Islamabad: A Pakistani photographer has been recognised by the World Photography Organisation, the world’s largest photography competition.
Shabir Mian’s photograph of a schoolboy from Lahore was selected as the best single picture from Pakistan at the Sony World Photography Awards 2017, at a ceremony on April 21 in London.
The award features photographs taken by local photographers in 66 countries.
Mian’s award-winning shot portrays a cheerful young boy holding an umbrella and walking down a railway track, holding a book in his arms.
Explaining the concept and background of the image, Shabir said, “I was in this spot for some work, and it started raining. The boy was running over the railway tracks, coming back from the school towards his home. He didn’t know about any trains; whether they were coming or not. He was wandering with happiness and running on the tracks and enjoying the rain. I wanted to capture that moment, to capture the happiness and fearlessness in the child.”
Shabir believes the photo of a child from Lahore showcases a behaviour and character shared by children across the world.
On being honoured by the World Photography Organisation, the photographer said it was a memorable moment.
“It is my first international award,” he said. “I am thankful to God and the organisation for recognising my work.”
Shabir entered the photography realm five years ago to “capture human spirit”.
He says his dream is to sell one of his images at the art gallery in London where his image will be exhibited alongside other National Award winners.
The exhibition at London started on April 21 and will continue until May 7 at Somerset House in London.
It will feature the winning, shortlisted (top 10) and commended (top 50) photographs from each category, as well as the winners and runners-up of each national award.
