(Awarded as first place at the 220/20 Binghatti Photography Award)

A few months ago, I learned that the 200/20 Binghatti Photography Award was returning for its third edition. At the time, I didn’t know I would win first place, but I knew I wanted to be prepared for the right opportunity if it came. I’m both happy and honored to have won, and it serves as a reminder that preparation and perseverance often lead to rewarding moments.

(Winning entry from the 200/20 Binghatti Photography Award)

Leading up to the competition, I dedicated time to studying Binghatti’s architecture, planning the perfect shot for every angle and lighting condition. My goal was to capture the buildings at sunrise, sunset, or even moonrise, experimenting with both wide and close-up perspectives. To get the right vantage points, I even rented a few apartments within Binghatti towers. But then, as luck would have it, the fog season arrived unexpectedly. Rather than seeing this as a setback, I embraced the moment and adjusted my approach. The fog created a surreal atmosphere, and I captured the winning shot in the early morning, just as the sun rose perfectly behind the building. The way the building aligned with the rising sun, along with the unexpected fog, created a rare and striking moment made possible by nature, and that was the image that secured the win.

The award ceremony, which was held at Dubai Design District (D3)  and supported by Dubai Culture, was a reminder of how photography continues to evolve. The competition itself wasn’t just about technical skill. It was about telling a story through architecture. The jury looked for meaning, for emotion, for perspective. And that is what I have always believed in. Architectural photography is as much about feeling as it is about form.

What makes this win even more meaningful is the architecture itself. Binghatti’s buildings are not just striking, they are expressive. Under Mohammed BinGhatti’s vision, these structures carry a unique identity that blends bold geometry with cultural depth. For me, photographing their work was more than an assignment. It was a collaboration with a form of design that already tells its own story. In sharing my interpretation, I hope it not only showcases my perspective as a photographer but also highlights the innovation behind Binghatti’s architectural language. That is the beauty of this kind of work. When done right, it uplifts both the subject and the storyteller.

For anyone reading this, whether you are a photographer, creative, or someone who simply loves design, I will say this. The best shots often come when luck meets preparation. We do not always control the conditions, but we can be ready to recognize a moment when it shows up.

And sometimes, that moment is wrapped in fog.