The Second Shot, When a Moment Is Seen Again

At Gallery Sarah in Bait Al Zubair Museum, the camera returns not to repeat, but to rediscover. The Second Shot (Al Laqta Al Thaniya) comes as a natural continuation of the success of The First Shot (Al Laqta Al Oula), which first brought together the photographic talents of Majan University College students and introduced their early creative visions. This second edition moves further, offering a more mature, confident and reflective visual experience.

The exhibition aims to elevate photography beyond documentation into emotional storytelling. It provides a wider platform for images that express inner struggles, feelings and human states, captured with greater technical awareness and artistic depth. At the same time, it highlights student creativity, grants young photographers the opportunity to exhibit in a respected cultural institution like Bait Al Zubair, encourages visual expression and skill development; and reinforces Majan University College’s role in supporting arts and culture.

Its message is clear and poetic, every image carries a story. The Second Shot is not a repetition, but an act of rediscovery. It invites viewers to return to overlooked details, to slow down and to see meaning emerge when a moment is captured again with intention and awareness.

The exhibition is supervised by Yasser al Hasani, whose vision for the Photography Group at Majan University College is rooted in inspiration and community. "I see the group as a platform that brings together young talents and encourages them to explore the world through a different lens". notes Al Hasani. His goal is to build a visual community capable of transforming simple moments into artworks, while cultivating creativity through activities, exhibitions and practical experiences that enhance students’ artistic sensitivity and aesthetic awareness.

This vision is clearly reflected in the works on display. The photographs are diverse yet united by a strong sense of Omani identity and emotional depth.

In “Discipline of the Spirit” by Waleed bin Yahya al Hasani, men perform a traditional art with strict discipline and precision. The image captures seriousness and devotion, turning movement into a symbol of commitment to heritage. It preserves a visual memory that reflects respect for tradition and collective identity.

“The Marina” by Sara bint Nouh al Salmiyah presents an Omani man standing before the gate of Nizwa Fort, illuminated by the warm light of late afternoon. The photograph balances past and present, embodying pride, continuity and the quiet strength of Omani identity.

A softer emotional tone appears in “My Grandmother’s Fingerprint” by Tasneem Saif. The image reflects the transfer of Omani heritage across generations through a grandmother’s loving touch and a child’s smile. It speaks of identity not as something declared, but as something lived in everyday gestures.

Student voices add another layer to the exhibition. Umaima al Farsi, participating for the second time, recalls her first experience during her early college years. She reflects on how workshops, guidance and institutional support helped shape the group’s growth. Exhibiting again at Gallery Sarah. "This experience is a major achievement and a step towards greater opportunities" Al Farsi asserts. She emphasises the clear strength of the images this year and expresses pride in the visible development of both new and returning participants.

For Mohammed bin Khalifa al Masrouri, a participating student at MUC, the exhibition is both artistic and empowering. It offers photographers a chance to present and even sell professional work, while gaining valuable experience. His own nature photograph, which he describes as a connection between the soul and nature, was captured by chance on a cold winter night under starlight, without artificial lighting or filters, using only a phone camera. The simplicity of the process reflects the sincerity of the result.

The Second Shot ultimately proves that growth can be quiet and deliberate. Within Gallery Sarah, these young photographers show that when we pause, observe and look again, the world reveals stories waiting to be seen.