About

My name is Catalin Marin and I am a photographer based for the last 15 years in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, specializing in architectural, interior and lifestyle imagery.

Camels on the beach

My background in design has given me a unique perspective and an eye for detail which has allowed me to work with top tier clients across the region, focusing on architectural and interior photography as well as lifestyle and advertising images. I have provided creative imagery for clients like Starwood, Samsung, Ericsson, Kempinski, Grand Hyatt, Virgin Australia, Emirates and many others.

Passionate about photography since my dad took me out for my first snaps at the age of 9, I have been internationally recognised and my work has been featured by Nikon, BBC Travel, Lonely Planet Middle East, National Geographic, Time Out, Mondo*ARC and Geo Magazine, while my “Foggy Sunrise in Dubai” photograph quickly become one of the most shared National Geographic Photo of the Day for 2011.

Since 2007, I run a popular travel photography blog, with over 1000 articles published so far, which has attracted more than a million visitors.

I am also a Nikon Middle East ambassador, teaching photography throughout the Middle East and Africa. Occasionally, I put together exciting travel photography adventures and workshops throughout the world.

Exhibitions and awards

2023, Juror – Loop Design Awards 2023
2022, Winner – Architectural photography, Exteriors, Loop Design Awards 2022
2021, Winner – People’s Choice Award and Honorable mention architecture exteriors, Loop Design Awards 2021
2020, Juror – HIPA Awards
2019, Belgrade Photography Month solo exhibition
2018, Shortlisted in the Production Paradise Awards, Architecture and Interiors section
2017, Shortlisted in the Architectural Photography Awards organised by the Association of Hungarian Architects
2015, Sydney International Airport solo exhibition
2013, One of three most outstanding photoblogs, Photoblog Awards
2011, Best Asian and Oceania photoblog, Photoblog Awards
2011, Twinge Festival solo exhibition, Dubai
2009, The Jam Jar Gallery solo exhibition, Dubai