Pakistan through the Eyes of Emerging Young Photographers from FATA

Young Photographers Exhibution
One of the many photos on display at the exhibution by emerging young photographers from FATA
Amad- Pakistan

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Seventeen young photographers from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) displayed their work at the National Art Gallery in Islamabad and discussed the unique perspectives and insights they learned in a special training program led by photographers from the prestigious National Geographic magazine. The program was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

"The U.S. government is proud to support the work of these talented young people, who are cultural ambassadors for Pakistan and FATA," said U.S. Embassy Minister Counselor for Public Affairs Peter Brennan. "They have given the American people a better understanding of what everyday life looks like in Pakistan," he added.
 
The young photographers, mostly in their 20s, hail from mixed socio-economic backgrounds and represent various regions of FATA. The photo exhibit provided glimpses of everyday life in Pakistan, as well as beautiful shots of famous landmarks such as Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
 
The 17 photographers were selected from more than 250 applicants in a rigorous application process to participate in the USAID-funded training program, which included two sessions led by esteemed National Geographic photographers.
 
Muhammad Rizwan, a 25-year old man from Jandola, Frontier Regions Tank, said, "Before the National Geographic Photo Camp I was using my mobile camera to take pictures and did not know how to take a really good photo. Now I understand the editing process and how to select one great picture out of many."
The National Geographic Photo Camp introduced photographic storytelling techniques that encouraged the aspiring young photographers to explore their unique perspectives and styles. They also learned how to tell their stories with others outside of FATA.