Description
Perched high up on the terrace of a towering skyscraper, my eyes survey the vista sprawled out beneath me. Dubai, a photographers playground, displays a dizzying array of glimmering lights and super-structures, each trying to scratch the sky a little higher than the last. An ocean of concrete and glass, the city looks like a tapestry of dreams woven into reality.
Coming to the Middle East, to Dubai, was a journey that filled me with a sense of awe and an uncanny imposter syndrome. Stepping out of my comfort zone, into a new country this far from home, felt like stepping into an alternate reality. But what grounded me were the people - the vibrant pulse of humanity that thrives amidst the sprawling cityscape. The connections I made felt comforting and real, a human oasis amidst the glittering mirage of Dubai. The thrill that surged through me as I composed the shot, capturing the city in this beautiful setting, was nothing short of exhilarating. The silence at this height was in stark contrast to the bustling life beneath. It felt as if I was part of a silent symphony, observing yet detached, from the world that hummed below.
Looking down at the city, I felt an insidious fear grip me. I was overwhelmed by the city's scale, its unending pursuit of growth and expansion. But beneath that fear was also a sense of excitement, a cautious optimism about what the future held for humanity. The experience of shooting this image was a journey that mirrored my personal growth as a photographer. Growing up in a small town with limited opportunity, standing on the precipice of this glittering Middle Eastern city, was a poignant reminder of how far I'd come. The realization was as humbling as it was gratifying, it was a moment steeped in emotions that can only be described as surreal. My camera, once a pipe dream, became my vessel to explore and express. And it wasn't just about capturing the perfect shot. It was about capturing a feeling, a thought, a moment in time that would resonate with the viewer, long after they've looked away from the image.
As I stood there, high above the vibrant city, I realized how fortunate I was to chase my dreams, to live my passion. It wasn't just about capturing cityscapes or the grandeur of nature; it was about capturing a piece of my soul, about sharing my journey through the language of photography. I am just a dreamer, the artist wielding the camera like a brush, the world around me tells the story, I’m merely here to capture it.