Ismail Abdelkareem’s Vision of Empathy-Led Photography at Xposure 2025

Photo: Sharjah Government Media Bureau

Sweden-based photojournalist Ismail Abdelkareem believes that photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s about truly feeling the emotions behind them. At the 9th annual International Photography Festival (Xposure 2025), he shared how his empathy-driven approach shapes his work. Before he clicks the camera, he makes sure to understand and experience the emotions of his subjects.

“Only when I know a person’s happiness, sorrow, or struggles can I capture their real story,” Abdelkareem explained. His deep connection with people allows him to create images that stay with the viewer long after they’ve been seen. Through his lens, he doesn’t just show pictures—he tells powerful human stories.

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Reflecting on his long career, Abdelkareem shared that every photograph he takes is inspired by real-life experiences. Many of his images show moments of hardship, but he always tries to find hope in them. One of the most striking photos he presented was of a blind skier, who had also lost a leg to cancer, being guided down a slope by another skier holding his hand. “This image is about trust, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit,” he said.

Another powerful photograph he shared was of a frozen lake near his home, with an empty bench facing the vast expanse. He revealed the story behind the image—an elderly couple in their eighties used to sit on that bench every day. One day, he found only the woman sitting there. She told him her husband had passed away. Just two days later, she too was gone. “Since then, every time I pass by that bench, it remains empty,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.

Abdelkareem also spoke about his deep connection to the Arab world, making his presence at Xposure 2025 even more special. “Being part of an international festival that originates from the Arab world means a lot to me,” he said. “This event highlights the region’s rich storytelling through photography. It helps bring people together and creates understanding between different cultures.”

Through his work, Abdelkareem continues to remind the world that photography is not just about what we see—it’s about what we feel. His images capture real emotions, real people, and real stories, making each photograph a window into the human experience.

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