The four-part show features four amateur photographers who compete against one another in a series of challenges.
National Geographic Abu Dhabi (NGAD) has announced the new season of I am a Nat Geo Photographer, the first reality-TV programme in the region designed for aspiring photographers from around the Arab world.
I am a Nat Geo Photographer is a four-part show that is shot in different countries across the Middle East and North Africa. It features four amateur photographers who compete against one another in a series of challenges, as they try to capture a photograph worthy of being featured in National Geographic Al Arabiya magazine. The 2018 season show is situated in the UAE and the challenges take the contestants to iconic locations across the country.
I am a Nat Geo Photographer is part of National Geographic Abu Dhabi and Nikons partnership to develop Arab youth photographers across the region. In addition to the expert mentoring, contestants will receive during the show, they will also receive training at the Nikon school in the UAE.
Commenting on the film, Abdulrahman Awadh Al Harthi, Acting Executive Director of Television at Abu Dhabi Media, said: With its wide viewership reach, I am a National Geographic Photographer will enable all audiences of reality TV shows and photography enthusiasts and specialists the opportunity to acquire new skills and enhance their talent and capabilities, with in-depth guidance on photography methods.
In introducing the new series, Sanjay Raina, General Manager and Senior Vice-President of National Geographic Abu Dhabi said I am a Nat Geo Photographer reflects our commitment to nurture the growth of photography in the region and provide local talent the chance to forge successful careers. The Reality-TV format of the show allows to continue developing sharply defined entertainment products that fill a need in the market, in this case an exciting local production in a high appealing genre to regional viewers.”
Hosted by Saudi media personality Tariq Edrees, the show features professional photographer Marwa Abu Laila, founder of Photopia, a hub for photographers and publisher of Photo Egypt as the main judge.
They are joined by actors and subject matter experts for each episode, selected based on the nature of the challenge. Experts include martial arts expert Rio Altaie, fashion designer Faissal El-Malak and Los Angeles-trained actor Deepak Venugopal.
The series will unveil the winning photographer at the end of the fourth episode. He/she will receive an all-expense-paid National Geographic photography Expedition Trip to Tanzania worth over $10,000, during which their skills are further developed guided by the best experts at National Geographic, in addition to $7,500 worth of photography equipment courtesy of Nikon in addition to their photo being published in National Geographic Al Arabiya magazine.
I am a National Geographic Photographer was produced in collaboration with Spotlife Films, a regional production company that creates content focusing on documentaries and factual entertainment.
The show premieres on National Geographic Abu Dhabi on March 20, 21:00 KSA/22:00 UAE, with episodes to air at the same time every Tuesday. The finale will be on April 10, 2018.
