• Sheik Shehriyar UAE resident, Ajman takes home the first prize of US$ 1,000; 
• India’s Raj Pawar wins US$ 750 as runner-up
   

Sharjah - May 13, 2020:  Xposure International Photography Festival’s #HomeCaptured contest winded up its fourth week with homegrown talent, UAE resident Sheik Shehriyar from Ajman winning the first prize of US$ 1,000, and while Raj Pawar from Solapur, India claiming the runner-up position, winning US$ 750. 
Underlining the inner strength one receives through prayers, especially when one seeks a ray of hope that pierces through the darkness to heal, Sheik Shehriyar’s image titled ‘Prayers’ also drove home the message of #stayhomestaysafe, emphasising the need to keep loved ones in our prayers during the current challenging circumstances. 

Evaluating the black and white image of a young girl reading the Holy Quran, the jury said, “The softness of this black and white photograph creates an almost mystical effect but draws the viewer to the pin-sharp focus of the eyes and the concentration of the child reciting Quran during the Holy Month of Ramadan.”

The jury also remarked that the image was a great example of “incredibly good composition and excellent use of natural lighting. The mood is emphasised by the rays of light emitting from the window.”

Runner up Raj Pawar’s image of a young girl lost in thought sought to capture the joy and ecstasy of reliving beautiful memories of happy times with loved ones. Titled ‘Memorising Beautiful Moments’, the jury praised this work for its “excellent play with multiple sources of light that and use of inanimate subject matter along with a girl to create a perfect blend of still life and portraiture.”

“The blend of colours is well balanced while the control of light sources emphasises the subject’s dress and smile,” added the panel of judges.

Now entering its fifth week, #HomeCaptured is an easy-to-enter global competition that invites shutterbugs worldwide to use their artistic skills to capture the beauty of everyday moments at home or window views of the outside world.
A jury of experts will evaluate all entries on a weekly basis (Monday to Sunday) and score them independently on a five-score system that assesses their composition, technical quality, lighting, and creativity. Weekly winners will be notified by email every Wednesday, and their images will be published on Xposure’s StayHome website as well as on its social media platforms.