For many years I had enjoyed travel photography, most notably the people of the world, as opposed to the landscapes of the world. Then I had the good fortune to live in Dubai for a while and I had great fun taking my camera to places off the beaten track - discovering the lesser known areas of Dubai.
Sometimes, after dropping my son off at school, I would drive out to the desert to the camel race track to see the camel trainers. I was always given the warmest of welcomes where I was known as that ‘hat lady’ as I always wore a hat with a big floppy brim to protect me from the sun and the sand. I also had great fun in Satwa, a market area where traders sell just about everything. If I needed glass cut that was where I’d go, if I wanted a dress made I could find a tailor down one of the alleys.
Dubai creek where the traders arrive with their cargo is another superb location for photo opportunities, and just across the road is the spice souk. For me, Dubai is a magical place to explore, and to encounter friendly faces with whom I often don’t even share a common language. I love Dubai, can you tell?!
I remember on one occasion it was a hot and stiflingly humid evening. I was at the fruit and vegetable market. The guys there were always super excited to have their photo taken and my camera would cause quite a furore! This particular hot evening, I could hear someone behind me shouting “Madam, Madam”. I turned and there was a young man with a slice of water melon for me! It was the perfect thirst quenching treat. After my visits to the market I would have the photos printed and would return to distribute them to those who had had their picture taken. I once took my son with me and let him distribute the photos. He couldn’t believe the excitement that the photos generated. Such events will remain in my heart forever. And interestingly, the people who were the nicest to me were those who had the least.
It was really during my time in Dubai that my photography passion (some would say obsession) really grew and I started to take photos every day. When we left and returned to France I felt a huge loss at leaving these people behind. Some even messaged me and asked in broken English when i would be returning!
Having used my camera every single day in Dubai, on returning to France my camera went untouched. Home is in the Pyrénées - it’s is very beautiful, the air is clear, the sky is blue and we look out onto the snow-topped Mount Canigou. But there aren’t many people here and it was the characterful people of Dubai that I longed for. I don’t know why, but I have never been attracted by landscape photography - a shame as I live in a beautiful area.
One day, whilst walking my dog through the forest I picked some flowers and on returning home I took my camera out. The results weren’t great but they weren’t bad either. So I had another go with more flowers and I enjoyed the challenge of improving. Slowly I made progress and I found that flowers were at least encouraging me to use my camera daily. If you visit my Instagram page you will see that my interest in flora grew somewhat and rest assured - there’s more to come!
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