An engineering student at Nizwa College of Technology has brought laurels for the sultanate by winning the first place at the prestigious German International Photocup (GIP) 2020, an annual photography competition held under the supervision of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP). 
 

Twenty year old, ljulande Juma al Salmi, won the first place in the Youth (under 21 years) category at the German International Photocup (GIP) 2020, an annual photography competition held under the supervision of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP). 

The young Omani also brought home two medals and 14 Honorable Mentions. He participated in four sections – Open images (Free Theme, Colour), Open images (Free Theme, Monochrome), Nature, and Photo Travel. 

The accolade has come yearly on Salmi’s photography career as he had picked up the camera just two years ago. “I only started photography two years ago when I bought my first camera on entering college.” 

Possessed with a keen eye, Salmi took inspiration from other expert Omani photographers and studied their pictures. “When I first started, I would always look at the great photographers and wonder when I would reach their level. Thankfully, in Oman, all the photographers are so helpful and ready to answer any questions that I have. I try to continuously practise the art without stopping,” he said. 

According to the 20 year old, he was drawn to photography because of the fact that he could showcase images that others fail to see, and choose angles that could wow viewers. 

Contributed by Liyana al Abdul Salam