The Sharjah Government Media Office launched the 7th edition of the International Photography Festival “Xposure,” the largest photography festival in the world, which continues until February 15. The event hosts 74 artists and creators of the most prominent photographers, who tell their stories and experiences through 1,794 photos in 68 individual and group exhibitions, 41 seminars and discussion sessions, and 53 workshops. Xposure also included the “Conservation Summit,” several book signing and award ceremonies, and a trade show that provides a platform for experts in the photographic equipment business by displaying latest products of different types and purposes. The seven-day festival provides an opportunity for the public from all segments of society who enjoy photography, professionals, and amateurs. It also allows workers in creative industries, including designers, filmmakers, and directors, to communicate with elite workers in video content production. Photographer Dan Winters said during his speech at the opening ceremony that he started taking photographs at a young age, leading him to take it as a profession. Winters documented significant events worldwide, like the Apollo 11 landing project, despite the substantial challenges and exceeding the budget. He explained that the art of photography will celebrate its second centenary in three years, expressing his concern over the loss of the global archive of images now that everyone stores their photographs on computers. The photographer warned that about 50 billion images taken annually in the current era are subject to lose because they are only published virtually on social media instead of printing. The photographer, presenting pictures of well-known and influential artists and political and sports figures, said that despite his love for portraiture projects, his passion has always been photographing space since the Apollo mission. Winters said he was grateful that photography took him to faraway places. International photographer Karen Zusman said at the opening ceremony that she entered the world of photography late in her life, and meditation exercises led her to Myanmar, where she witnessed horrific incidents of illegally using young children in the black labor market.