VISUAL STORYTELLING IN DUBAI: LIGHT, FORM & NARRATIVE
led by Randy Olson and Melissa Farlow
BLUOCEAN'S WORKSHOP 2026
Turn your photos into proof
The heart of the 15th edition of Bluocean’s Workshop, the United Arab Emirates stage represents the international heart of an elite training program. A total immersion in one of the world’s most dynamic stages, led by two icons of global photography: Randy Olson and Melissa Farlow (NatGeo USA contributors).
A 5-days immersive photography workshop build around real-world assignments: classroom + field shooting + portfolio review.
The masterclass is aimed at professional and amateur photographers, offering a combination of lectures and hands-on field sessions.
Participating means acquiring exclusive skills in the job market, mastering the entire production process: from ideation to post-production, right through to the creation of reportages, artistic projects, and advertising photography.
Limited seats! Sign up for an elite training experience in the contemporary photography scene.
Click here to download the program and reserve your seat
For further information and clarifications, please write to info@bluocean.it
Melissa Farlow & Randy Olson
Melissa Farlow and Randy Olson are world-renowned documentary photojournalists with over 20 years of experience and 50 assignments for National Geographic. Together and individually, they have documented culture, landscapes, and social issues across 50 countries.
Highlights
Award-Winning Excellence: Their accolades include a Pulitzer Prize, the “Masters of Photography” title by National Geographic, and multiple POYi Photographer of the Year awards.
Diverse Portfolio: From documenting the American West and climate change in the Alps to high-end global campaigns for brands like Toyota, Audi, and HSBC.
Mission: By blending elite editorial storytelling with commercial expertise, they continue to produce long-term projects that bridge the gap between people and the land.
M6 | Randy Olson e Melissa Farlow
Visual Storytelling in Dubai: Light, Form & Narrative
▶︎ DAY 1 – Thursday, 4 June
@Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Abu Dhabi
Introduction and presentation of the activities to be carried out during the workshop
▶︎ DAY 2 – Friday, 5 June @Dubai
Assignment 1: Light & Geometry
Lecture Focus:
Understanding light quality and geometric composition
Golden hour vs. harsh midday light in desert environments
Leading lines, patterns, symmetry in modern architecture
Shadows as compositional elements
The interplay between natural and artificial light in urban settings
Assignment:
Capture 5-7 images exploring how light reveals or transforms geometric forms
Suggested locations:
Dubai Marina towers, Al Fahidi Historical District, Sheikh Zayed Road architecture
Time frames:
Early morning OR late afternoon for optimal light
Technical focus:
Exposure control, perspective, framing
▶︎ DAY 3 – Saturday, 6 June @Dubai
Assignment 2: Moments & Serendipity
Lecture Focus:
Anticipation, awareness, and embracing the unexpected
Henri Cartier-Bresson’s “decisive moment” concept
Cultivating awareness and visual reflexes
Balancing planning with spontaneity
Finding human stories in urban spaces
Assignment:
Document unexpected moments and human interaction
Suggested locations:
Gold Souk, spice markets, Dubai Creek, public beaches, metro stations
Approach:
Stay mobile, observe patterns, wait for moments
Technical focus:
Faster shutter speeds, zone focusing, composition under pressure
▶︎ DAY 4 – Sunday, 7 June @Dubai
Assignment 3: Narrative Through Sequence
Lecture Focus:
Establishing shots, details, transitions, and conclusions
Creating visual rhythm and pacing
Connecting images thematically or chronologically
Editing:
what to include vs. exclude
Assignment:
Create a 10-12 image photo essay on a chosen theme
Possible themes:
“Contrasts” (old/new Dubai), “A Day in the Life,” “Water in the Desert,” “Workers/Builders”
Must include:
wide establishing shots, medium range contextual images, intimate details.
▶︎ DAY 5 – Monday, 8 June
@Dubai
Selection, final presentation, and analysis of the shots taken during the course days, with the aim of creating a unique final narrative.
Certificates of participation in Bluocean’s Workshop 2026 will be awarded.
