Donell Gumiran, please introduce yourself

I am a passionate photographer, known for my evocative portraits and travel photography. My favorite subjects are those that capture human conditions and emotions in everyday life. I am the recipient of numerous awards both local and international. I was voted as the best cover for Asian Geographic Magazine 2019 in 20-year celebrations. I am also a contributing photographer for Asian Geographic Magazine. I was also featured speaker at the prestigious Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Awards (HIPA) - Capturing Human Emotions.

Where do you live, does your place of residence inspire you to take pictures?

Currently I am living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. UAE is a very diverse country especially here in Dubai, it has a lot to offer from amazing cityscape, breathtaking deserts and very rich culture. Every scenery will inspire you. Multi-culture experience, I am able to mingle with people from different nationalities learning about their, culture and everyday life through photography.

Do you have a photographic background?

Yes, I do study photography when I was new here in Dubai.

How comes that you are interested in photography?

I was able to use photography as a significant instrument to help the world for the better. Photography gives me a chance to travel, capture and preserve memories of our time. “Photography is my identity, It is my life.”

Which photographer has inspired your photography?

Steve Mccurry, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Sebastiao Salgado, James Nachtwey, Sergio Larrain, Bruno Barbey, Fan Ho

Why do you work in black and white / color?

I work on both, it depends on the photo which suites the best, but recently, I love to shoot in black and white, I feel it is more foundational than color. The viewer is forced to review the baser components of the photograph. Composition and shapes can be far more effective and evocative. The photograph turn more powerful and timeless.

How do you prepare for a photo?

Knowing my subject, it's composition and the main factor is it's story. Layer of understanding in every situation. Make it natural don’t over analize. Just capture what you love, what you feel.

What is your technique and the creation process?

Make it as a passion not as a profession in every time you do.

Which projects would you like to tackle?

Humanity.

What do you do in your life besides photography?

Aside from being a photographer, I also run my own company here in Dubai. A creative design agency.