Ferris Wheel in Al Montazah Parks in Sharjah at Sunset
Ferris Wheel in Al Montazah Parks in Sharjah at Sunset. Mikhail Nilov/Pexels.com

The Xposure International Photography Festival 2025 will feature over 3,100 visual masterpieces by more than 420 acclaimed photographers, filmmakers, and artists across 98 solo and group exhibitions.

The festival will offer an exciting lineup of 349 activities, including 50 talks, 72 workshops, and 58 film screenings. Set to take place from Feb. 20 to 26 at the new venue in Aljada, Sharjah, the UAE, the festival promises to be the most immersive and ambitious edition yet, with over 84 hours of programming.

Xposure 2025 will showcase a diverse range of global talent and cover many photography genres, including Documentary & Photojournalism, Nature and Wildlife, Travel and Adventure, Fine Art & Creative Expression, People & Portraiture, Urban & Street Life, Sports & Action, and Night & Low Light, among others.

The festival will highlight various techniques and perspectives, celebrating the full spectrum of visual arts. One of the key attractions is a solo exhibition by Don McCullin CBE, known for his photojournalistic work, WAM reported.

His exhibition, "Life, Death, & Everything In Between," will feature his powerful images of war and conflict. McCullin has earned numerous awards, including the World Press Photo of the Year, for his compelling depictions of humanity's struggles and triumphs.

James Nachtwey, one of the most renowned war photographers, will feature his impactful work in the "Geography of War" exhibition, showcasing his ability to capture intense emotions from global crises. His powerful images have earned him several awards, including the World Press Photo of the Year.

Greg Gorman, a celebrated figure in celebrity and portrait photography, will bring his extensive experience and iconic portfolio to the festival. His exhibition, "Homage: A Tribute to Tribal Artists," will include classic photos of African sculptures, reimagined by artist Gary Johns in a modern and thought-provoking way.

Sebastian Copeland, an award-winning filmmaker and photographer known for documenting the Arctic and Antarctic, will display his work in the exhibition "The Vanishing," highlighting the urgent need for climate action.

Martin Stranka's award-winning photography, showcased in his exhibition "Martin Stranka," explores the balance between reality and dreams. His work has won several international awards, including the Sony World Photography Award.

George Steinmetz's aerial photography of deserts, ecosystems, and human life will be presented in "Feed the Planet." His innovative approach has earned him honors like the National Geographic Explorer Award.

Sandro Miller, known for his evocative portraits and collaborations with John Malkovich, will display his work in "Crowns: My Hair, My Soul, My Freedom," having won the Lucie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Portraiture.

Xposure 2025 will also feature impactful filmmakers. Emmy-nominated Karen Ballard is recognized for her behind-the-scenes work on films like Argo and Fury. Salim Amin honors his father's legacy of documenting Africa's untold stories.

Cynthia Ball and Stephanie Bakker's environmental documentary Sinking Cities explores the effects of rising sea levels, while Patricia Moreira's Dark Summer tackles Amazon deforestation.

Horacio Villalobos will offer insights into the socio-political landscape of the region. This edition will offer numerous opportunities for attendees to engage with experts through workshops, discussions, and live demonstrations.