Filipinos in Dubai & Northern Emirates gathered at Abu Bakr Assiddiq Islamic Center in Deira, Dubai on September 17 to register for Free Digital Photography course organized by Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographer Society (OPPPS) to be held every Friday starting on September 24 until November 26.

As many as 160 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have registered on September 17 for the next batch of free short courses and workshops in Photography organized by the Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographers Society (OPPPS). An orientation was held the same day for these participants where the policies, procedures and requirements were discussed. The training program will run for 10 Fridays in 2-hour lecture per subject starting on September 24.

OPPPS, a non-profit group organized under the Philippine Consulate General (PCG), Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Dubai, consists of Filipino professionals who are into photography as a hobbyist, semi-professional or professional career.

The group, formed in January 2003, offers digital photography and post processing courses for Filipinos only being under the auspices of the Philippine Embassy. No professional fees are paid to instructors but students are expected to share expenses that will be consumed during the training through registration fees of only AED 120.

According to OPPPS president, Milo Torres, Digital Photography course recorded the highest number of enrollees with approximately 120 participants followed by Digital Darkroom and Digital Imaging. “We have allocated 5 sections with at least 30 participants per class in our Digital Photography course to accommodate our Kababayans who are keen to learn the basics of Digital Photography. There are two sections for 2-4pm and three sections for 4-6pm classes”, said Torres.

OPPPS is also launching “Back to Basic, Portrait and Fashion Photography Workshop” as a special training course for OPPPS members, an intensive discussions on portraiture and fashion photography using natural light, pre-production of shoots including casting, team-building and starting a portfolio. Other courses for OPPPS members include Professional Studio Fashion Photography and Photo Journalism.

Few seats are still available for all the courses. All classes for beginners will start on 24^th of September to be held at Abu Bakr Assiddiq Islamic Center, Hor Al Anz East, opposite Century Mall near Al Mamzar, Deira.