BEIRUT, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of portraits, landscapes, and other types of photos were displayed on Saturday and Sunday in a neighborhood in Beirut, capital of Lebanon, aiming to revive public passion and enthusiasm for photography which is facing several challenges amid an economic hardship in Lebanon.
Carmen Yahshoushi, a freelance photographer specializing in storytelling and women portraits, said the fair, launched by the Beirut Center of Photography (BCP), was "a good opportunity to attract the interest of photography enthusiasts, as well as to hear other peers' reviews about work."
It brought photographers back to life and to meet people after two years of interruption because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she added.
Elsy Haddad, a freelance documentary photographer, said there were few platforms or initiatives that support documentary photography in Lebanon, which has only a small market in the country.
For his part, Marwan Tahtah, a photojournalist, said photo galleries are rare in Lebanon, so photographers cannot showcase their work frequently.
"Demand for photos is scarce in the country though we have good photographers and beautiful photo art here," he explained.
Yahshoushi also said she receives a demand for her photos from foreign countries rather than people in Lebanon.
Furthermore, several universities shut down their photography departments for a lack of demand for the major, according to Patrick Baz, the founder of the BCP.
"Students have not been much upbeat about the major as they do not receive positive support in finding jobs after graduation," he said.
Baz added that photographers also face a challenge in buying and maintaining their equipment amid the current economic crisis and lack of payment facilities provided by international companies.
During the fair, Baz encouraged photographers to print small photos which are easier to sell and more affordable for people interested in photos.
The BCP organizes a yearly Beirut photo week, including the Beirut Photo, as well as workshops and talks free and open to the public, and also helps talented photographers in Lebanon participate in fairs abroad, according to Baz. ■
