Birds Auction, Camel Auction. Goat Auction, Fish Auction. From ‘The Auctions’ series.

‘The Auctions’ by Ammar Al Attar is a photo essay documenting the various animal auctions that happen in different parts of the UAE for goats, camels, fish and birds. Each one has a unique perspective and audience. Some auctions get very intense with high prices for animals. Goats can reach up to USD10,000 or more. The camel beauty contest is another story where prices can far exceed USD30,000. Ammar Al Attar present the auctions in a very academic way (showing the contact sheet as he shoots with analogue black and white film). His approach is inspired by ‘Magnum Contact Sheets’ by Kristen Lubben (Thames & Hudson, 2017); a very classical way of photography, showing the basics of selecting and editing photos for printing. (Commissioned by Tashkeel)