School of Art and Sciences Hosts Guest Lecturer, Mr. Jeff Topping - Photojournalist and Travel Photographer

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah’s Mass Communication Program, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, and School of Arts and Sciences hosted guest lecturer Mr. Jeff Topping, a photojournalist and travel photographer with more than 25 years of experience in more than 20 countries.

Mr. Jeff was based in Arizona in the U.S. prior to coming to the UAE in 2008 to work as a staff photographer for . In the U.S. he was a contract photographer for , and and worked for a variety of national newspapers, magazines, and public relations firms covering sports, immigration issues, travel, and politics.

Mr. Jeff is one of the authors of the book , sponsored by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation and Ras Al Khaimah Media Office.   presents a fascinating record of  Ras Al Khaimah and its people in their own words, accompanied by stunning photographs.

During the lecture, Mr. Jeff spoke about the challenges of photojournalism and the process of creating photography as a historical monument to the reality in which we live.

Students, as well as professors, were very impressed by Mr. Jeff’s photographs, which represent the unique beauty of various people and places in Ras Al Khaimah.

Mass Communication students had the opportunity to hear about the different approaches in the shooting process and the stories behind each photo, as well as ambience and atmosphere for taking professional photographs, specifically photographs of people. Based on Mr. Jeff’s over 25 years’ experience, every person needs an individual approach, so the picture will have its own climate and character. As per Mr. Jeff’s advice: “In order to take a correct and good picture, it is necessary to find a subject you are interested in. You need to learn about it, be curious, and then create a story.”

After the lecture, Mr. Jeff donated numerous copies of the book, , to be distributed among AURAK students and to the University Library.