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World Photography Day a celebration of art and adventure, in a snap

Dubai - Four photographers share how a mobile has changed the way they peer through the lens

World Photography Day is today, August 19, an occasion that aspires to create positive change in the world through capturing images that speak volumes about the beauty of our world.
From its humble beginnings - from the first photograph that was taken following the invention of the photographic process in 1837 - everyone in today's world is, in his or her own right, a photographer thanks to pocket-sized innovation.  
To get more insight, iPhone photographers share some of their favourite spots around the world, where they get inspiration for some of their best shots. 

Noura Al Neyadi from Abu Dhabi travels the world, enjoying viewing life differently and finds inspiration in the modern architecture around the UAE, as well as the nature that she grew up loving.
"I got to travel around Japan for a month this year and very much enjoyed shooting the historical Gion District in Kyoto. Another one of my favourites was when I was paragliding all the way to Lake Geneva. That was a thrilling experience and I was able to capture all of it in full colour," the Emirati said.
Her personal favourite this year is a shot of a geisha walking in Gion District - and she was lucky enough because it's usually difficult to actually find a geisha.
"So after hours of wondering around, I was lucky to spot one," she said, adding that she uses the Snapseed and Moment Lenses apps to enhance her shots.

Pakistani Altamash Javed, a former investment banker, credits the iPhone for helping him switch careers to become a full-time photographer. Architecture, travel, aerial and documentary photography are his passions.
"There is still a lot to explore, but I absolutely loved shooting in Morocco. If you are into architecture, street, culture, history, nature you can get it all there. I have only seen a fraction of the country so I will definitely be going back. Oman is a close second; I have visited a few cities already and plan to make more trips this year," Dubai-based Javed says, who "primarily can't live without" editing tools such as Snapseed and Lightroom CC.
One of his favourite shots is at the Hassan 2 Mosque in Casablanca: "The sheer size of this mosque is just incredible. My friend was praying and the frame just came all together."

Canada's Paul Zizka, an author and award-winning mountain landscape and adventure photographer based in Banff, travels frequently worldwide capturing "under-documented" areas, including glaciers and auroras. He also runs photography workshops around the world.
"My home is in the mountains and I draw great inspiration from spending my time amongst them. I love the history not only from a geological point of view but from those who have lead the way, pioneering routes and exploring the area so many years ago," he says.
"It is almost incomprehensible to imagine the harsh conditions they faced with such limited clothing and equipment. I used this inspiration to recreate a typical pioneering scene using a mountaineer model dressed in a typical outfit for that time."

Ryan Pernofski, from New South Wales, believes the best part about shooting photos on an iPhone is that it's accessible and portable.
"I have a bit of a saying that 'the ocean is art'. I love taking photos that you can just stare at for a long time," he says.
"A photo that from corner to corner - like a meticulously composed painting or sculpture - you can study and pause and wonder. Sometimes it seems like the ocean is posing and every droplet is in the right place. Not perfect, but beautiful," added Pernofski, who uses an AxisGo housing to protect his device and VSCO to edit photos. 
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com