Originally launched in 2008, the pioneering initiative brings together some of the world’s best photographers and videographers from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to collaborate with Canon and share its passion for visual storytelling.
Dubai, UAE – In 2020, Canon EMEA expands its world-renowned Ambassador Programme with 59 new professionals joining the ranks. The first of its kind, the Canon EMEA Ambassador Programme was created to represent and support current and future generations of photographers and filmmakers by sharing their passion and technical know-how with fellow professionals, as well as enthusiastic amateurs who want to develop their skills.
With the largest ever intake, now featuring a total of 115 Ambassadors across EMEA, this is Canon’s most exciting and diverse programme to date. Among them are 17 incredible young photographers including Ksenia Kuleshova and Michele Spatari, alumni of the Canon Student Programme and Young Photographer Award winners.
Joining the Programme in 2020 from the Middle East are:
Jorge Ferrari – UAE based action and commercial photographer who is known for his striking images and captivating visual storytelling.
Tasneem Alsultan – Saudi/American investigative photographer, storyteller and global traveler, Tasneem offers an intimate and unique perspective into the everyday lives of her subjects.
Muhammed Muheisen – a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Jordanian national Muhammed has documented major global events and for the past decade, has been following the refugee crisis around the world.
In the most competitive selection process yet, an esteemed panel of 13 judges reviewed nominations for more than 450 photographers and evaluated over 20,000 images – covering news, documentary, wildlife, weddings, portraits, sports and more. Celebrating visual storytelling, and stories that resonate, the Canon EMEA Ambassador Programme brings together the best of the best within the imaging industry.
“The Middle East is home to a rich pool of talent and we are proud to offer a platform that showcases the creativity of the region. We are continually looking for talented photographers and videographers to cultivate their talent and help take the art of visual storytelling to new heights. With the addition of three new ambassadors within the 2020 program, we will be able to showcase the diversity, depth and richness of the Middle East, with even more fortitude and conviction,” said Binoj Nair – B2C Marketing Director at Canon Middle East.
Susie Donaldson, ITCG European Marketing Director for Canon EMEA said: “The Ambassador Programme is our opportunity to work with an amazing group of bold and inspirational individuals in the photo, video and print industry in CNA. With this refresh we are enabling and empowering photographers and filmmakers with unique perspectives from across the region, supporting them with the tools to tell those stories that matter.
“We’re always evolving the Programme to seek out and welcome photographers and filmmakers from a multitude of genres and all backgrounds across age, gender and race. This year we’ve significantly increased the number of Ambassadors under the age of 30 from two to 17, which shows the remarkable range of talent within the industry and our commitment to nurturing creatives through our student programmes as their career progresses. With this latest intake we hope to pave the way for the next generation of visual storytellers, with a fresh new perspective to the Programme.”