From taking photos of VIPs and celebrities to producing documentary photos for magazines, Tor Hanstorsten Seidel had worked in several different fields as a photographer. He also showcased conceptual photos from his art projects in various exhibitions.

When he joined the College of Fine Arts & Design (CFAD) at the University of Sharjah (UoS) as an academic six years ago, Seidel realized that many students had no idea about what role photography could take in their visual arts degree.

Moreover, CFAD did not yet offer the facilities to run photography studios. Seidel's students would have to travel outside campus to take photos, which would require transportation and additional time outside studios hours.

This is when Seidel decided to bring the outside world into his studio.

His conceptual photography courses introduced photography to the field of visual arts at CFAD. Seidel's students are able to represent ideas and concepts through their photos.

“Working conceptually means going through the whole ideation process: developing an idea, making fundamental research, writing a script and artist statement, drawing a storyboard, working out a production plan and of course, learning how to use the photography, lighting, studio, video, and audio equipment," said Seidel.

In his studios, Seidel teaches his students the history of contemporary photography and video-art, using a studio, working with professional video and photo equipment, and installing their work for exhibitions.

This benefits students in their own visual arts career.

“They learn to produce high-quality visual work that can be appreciated at a museum or gallery," Seidel said.

His students also learn to critically examine visual arts in galleries, exhibitions, on television, and cinemas.

Seidel's efforts have led to success for many of his students.

One of his students, Khoula Hamad, received the 2018 Dior Young Talents of Photography Award, presented in Arles, at the International Photography Festival.

Another student, Hamda Al Thani, presented her video work at a conference on AI and Computer Science in the UoS.