SPECIAL THANKS
to the invaluable supporters
Richard
for not listening to 'go away'
Richard – thanks for trying to take my picture at the school sports day! Despite being snarled at by 17-year-old me: “Go away!! I don’t like to be photographed!"
It marked the start of a lifelong and dear friendship : )
Jurgen
Travel Life companion & tech wiz
Jurgen – my dear photography companion and much more.
One not to tire of gadgets and tech geek things. And, despite the fact that I should, he doesn’t ask to delete photos. He just arranges extra storage capacity in the server...
Thanks for the inspiring travels, as well!
First likes
@ starting up
Thanks to the first and loyal Amara Photos supporters: DesAart, Alan Morissy of the Sand Ladder, photo buddy Jaap T., the Rabbateniers, Maria Greece, Maha, Madeleine, Judith-VIJO and Lieke.
Jasmine and Rita
the princesses at the Saudi ball
‘Princess Jasmine’ for my first product/fashion photography assignment. Fun to see the transition in the years we’ve worked together!
'Princess Ball’ Rita for the opportunity of photographing my first major event at her amazing Princess Souq Ball.
The Ladies crew
inspiring professional ladies
A causal meeting at a formal function in Riyadh turned out to be life-changing. Meeting with multi-talented Madeha Al Ajroush, it meant that within a week I was assisting at a graduation ceremony of 50 Saudi teenage girls that left quite the impression on me. It literally opened up the door to professional photography for me, allowing me to enter locations and attend celebrations a non-Saudi lady normally wouldn't be able to go to.
With the privilege of assisting at Malameh Alfan Photography Studios, I continuously learned the ins and out of wedding and family portrait photography.
Photography of ladies, especially in private settings without Abaya (covering 'coat' with scarf) is a delicate issue. All our printing for example was done strictly in-house, so no non-family males would see the images. I signed a contract to never share any photo outside the studio, therefor, no portfolio to show.
I can share the photo of our team however, taken in my last month in Riyadh. To this day, I do miss the unique camaraderie of the team at Malameh Alfan. Shanty - thanks for pushing me to find the right name, not Azizi, or ZiZiZa but Amara!
Qatar Enablers
Seeing the bright side
Richard Dutchie, Richard Aussie, John and Therese, Pippa, Lucy, Kelvin, Kaarin, Ben, Kristy and big little friend Helaina, Glen and Waseem for giving me renewed perspectives on Qatari life & photography
Mr. El Nour
perspectives
Showing me different ways to focus on paintings on a wall. Your lessons will go everywhere with me!
.K
best boss
MIA-Mark P- thanks you for, among other things, trusting me until the end .K! – It makes you my best ‘boss’ ever!
Out of the Box team
triple platinum standard
Penguin Masters Nancy, Gregory, Michelle, Hoss Verty and the talented (and slightly crazy) chefs at the Ritz-Carlton Doha:
Forget about the Golden Standard. You will always be triple Platinum standard to me!
Thanks for truly Thinking out of the Box together.
Second Home
Jazz at Lincoln Center
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha became my second home in Doha, with special thanks to Yves. Grateful for how you opened up the doors to my ‘Doha family’: the dynamic Marketing Communications team of St. Regis and the crew of the Jazz club!
The essential light is not about tech stuff but in the people themselves, like the invaluable Mr. Sharky!
Mr. Purple Umbrella
let yourself reach for the stars
Take an umbrella with you - and you will be sure it's not gonna rain.
Thanks for hanging in with the Rambling Spurrs Sparks and always having a Joke at hand to cheer me up, even if via WhatsApp.
Inspiration
sunny slow down to speed up
Marvelous Madeleine, Inspiring David and Genius Sunny, among others – for bringing back my belief in sunny photographers and team spirit and to pointing out the contra-natural Slow Down!
The instructors of KelbyOne.com and Lynda.com for continuously sharing invaluable photography lessons- always inspiring to push through to grow in our beautiful profession!
Qatar Red Crescent Society
Humanitarian family
Qatar Red Crescent Society – grateful and proud to have been part of this generous volunteer society.
Still smiling about the helicopter photo journalism opportunity at the Third Disaster Management Camp!
Welcome to Peru
started perfectly in Qatar
Yvette & Bart - some surprises put you on a fast track. Thanks for introducing us to Julio and his lovely wife and for our first Pisco Sour.
We got a taste of Peruvian Haute Cuisine in Qatar, but most importantly we got a preview of the warm hospitality of Peruvians. Your introductions to Angelita, Patricia and wonderful Rosario kick started our life in Lima!
Living in Peru
photographic focus
Living in Peru - among others topics, it was a joy to photograph delicious Peruvian gastronomy.
Teaming up with great journalists like Agnes, Sheila and Carsten truly enriched my (photography) life in Peru.
Agnes, thanks for giving my photography some focus while in Lima. And keeping up being the Test-Rabbit!
Sheila, Brilliant lady, if not only because you gave me an excuse to eat fruit...Your blue berry muffins are the best!!!
Peru Chicas
Purple Shoelaces
Last but certainly not least:
Dearest PeruChicas – No Way I could have accomplished the Purple Shoelace Project without you.
Happy there are many more projects for us to come - ARK rules!
Establishing Amara Photos was only possible with the support of dear family and friends, and open minded fellow photographers.
Whether we crossed paths online or in real life:
The interaction was and is an invaluable Inspiration to learn and to continue growing!
with Special Thanks to - in order of appearance -
Bosrand 17
first froggy jumps
My parents, sisters, brother and dearest family aunties and uncles, for patiently supporting all the froggy jumps I made.
From my very first ‘failed’ photos when I was seven, to exploring many side-tracks, to finally finding the main road: Amara Photos
Prince
around the world in a day
Open your heart, open your mind,
a train is leaving all day
a wonderful trip through our time
and laughter is all you pay
Around the world in a day - R.I.P.
My first concert photo. Field ticket, Kodak disposable camera (pre-mobile era)
'Photography is all about light,' so they say
The true stars behind every photo I took were the
warm people who inspired me to see the light
Grateful our paths crossed