David Learman

A multi award-winning photographer, David spent his formative years travelling the fashion capitals of Europe as a professional catwalk photographer. Today, he spends most of his time exploring and photographing fast disappearing landscapes, traditional Emirati pastimes and culture.
He is passionate about telling visual stories and capturing scenes in nature and life that invite the viewer to explore and discover subtle nuances and hidden secrets. His landscape and scenic works involve several days and sometimes months studying and visiting specific locations to capture scenes from the best perspective and light.
By their nature, his projects are long-term intense explorations. For example, his ‘Al Hejin’ collection
entailed visiting the Al Sawan camel racing track in Ras Al Khaimah every Friday and Saturday over a
period of four years. Of which, the first six months involved becoming familiar to the extent of being
invisible to humans and camels alike to capture intimate photographs that embody the true drama
and express the unique dynamics of the sport from an inside perspective.
His style is art documentary – aiming to establish an awareness of the aspects of Emirati culture and
heritage at risk to the march of progress. In 2023, he was one of seventy-four photographers invited
from around the world, to exhibit a body of work at Sharjah Xposure where his Al Hejin collection
was received to critical acclaim.
Member, Emirates Photographic Society
World Art Dubai, Photographer of the Year 2024

2023
Al Hejin, Sharjah Xposure

2024
Al Hejin, World Art Dubai
Al Hejin, Design Gallery, Ras Al Khaimah
Summer Exhibition, Design Gallery, Ras Al Khaimah
Perspectives, Majlis Gallery, Dubai

View David Learman Portfolio