Playing With The Light

Photographing Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women’s Day.

Three women speaking at a podium during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

This past week, I had the honor of being the official behind-the-scenes photographer for the Forbes 30/50 Women’s Summit in Abu Dhabi — a gathering of some of the most inspiring women from around the world (in Forbes point of view of course). Wow, what an experience! The atmosphere was filled with ambition, wisdom, and the collective energy of women supporting women and I’m still soaking it all in.

Being behind the lens for such an impactful event reminded me of why I love what I do —freezing moments in time that reflect purpose and progress. Seeing the passion and determination in every interaction, every speech, and every exchange was both humbling and empowering.

This event brought together some of the most inspiring, badass women from around the world-leaders, changemakers, and visionaries, all in one place, sharing stories, wisdom, jokes and a whole lot of energy. Seeing these women support and uplift each other was very special, and I felt lucky to witness it firsthand.

Speakers

Forbes 30/50 Women’s Summit brought together some of the most influential individuals from around the world. I had the chance to capture moments with:

Freida Pinto – the talented actress and producer who’s been a beacon for representation in film.

Freida Pinto – the talented actress and producer who’s been a beacon for representation in film during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

Alexis Ohanian – co-founder of Reddit and a standout ally advocating for equality in both business and sports.

Alexis Ohanian – co-founder of Reddit and a standout ally advocating for equality in both business and sports during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

Najlah Imad – a Paralympic gold medalist from Iraq missing most of her limbs.

Najlah Imad – a Paralympic gold medalist from Iraq missing most of her limbs during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

Marsai Martin – actress, producer, and entrepreneur, making waves at such a young age (and also wearing a really cool suit).

Marsai Martin – actress, producer, and entrepreneur, making waves at such a young age during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

Lynsey Addario – an incredible photojournalist who continues to work in the war zones in attempt to make the wolrd see the truth.

Lynsey Addario – an incredible photojournalist during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

Sheryl Lee Ralph – Acclaimed actress and singer, whose quote of the day was: “The same butt you kick today you may have to kiss tomorrow”

Sheryl Lee Ralph – Acclaimed actress and singer during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

Alka Joshi – Bestselling author with impeccable taste in jewelry.

Alka Joshi – Bestselling author during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

And behind it all? Mika Brzezinski, the incredible woman who made this happen. Her passion for empowering women, amplifying voices, and creating spaces for meaningful conversations is truly inspiring. Seeing her vision come to life at this summit was something special.

Mika Brzezinski during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

What Do You Get to See Being Behind The Scenes

The event was mostly attended by the Americans, and coming from the other side of the world, it was definitely not so easy for them to stay awake and glowing at all times of the day. However, there was a team of beauty specialists

A group of four individuals, three women and one man, are seated and standing in a backstage makeup room with bright vanity mirrors. They are dressed in black and wearing event staff badges. The man on the left wears glasses, sneakers, and sits with his legs crossed. The woman next to him wears a black dress with knee-high boots and has blonde hair. The third woman, with long blonde hair, leans on her hand while standing, and the fourth woman, with black hair and bangs, holds a phone. The background features makeup products, hairstyling tools, and illuminated mirrors during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.
Forbes 30/50 Women’s Summit in Abu Dhabi make up and hair during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

The comraderie and support of women working together on making the world a better place.

Maggie McGrath and Huma Abedin during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.
women at Forbes 30/50 Women’s Summit in Abu Dhabi behind the scenes during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.
women at Forbes 30/50 Women’s Summit in Abu Dhabi behind the scenes
women at Forbes 30/50 Women’s Summit in Abu Dhabi behind the scenes

There was also an occasional men influx to express their appreciation and support of the causes.

people at Forbes 30/50 Women’s Summit in Abu Dhabi behind the scenes

Venues

Apart from the summit itself taking place in a magnifiscent Rotana Hotel on Sadiyaat Island, the dinners were organized to happen in a bunch of very inspiring places:

Abrahamic Family House

Abrahamic Family House dinner set up for Forbes 30/50 Women’s Summit in Abu Dhabi

The organizers have really thought about embracing the spirit of Ramadan by inviting the guests to have iftar at the Abrahamic Family House, where three religions find a place to co-exist peacefully. The dinner was accompanied by the soft Arabic music, inspirational speeches and thoughtful gifts. The dinner set-up by itself was nothing less but magical.

Two women in traditional attire playing oud and percussion instruments outdoors during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.
Elegant outdoor banquet setup with long tables, white plates, and floral arrangements under the mosque during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.
Two women speaking on stage during an event with a warm, illuminated backdrop during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

I can’t think of the better place to gather in order to celebrate International Women’s day than under the enormous roof of the Louvre Museum. Beautifully decorated, with scrumptious dishes for dinner prepared by the world-renowned Fouquet’s restaurant, elaborated dancing and singing entertainment, ah, just so good.

Elegant table setup with red and pink roses in the Louvre Abu Dhabi, overlooking Forbes 30/50 event stage during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

The event was attended by HE Noura Al Kaabi, the minister of state, and the director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Manuel Rabaté.

Noura Al Kaabi and Huma Abedin in stylish outfits smiling at an event, showcasing friendship and elegance during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.

The evening of excellency continued with inspirational speeches and an award ceremony.

Noura Al Kaabi at Forbes 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi, surrounded by an audience seated at elegantly decorated tables.
Three women speaking at a podium during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.
Person holding an award at a Forbes Abu Dhabi event, posing against a branded backdrop in elegant attire.

My Personal Hero

As a photographer, for me it was very special to meet Lynsey Addario in person. I have read her book right when it came out in 2015, and I have nothing but admiration for her bravery and desire to show the truth. She was kind enough to gift me a copy of her book with her signature.

Lynsey Addario in black dress standing by a table with books during the Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women's Day event.
Lynsey Addario signing her book at a table with a gold purse and phone nearby.

Tips For Photographers Who Would Shoot A Similar Event

The working hours at this event were quite brutal – call time 8-30 am and finish line somewhere after 11 pm. It is not for the faint-hearted photographers, and on top of being always on alert for someone needing a photo or the moment happening, you also have to clock quite a large amount of steps rotating between the venues.

  • Make sure to drink enough water
  • Wear very comfortable shoes, best with soft support
  • Bring snacks with you, there is no guarantee you’d get to eat a proper meal during the working hours
  • Think of how you can carry (potentially) multiple cameras around (sometimes with flashes) for a long time. My hand cramped by the end of the last day from the weight.
  • Bring a phone charger with you if you’re one of those insatiable scrollers.
  • Have a list of participants of the summit at hand, if possible. Those people are celebrities and they often expect you to know who they are.
  • If you have to shoot everything in JPEG (like I had to), double-check your white balance settings and don’t rely on the auto setting especially indoors.
  • Try to have some fun and learn something new.

Very grateful for an opportunity to attend such a grand event organized by Forbes, and for the trust and support of my colleagues who manned (literally) this event with me.

Much love,

Anna

Comments

One response to “Photographing Forbes 30/50 Summit, Abu Dhabi, International Women’s Day.”

  1. Stay Safe. – Playing With The Light

    […] was supposed to work at the Forbes 30/50 this weekend. I was supposed to be safe in the hotel full of Americans who would have come together […]

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