National Geographic Abu Dhabi has launched its brand new reality show, ‘I am Nat Geo Photographer’ in association with Nikon.

Known for its evocative, engaging entertainment, National Geographic Abu Dhabi’s newest series is an entirely local production, shot in the UAE and featuring eight contestants from countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Levant.

What does it take to shoot a photograph that’s worthy of making it into National Geographic Al Arabiya magazine? Eight amateur photographers from around the region will find out exactly what lengths National Geographic’s photographers will go to in search of the perfect shot, while competing against one another in National Geographic Abu Dhabi’s newest series.

The show, which premiered on May 21, will be aired on Wednesdays at 9pm (Saudi) and 10pm (UAE) with the finale on June 25.

Throughout the six-part reality show, the photographers will have to compete against each other while working their way through a series of tasks that take them across the UAE, said a statement from the Nat Geo Abu Dhabi.

From Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Mosque to Meydan Racecourse in Dubai and all the way to Fujairah, the amateur photographers will have their creative and photographic abilities stretched to their limits in each exciting challenge, which will test their ability to think quickly, engage with people, judge their environment, anticipate action, endure physical hardship and more! Only the more artistically dextrous will survive elimination to make it through to the final round.

At the end of each episode, a panel of judges will eliminate one contestant based on the quality of their work, with the competitor field getting increasingly smaller until the high-pressure face-off between the remaining three contestants in the final episode!

Judging the competition are three seasoned photographers and photography experts: Laura El-Tantawy, National Geographic photographer; Jack Dabaghian, professional photojournalist, and Matthew Dols, the assistant professor of New Media in the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE) at Zayed University (Dubai and Abu Dhabi campuses).

Athreyan Sundararajan, the head of marketing, National Geographic Abu Dhabi, said this reality show is all about talent. "If you thought photography was a passive exercise this show will change your mind; real world scenarios, real world deadlines and an extremely discerning set of judges makes this a fascinating look behind the scenes of the world of professional photography," he remarked.

"We are delighted to have worked with and mentored this group of talented young photographers from the region. Having the support of Nikon has been integral to the development of the contestant’s capabilities, and we would like to thank them for their involvement," he added.

Narendra Menon, the regional head (Sales and Marketing) Nikon Middle East and Africa, said the company was constantly looking for ways to encourage budding local talent, and partnering with Nat Geo Abu Dhabi was the perfect opportunity to do just that.

"We are committed to nurturing and enhancing the talents of photographers across the Middle East, amongst both amateurs and professionals. The ‘I am Nat Geo Photographer’ competition not only provides a great platform to showcase the best regional talent, but will also help inspire a love of photography amongst viewers," he added.

The show is supported by Associate Sponsors Nissan and The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Awards (HIPA).-TradeArabia News Service