Just returned from the Middle East. Was very honored to be invited by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage to work with regionally based photographers. What it meant for us here at the studio is that Drew and I bounced to the Middle East twice in the last month, first to GPP in Dubai, and now, Abu Dhabi. Hectic, but fun. The class was terrific. Good group of folks, and talented shooters. It is an area of the world that is endlessly fascinating, and I have always been received graciously, and I learn a great deal. Doing stuff like this re-convinces me of one thing–travel is the graduate school of life.
Amin leaps in the lobby of the Emirates Palace Hotel. Quick impromptu shot done off the cuff in the middle of the lobby of a 7 star hotel. Try this without insurance, permissions, a letter from the Governor, and a 5 month email paper trail at The Plaza in NY. Uh, that would be no.
Mariam bouncing light.
Shua frames a shot.
The off camera TTL flash gang in the desert.
Amin, a break dancer from Morocco, is inexhaustible.
Sahar shows Eva, a fashion model, how to pose.
Cool Kholloud. (aka, David Hobby plant)
Flipping in the desert
Sheikh Numnuts and Sheikh Drew of the Desert
Shot this pre-dawn on Monday, about 6am Abu Dhabi time, in the second largest mosque in the world. Back home, it was still Easter Sunday. What an amazing world. More tk….
alex says:
on April 8, 2010 at 9:39 am
Mariam bouncing light has got to be one of the most interesting photos I’ve seen all year. I know it was a behind the scenes shot, but living in the states, we never see women dress like this.
jane says:
on April 8, 2010 at 10:52 am
Love the shot in the desert. That is amazing.
Rashad says:
on April 8, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Dear Sheikh McNally (Prince of light)
I was so happy to be in the workshop
I proud to be one of your students and i will keep learning from you every day in my life
hope to do meet u again
All the best
sean chandler says:
on April 9, 2010 at 5:46 am
I’d love to know how you got the shot of the woman wearing glasses (close-up) without seeing a reflection of the flash in her glasses
Omar Ibrahim says:
on April 9, 2010 at 4:06 pm
It was a great pleasure to see and observe a great photographer like yourself first hand.
I you didn’t remember me, I am the guy who almost made you you missed the flight from Abu Dhabi:)
PS. I am sending you a bill for the ruined car top of my 4 wheeler you climbed on to shoot in the desert:)
Cheers to you and to Drew
Joe McNally says:
on April 10, 2010 at 4:53 am
A great pleasure back, Omar…you are a very fine photographer, and both Drew and I really appreciate the doors you opened for us. And I appreciate the roof of your car! many thanks!
Carl Licari says:
on April 10, 2010 at 5:10 am
Oh if father O’Malley could see you in that garb!
Maitha Bint Khalid says:
on April 10, 2010 at 6:56 am
I hoped to join the workshop , but I didnt have the chance.
But it was a great pleasure to attend “Learn to Light Intensive Seminar” and “portfolio review” I was really happy to meet a great photographer like you.
Thank you very much
Best regrads
Adhba almubarak says:
on April 10, 2010 at 1:17 pm
dear Joe,
it was really a great pleasure to meet u and 2 learn the concept of flash photography !!
hope will meet again
best of luck
dr.Adhba
Ludovic says:
on April 11, 2010 at 9:34 am
Amazing pictures.
Louis Pang says:
on April 12, 2010 at 12:57 pm
I love the two Sheikhs! I will get you some Malay outfit in your next trip to Malaysia!
Waleed Al-Abbas says:
on April 14, 2010 at 4:43 am
Dear Joe,
Thanks a lot for the workshop and the flash skills that you tout us during the workshop.
I enjoyed the workshop very much and enjoyed the fun we had! The whole group was amazing.
It ‘s my owner to be your student.
My thanks also go to Drew for his support and help.
Many Thanks and all the best.
Drew Gurian says:
on April 14, 2010 at 10:26 am
Thanks a lot Waleed, and stay in touch!
Kholloud says:
on April 16, 2010 at 5:07 am
Thaaaaaaaaaank you for everything being an amazing mentor, role model, friend and father figure … hope to see you so sOon … oh for old time sake “fist pump”
Kholloud says:
on April 16, 2010 at 5:10 am
Thaaaaaaaaaank you for everything being an amazing mentor, role model, friend and father figure … hope to see you so sOon … oh for old time sake “fist bump”
Jijan says:
on April 20, 2010 at 3:05 am
love all your work..!!! great work.
Dawn Spinella says:
on April 23, 2010 at 11:39 am
Love the jumping, action shots. You capture both strength and beauty in the same moment!