World Photography Day: Perfectly timed moments on Doha’s streets

Doha, Qatar: Today, August 19, is World Photography Day a day to celebrate the power of images and those behind the lens. Here in Qatar, we re used...

Doha, Qatar: Today, August 19, is World Photography Day – a day to celebrate the power of images and those behind the lens. Here in Qatar, we’re used to seeing stunning photos of iconic museums, art installations, beaches, parks, and of course, those picture-perfect sunrises and sunsets lighting up our social media feeds.

But today, let’s shift our focus to a different kind of photography – one that’s raw, spontaneous, and often tells unexpected stories: street photography.

Street photography is all about capturing real-life moments as they unfold in public spaces. It’s candid, unplanned, and full of surprises. But here in Qatar, this art form is a bit of a rare find. With local rules around privacy and photography in public spaces becoming stricter, spotting a street photographer at work has become uncommon.

That’s why it’s worth spotlighting Arsenio Nidoy Jr, a Doha-based amateur photographer who’s quietly made waves beyond Qatar. Recently, he was featured on an international photography platform for his witty, perfectly timed street shots. Nidoy is no stranger to local recognition either, having been featured by The Peninsula before for his artistic talents.

“I started taking photos back in 2012, just for fun. I didn’t even know it was called street photography. I just liked snapping random scenes that made my family and friends smile,” he told The Peninsula.