real world scenarios, real world deadlines and an extremely discerning set of judges makes this a fascinating look behind the scenes of the world of professional photography. We are delighted to have worked with and mentored this group of talented young photographers from the region. Having the support of Nikon has been integral to the development of the contestant’s capabilities, and we would like to thank them for their involvement.”
Narendra Menon, Regional Head Sales and Marketing, Nikon Middle East and Africa, said: “Nikon is constantly looking for ways to encourage budding local talent, and partnering with National Geographic Abu Dhabi was the perfect opportunity to do just that. We are committed to nurturing and enhancing the talents of photographers across the Middle East, amongst both amateurs and professionals. The ‘I am Nat Geo Photographer’ competition not only provides a great platform to showcase the best regional talent, but will also help inspire a love of photography amongst viewers.”
I AM NAT GEO PHOTOGRAPHER is supported by Associate Sponsors Nissan and The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Awards (HIPA).
About National Geographic Abu Dhabi
Launched in July 2009, the free-to-air National Geographic Abu Dhabi invites viewers in the Middle East to re-think the way they see television – and the world – through smart, innovative programming in the Arabic language. Brought to the region by the Abu Dhabi Media (ADM) and National Geographic Channels International (NGCI), the channel is dedicated to understanding and protecting the world, with its worldwide reputation of producing credible and authentic content that fits different viewers’ interests.
