Photography & Storytelling: Being Seen & Heard

Main purpose of this event:
We all deal with stories, struggles, changes, and personal dramas in life. Some of them stay inside us, unheard and unseen. This event is for individuals who believe they have a meaningful story to share — and for those who are curious about how life stories can be brought to life through photography.

If you have ever thought, “I wish someone could really see or understand what I’ve been through” or “I wonder if my story could be expressed visually”, this event is for you.

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My name is Hossein. I’m a photographer and educator based between Amsterdam and Dubai. My work focuses on people and real-life experiences. You can see my previous projects at **www.hossein.art**.

I created this event to open a simple, respectful space where people can talk, listen, and connect — without pressure, labels, or expectations.

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### 🗣 What Will Happen at This Event

This is mainly a storytelling and conversation-based gathering, meaning people talk about real experiences from their lives — moments, challenges, changes, or situations that have shaped them — in simple, everyday language. No special skills or background are needed.

• Anyone who wants to share a personal story, life experience, or challenge will have the chance to speak
• There is no pressure to talk — listening is just as valuable
• People can share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with

This is a calm and supportive environment, not a stage or performance.

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### 📸 Photography & Creative Exchange

This event welcomes two groups of people:

• People who want to share their stories
• Photographers who want to listen and connect

After people talk and share, there will be time to connect naturally. Photographers and non-photographers can converse with each other, exchange ideas, and determine if there is interest in collaborating later.

For some people, these conversations may lead to their stories being visualized through photography. For others, the value may simply be in being heard, understood, and seen. Both outcomes are important and meaningful, and neither is more valuable than the other.

There is no obligation for anyone to collaborate. Everything happens naturally, respectfully, and by choice.

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### 🖼 Possible Outcome

In some cases, stories shared in these sessions may lead to creative collaborations or visual projects. If meaningful work develops over time, there is also the possibility of a future exhibition in Dubai. This is not guaranteed, but I will do my best to support projects that grow naturally and ethically from these meetings.

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### 🎒 What to Bring

• Your story, if you feel comfortable sharing
• A portfolio (digital or printed), if you are a photographer, and want feedback
• A notebook or laptop, if helpful
• An open mind

No camera is needed.

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### ⚠ Important Note

This event is not an audition, interview, or selection process.
It is about being seen, being heard, and human connection, with photography as a possible creative bridge.