Doha, Qatar: For many photographers, a prize-winning shot begins long before the shutter is pressed. It starts with curiosity, a fresh perspective, and seeing beauty through your own lens.
Visit Qatar honored the winners of the "Qatar Through Your Lens" competition on Wednesday , celebrating local photographers and videographers whose content captured the country's culture, architecture and everyday experiences through their own unique perspectives.
This competition attracted more than 1,300 photo and video submissions, with the top 10 entries in categories video and photo, recognised during an awards ceremony in Doha.
"We are very happy to be here celebrating the first edition of Qatar Through Your Lens," said Jassim Mahmoud, Public Relations and Communications Director at Visit Qatar.
With thousands of entries submitted, Mahmoud described the judging process as both highly competitive and challenging. "Selecting the top 10 in each category wasn't easy," he said.
More importantly, he believes the competition extends beyond recognizing talented photographers.
"People think we're simply organizing a competition, but we also benefit from the incredible content people create," he said. "Many of these photos and videos will be valuable in promoting Qatar across our platforms."
Following the success of its debut edition, Visit Qatar has confirmed the competition will return, with additional government and semi-government entities, expressing interest and expected to join future editions, expanding its reach and opportunities for potential participants and future creators.
Talking to media at the award ceremony, first-place photography winner Amir Hamed Mubarak Suliman, the recognition marked another milestone in a journey that began five years ago: a passion alongside his studies in civil engineering.
"Qatar is a beautiful place to discover," he said. "Photography pushed me to explore new places and discover new angles. I started merging that with my background in civil engineering, adding an architectural touch to the visual narrative, and it went a long way."
"Qatar is creating great opportunities for local talent, and I hope this isn't the last."
Like Suliman, architect Ahmed Nagi Mohamed Ramadan found that photography offered another way to express how Qatar's landscape and architecture is experienced.
Ranking eighth in the photography competition, Ramadan described the competition as an opportunity open to all groups. "It was a very unique experience," he said. "It creates an opportunity for anyone and everyone to showcase Qatar from their own perspective."
His architectural background, like Suliman's engineering studies, reflects how creative and technical disciplines can actually intersect, as both heavily rely on observation and an appreciation for a beautiful frameworks all around us.
Second-place winner Paula Blanch Valencia also expressed joy as she never imagined a casual hobby would lead to one of the biggest moments of her life. "I honestly didn't expect to win," she said.
She recalled taking her award-winning photograph while visiting Katara in December, never expecting it would later earn her this award.
"When Visit Qatar tagged me on May 21, I was completely surprised," she said. "It was honestly one of the best days of my life."
For Valencia, the competition serves as a reminder that memorable photographs can begin with something as simple as stepping outside. "I encourage everyone to leave their house, take photos, take videos and explore," she said. "Qatar is an amazing and beautiful place."
She hopes her experience inspires others to take part in the next edition. "Hopefully next year, you'll be one of the winners too."
With the second edition already in the works, contributors hope they get a chance to participate again, and encourage the public to do so, so they get to compete again with new creatives.
