Tasweer, Qatar’s leading photography festival, is pleased to announce the Frame & Focus: Advanced Photography Course in collaboration with The VII Foundation, known for its commitment to empowering emerging voices in visual journalism and Qatar Preparatory School (QPS), Qatar’s upcoming vocational school for the creative industry to bring this transformative course to life. This exclusive three-month programme is designed for aspiring photographers who are eager to enhance their skills and elevate their craft.
This 12-week hybrid course will be held at the Doha Fire Station and online: the first and last weeks of the course will be held in person at the Fire Station, and the 10 weeks in between will be online, offering flexibility for participants. The course will run from 16 February - 22 May 2025 and will culminate in a final project that highlights each participant’s progress. This programme is open to photographers aged 21+ living in Qatar and the GCC countries.
Khalifa Al Obaidly, Director of Tasweer commented, “At Tasweer, we have always been committed to advancing the photographic arts in Qatar. With Frame & Focus, we are not only enhancing the skills of photographers but also contributing to the future of visual storytelling in the region. We look forward to collaborating with The VII Foundation and QPS to make this programme a reality.”
The course will cover the basics of photography, followed by a range of advanced topics, including outdoor photography, portraiture, documentary, and object photography. Participants will engage in practical exercises, work on technique development, and complete a final project that will showcase a cohesive body of work and an accompanying essay.
“We’re thrilled to offer this unique opportunity to photographers in Qatar and the wider region,” said Maryam Wahid, Head of Program and Outreach, Tasweer. “The Frame & Focus course is more than just an educational programme, it’s a way for photographers to push their boundaries, refine their skills, and be part of a community that nurtures growth and creative exploration.”
This course offers an exceptional opportunity for photographers, both locally and regionally to advance their photography skills and become part of The VII Foundation community. It aligns with Tasweer’s mission to educate, build and support Qatar’s growing photography community. In addition to its biennial festival, Tasweer also focuses on educational development by offering programs such as,, workshops, masterclasses, and courses that help photographers reach the next level in their creative and technical expertise.
Alanoud Al-Buainain, Deputy Director of Image & Narrative Practices, QPS, stated, “This course will give participants the opportunity to learn from industry experts and will be a pivotal experience for photographers looking to take their work to the next level.”
The open call to apply for the course will be available until 8 January 2025. Photographers interested in joining the course are encouraged to apply early, as this is a coveted opportunity to refine their photography practice and be part of an inspiring and supportive creative community. A jury committee will review all applications which will shortlist eligible candidates. Apply for the course through https://form.jotform.com/243320683742455.
To know more about the course, visit https://tasweer.org.qa/en/calendar/frame-focus-advanced-photography-course/
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About Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar
Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar is the leading photography hub in Qatar. Renowned for its biennial photography festival in Doha, Tasweer Photography Festival is curated to exhibit the vibrant and diverse world of contemporary photography in the region. Inspired by the rich and diverse art scene in Qatar, Tasweer emerges as a platform where innovation, creativity, and inclusivity converge to celebrate the power of photography. Under the leadership of Director Khalifa Ahmad Al Obaidly and Artistic Director Meriem Berrada, Tasweer continues to be at the forefront of the local and regional art scene, championing the transformative power of visual storytelling.
Qatar Museums (QM), the nation’s preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves and expands the nation’s cultural offerings, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, and amplify the voices of Qatar’s people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the development of museums and festivals including the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival, and Design Doha. Future projects include Dadu: Children’s Museum of Qatar, Art Mill Museum, Qatar Auto Museum and the Lusail Museum.
Through its newly created Creative Hub, QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival, M7, the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design, and Liwan Design Studios and Labs—that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.
Animating everything that Qatar Museums does is an authentic connection to Qatar and its heritage, a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and a belief in creating value through invention.
About The VII Foundation
The VII Foundation is dedicated to transforming visual journalism by empowering emerging voices and creating impactful stories that advocate change. In a time when beliefs and actions often diverge from reality, the need for transformative visual journalism has never been more urgent. For more information on the VII Foundation, please visit theviifoundation.org.
About Qatar Preparatory School
The Qatar Preparatory School, currently under development in Doha, will be the first vocational school for the creative industries in the country. This educational institution is strategically planned to revitalize creative production in Qatar and develop a skilled and inspired workforce to drive the new creative economy. The curriculum and facilities will attract and train students, support professional practice, and provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities. An interdisciplinary pedagogical model proposes to combine traditional craft with advanced digital design technologies. Thomas Modeen serves as director.
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