Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
A STUNNING collection of images of Bahrain is featured in a unique triple-sized book published by acclaimed British photographer Andrew Weaver.
Between Two Seas - a celebration of modern Bahrain was recently launched at the Capital Club in Bahrain Financial Harbour and a photography exhibition featuring some of the images was staged at the Art Centre, next to the National Museum.
More than 8,000 copies have been sold in just 12 weeks, with a second print run currently underway.
Father-of-two Andrew, 47, said: “It’s a spectacular photographic book about modern Bahrain.
“The chapters and images are based on how the different natural elements influence daily life in Bahrain, and how ‘man’ has harnessed the earth’s resources to create a modern thriving economy and an enviable place to live.
“I was inspired by the desire to show the unique natural beauty that exists in the kingdom, and yet which often goes unnoticed.
“Did you know the world’s largest breeding ground for the endangered Socotra cormorant is in Bahrain? Did you know Bahrain has amazing tidal islands that look more like the Maldives? Did you know Bahrain has one of the largest populations of the Arabian Oryx roaming in the wild?
“I also wanted to show the man-made developments and progress that have been brought about particularly over the past five years, including architecture, infrastructure and the city environment.
“Last, but not least, I wanted to show people outside of Bahrain who may have misconceptions about the country and its people what a great place it is and why so many expats choose to call it home.”
Andrew, a professional photographer specialising in advertising, industry, corporate portraiture, hotels and resorts, food and drink, is the founder/owner of Picture Arabia, one of the leading Arabian stock image sites.
He has been in Bahrain over 12 years and his commercial studio is in Adliya, just along from Café Lilu.
“I came here realising the untapped and great potential for commercial photography… that was when we used large format cameras and there were only three professionals on the island!
“I love the villagey feel that no other Gulf state possesses. It’s easy to get around, intimate and friendly, and its proximity to water is the key as I’m a crazy windsurfer.”
“The biggest challenge was selecting the images to include and which ones to leave out,” explained Andrew. “I would add that everyone I required assistance from whether that be for helicopters, models, permissions etc … everyone was very co-operative and helpful.
“I would also thank organisations such as the Economic Development Board, Ministry of Culture, Arcapita, IISS and others for supporting the book by buying advance copies.
“I believe people will buy it because it’s the only book that sums up Bahrain comprehensively in largely unseen photos – and because it has such little text! Who needs text when you have an emotive image?
“And, because it will help promote Bahrain, as well as being attractive on the lounge table!”
It could not come at a more opportune time as unrest in recent times has caused untold damage to the nation at home and abroad.
Andrew said: “The book was conceived before the recent troubles so there was no intent to paint a glowing picture of Bahrain just because it’s having some problems.
“However, the timing seems particularly good to publish such a book and to spread the word about Bahrain, and make people realise who live here what is on their doorstep.
“A friend tonight told me: ‘whenever I look through the book it leaves me with a smile on my face’. I like that as it kind of creates a positive vibe in these tricky times.”
The book comes in three sizes, aiming to meet a variety of budgets and because not everyone wants to buy a large coffee table book.
“Tourists passing through duty free would be more likely to buy a smaller book that they can easily carry away as a memento,” explained Andrew. “And, also for corporate clients who may wish to take it to exhibitions and conferences and carrying large books overseas can be difficult.”
Andrew’s photographic exhibition linked to the book was opened by Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa and attended by various VIPs including the German, Russian and French ambassadors.
One hundred framed images were on display and for sale and are still available, as well as other images from the book.
It has also proven attractive to ministries and other government organisations to help promote Bahrain at exhibitions and conferences overseas.
Between Two Seas - a celebration of modern Bahrain comes as a large hardback priced BD25, medium hardback at BD12 and as a small softback priced BD4. It is being sold in all main bookstores, and online through Amazon and other outlets.
Corporate sales are available for bulk purchases, reflecting an attractive reduction from the retail price, explained the shrewd businessman and companies can have their logo on the book for use as corporate gifts, for example.
For further information Andrew can be contacted on 39445102 or by emailing andrew@picturearabia.com
