I, Maisa Al Hooti, aim to preserve the heritage and culture of Oman through my photographs. Preservation is important to maintain the perfect balance of tradition and innovation in these modern times. My images, which portray my creativity and originality, are my way of promoting the Omani identity internationally. Photos that depict the Sultanate’s heritage and Ancestry are a few of my favourite subjects to shoot. I find myself drawn to people in all walks of life. I photograph the elderly to show their experience, wisdom, and struggle. I have several photos of children that express innocence and youth. Photography is not just about taking photos, it is an immersing experience, to know about my subjects and learn about their lives. These experiences give me a better understanding of myself and where I am from. We live in an era wherein change is essential, rapid, and inevitable.
We should keep up and take in the shift in this ever-changing world. We have to appreciate revolutions in order to sustain with these changes, big or small. Fashion is an area which bears major impact of change. It is fast-paced but also celebrates the genius of human creativity. Photographing these works of art is also one of my passions. I recently got into underwater photography and I do not have enough words to describe the awe I feel whenever I go diving. The beauty of Oman’s Underwater has captured by heart and it is amazing that this environment hosts several wonderful creatures. Every diving experience makes me somehow comprehend the magnificence of Allah’s creations. Right now, my focus is to bring awareness to the importance of protecting the Underwater Environment by promoting its beauty through my photographs.
I think it is very important to embrace the diversity of photography and allow the experiences we have through our pursuit of this art to make our souls wiser and richer. Portraits, landscapes, fashion photography, and underwater photography are just few aspects which all of us can explore. I believe that fully living in theses diversities and complexities is the best way to celebrate the mind and soul. That is through capturing life as a whole.
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• Entrepeneurship Program by Goldman Sachs, US State Department and Harvard Kennedy School
Washington DC, USA
March 2-17, 2016
• Martin Prihoda
Big Lights Photo Tour Participant, 2012
Rajasthan, India
• Georges Eid
Apprenticeship, 2008
Beirut, Lebanon
• Higher College of Technology
• Bournemouth University
Oman In Focus was participated by selected photographers from different countries to a Tour in the Sultanate and participate in a photography exhibition led by Maisa Al Hooti with many Supports and Collaborations of different governmental and private sectors in Oman.
Oman in Focus II is a documentary photography tour involving seven international underwater photographers that features underwater tourism sites and sceneries in Oman.
Under the Auspices of H.H. Dr. Mona bint Fahad Al Said, For the Omani Women’s Day in May 2011
Under the Auspices of Ambassador of India H.E. J.S. Mukul
May 2012
Under the Auspices of H.E. Yousuf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah
• Royal Opera Gallery, Muscat International Airport, and Muscat Grand Mall
Under the Auspices of H.E. Sayyid Asaad Bin Tariq Al Said
• Al Mouj Marina and Muscat Grand Mall
• Milan-Oman Harvest Beyond Landscapes Exhibit
Underwater Photography
(November 28, 2016)
Kuwait
Middle East and North Africa Photographers –Speaker
Oman in Focus – Oman’s Underwater in the World’s Spotlight- Lecturer
(October 3, 2016)
Kuwait
Oman’s Underwater in the World’s Spotlight - Speaker
(March 31, 2016)
Dubai, UAE
Women Photographers of GCC - Speaker
(March 19, 2016)
USA
Representative of the Sultanate of Oman
(March 2-17, 2016)
First Place
United Arab Emirates
Achievement Award
Sultanate of Oman
(August 2014)
United Arab Emirates
Finalist – Beauty of Light
(2013)
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