Maythem Ridha has lived, travelled and worked in countries as diverse as Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, the Gulf States and Morocco.

In this talk, Maythem describes how he has shot in different parts of the Middle East and North Africa inspired by the wonderfully textured locations, interesting characters and stunning light. Presenting his photographs, he will be discussing the methods he uses to shoot travel, street and environmental portraits in, at times, hostile environments. This visually informative and entertaining talk coincides with the launch of his new photobook Beyond Moments.

MAYTHEM RIDHA spent his childhood in Iraq before moving to the UK. He has over 20 years experience creating award-winning film and photography projects. Graduating from the University of Westminster with a B.A Hons in Photography, his main focus is travel, portrait and street photography. His work has been exhibited in several one-man shows and joint exhibitions for projects such as Al-Intihar, Interface and his more recent My Camera in Exile collection. Recipient of Al-Hambra Award for Excellence in the Arts, Maythem works with a diverse range of international clients as well as leading workshops and master-classes in photography and filmmaking. In 2013 The Iraqi Ministry of Culture held an exhibition of his work at the Iraqi Cultural Centre UK, which resulted in the development of a photographic book, Beyond Moments, a journey through Morocco, published in 2016.