Egyptian-Swedish lensman feels deep emotions of subjects

The International Photography Festival (Xposure) 2025, the Middle East’s largest celebration of visual storytelling has returned to Sharjah for its 9th and biggest-yet edition in Sharjah’s swanky new hub ‘Aljada’ with a complete reimagination of how culture, family, and community converge.

For Sweden-based photojournalist Ismail Abdelkareem, photography is about experiencing the moments that are captured.

Speaking at the ongoing 9th annual International Photography Festival (Xposure), he shared how his empathy-driven storytelling shapes his work, revealing that before he takes a photograph, he must first understand, feel, and live the emotions of his subjects.

“Only after knowing a person’s sorrow, joy, or happiness do I engage with them as a photographer,” Abdelkareem said, explaining his immersive approach.

This profound connection allows him to create images that transcend the visual, telling stories that linger in the minds of viewers long after they’ve been seen.

Unveiling the deeply human narratives behind his most powerful images, Abdelkareem reflected on his decades-long career. “Every photograph I take is inspired by human stories,” he said. “Many of them carry an element of tragedy, but I always try to capture something hopeful.”

Among the works he presented was a striking image of two skiers — one blind and an amputee, having lost his leg to cancer — being guided down a slope by another skier pulling him with one hand. "This moment speaks to resilience, trust, and the unbreakable human spirit," he said.

He also shared a hauntingly poignant photograph of a frozen lake near his home, with an empty bench facing the vast expanse. The image, he revealed, held an emotional backstory — an elderly couple in their eighties had always sat there together. One day, he found only the woman on the bench. She told him her husband had passed away. Two days later, she, too, was gone. “Since then, every time I pass by that bench... it remains empty,” he shared, his voice heavy with emotion.

Abdelkareem’s presence at Xposure 2025 carried special significance, as he spoke of his deep connection to the Arab world. “Being part of an international platform that originates from the Arab world, in a country I hold dear, is incredibly important to me,” he said.

“This festival highlights the region’s contributions to global storytelling through photography. Sharing these narratives from an Arab perspective fosters understanding and brings people closer together.”

Xposure 2025 runs until February 26 in Aljada Sharjah. To register, visit https://xposureshj.evsreg.com/home/index.