Participants listen to instructions during a workshop for the contest “Make Your Living With Your Camera.” (Courtesy photo) JEDDAH: Professional photographers who formed the board of judges for the Bab Rizq Jameel (BRJ) “Make Your Living With Your Camera” contest graced this week a workshop for contestants who passed the first stage of the competition. Several topics were discussed during the workshop, said Abdulrahman Al-Fehaid, executive director of Job Creators in Saudi Arabia who introduced the contest idea. The panel of judges included Suzan Ba-Aqeel, a famous Saudi photographer; Salem Ba-Sabeen, president of the Lens Photography House; Tariq Al–Mishaini, manager of 3Points Agency; and Wid Abdul Jawad, photography professor at Dar Al-Hekma College in Jeddah. A practical test and interview were conducted at the workshop, which was attended by 24 candidates, organizers said. Twelve candidates have been nominated to compete in the final stages after which the first three winners will be announced. The 12 nominees are Sakina Al-Sawad, Rayan Al-Abdaly, Ali Al-Nimr, Ali Al-Aamir, Mohammed Al-Shihri, Khaled Ibrahim, Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, Khaled Al-Baqawi, Wahid Al-Ghamdi, Deema Al-Shaiy and Zakiya Al-Sidiqui. The competition kicked off on July 27 with the participation of more than 400 contestants. The panel of judges screened the candidates and selected young Saudi male and female photography fans between 18 and 35 years. The workshop was attended by the 24 contestants who passed the first stage. They were required to bring their cameras and identification cards. “The photography competition is seeking to encourage photography lovers in the Kingdom and to prepare them to enter labor market through their talents,” said Abdulrahman Al-Fehaid, executive director of BRJ in Saudi Arabia. “This is undoubtedly one of BRJ's main objectives to create job opportunities for young men and women.” Commenting on the competition, Salem Ba-Sabeen said: “This competition is unique. It creates job opportunities for young men and women, and will give them an opportunity to benefit from the talents for a new start.” The contestants received the good news of moving to the next stage with great joy as they received the certificates awarded by BRJ. “I am really happy for passing to the second stage. This workshop is a great opportunity for a better career. We are truly thankful to BRJ. I hope that I will be able to reach the final stage and win the award,” said contestant Ali Mohammad Al-Nimr. Valuable photography equipment and an employment contract will be awarded to the first prize winner, while the first and second runners-up will get photography equipment and opportunities to finance their small projects. Other contestants who do not win any prize will participate in the exhibition where they could display their artworks with full media coverage, organizers said
