A number of photographers have emphasised the importance of photography in documenting historical landmarks and heritage architecture, showcasing their unique beauty, and raising awareness of their cultural value, thereby encouraging society to preserve them. Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), they said that Qatari forts and heritage architecture serve as inspiring cultural testaments that narrate profound stories of human and place authenticity, contributing to the reinforcement of national identity and the revival of cultural heritage. The photographers shared their personal experiences in capturing these landmarks, highlighting how modern technologies enhance the documentation of their aesthetics, as well as their vision for the future of photography amid technological advancements. Abdulla al-Mesleh said that Qatari forts and heritage architecture hold significant importance as historical symbols reflecting past eras and immense national value. Most of these landmarks were built for defensive purposes and to protect the country, preserving a rich memory of stories that resonate with everyone, especially photographers who aim to document these moments for future generations. Al-Mesleh explained that his goal as a photographer is to document these landmarks to highlight their beauty and preserve them, stressing the importance of building an archive of images that capture any changes these landmarks may undergo due to natural or manmade factors. This, he said, enriches the memory of future generations and enables them to learn about these sites. Al-Mesleh emphasised his commitment to participating in international exhibitions and forums with works documenting historical landmarks, as they reflect Qatar's heritage and introduce others to bright aspects of its history. He noted that two of his works won awards at the 2024 International Pano Awards – one featuring The Pearl Island and the other showcasing night photography in Al Aamriya area. Regarding his photography style, al-Mesleh said that the best times to capture historical landmarks are during sunrise, sunset, and cloudy weather, which he said add beautiful colours to the images, enhancing their artistic documentation. He embodied this vision in his 2017 solo exhibition titled “Qatar Between Sunset and Sunrise”, which featured a collection of works capturing Qatar's natural, architectural, and heritage landmarks. This ambitious project is one he plans to expand with a second edition. On the evolution of photography, he noted that while modern technology, including digital cameras and artificial intelligence (AI), has positively impacted the field, it cannot replace the artist. Al-Mesleh stressed that the value of a photograph lies in the photographers’ style and approach to utilising equipment and technology. He said that photography in Qatar is experiencing continuous growth, with significant interest from young talents and newcomers. Abdulhadi al-Marri meanwhile said that historical and heritage buildings are like a "black box" reflecting the stories of nations and civilisations, as architectural structures are the best witnesses to history and the contributions of ancestors. He said that local architecture serves as a source of inspiration for creators across various artistic fields, noting that photographers play a crucial role in preserving this cultural legacy by highlighting architectural aesthetics and narrating visual stories related to them. Al-Marri said that as a photographer, he focuses on the form, elements, and style of architecture, which reflect deep social philosophies. He pointed out that interconnected building designs reflect the need for sustainable ventilation, while surrounding walls provide privacy for residents, showcasing the unique philosophy of the nation and its ancestors. Al-Marri noted that he prefers photographing architecture from elevated or aerial angles to highlight the overall structure from a unique perspective, as these angles attract the human eye. He also favours using wide-angle lenses for ground-level shots to emphasise the details of local architecture, characterised by simplicity and harmony with the surrounding environment. Regarding the future of photography amid technological advancements, al-Marri stated that the future looks promising for visual arts and content creation, thanks to technical improvements and the emergence of AI, opening vast horizons for photographers and creators. He added that public awareness of art and its role has grown, and educational content on photography has become more accessible, positively impacting the artistic field in general and photography in particular. Maha Rashid al-Athba emphasised that heritage architecture and historical forts are a rich source of inspiration and artistic creativity. She noted that images reflecting cultural heritage or historical sites attract attention because they evoke curiosity and a sense of belonging and pride. Al-Athba affirmed that the beauty of details and decorative motifs adds artistic depth to photographs, highlighting the history and story of a place. Forts and heritage landmarks also carry cultural and historical symbolism, enriching images with multiple meanings and making them ideal for artistic creativity. Al-Athba employs a distinctive style in photographing heritage architecture, focusing on highlighting the aesthetic and symbolic details of historical buildings. In her work, she uses light and shadow to showcase architectural motifs and decorations, adding depth and soul to her images that reflect the authenticity of the place. Through her work, al-Athba aims to document architectural heritage in a way that combines historical accuracy with visual beauty, contributing to the reinforcement of cultural identity and raising awareness about the importance of preserving historical landmarks. She stressed that photographs play a crucial role in safeguarding heritage by accurately documenting forts and heritage landmarks, encouraging individuals and institutions to preserve them, and enhancing public awareness of their value. This enables future generations to understand their history and appreciate their significance, while also having a media and artistic impact by drawing public attention and addressing threats to these sites. She said that photographs are an elegant medium for showcasing the beauty and importance of historical landmarks, encouraging people to visit them and learn about their cultural value, thereby promoting cultural tourism and contributes to the preservation of these sites. Al-Athba added that these images help raise awareness about the importance of preserving historical forts and architectural heritage by highlighting their beauty and history. She noted that documented photographs of these landmarks serve as an important reference for restoration processes, helping specialists restore intricate details that may have been damaged. Regarding the future of photography, al-Athba believes that the rise of technology and digital cameras enhances creative possibilities in the field. She pointed out that ongoing technological innovations are redefining the boundaries of artistic expression. The photographer said that the most prominent features of this future include continuous improvements in image quality and precision, as well as the use of AI to analyse scenes and automatically enhance images – such as adjusting lighting, correcting colors, and removing imperfections. Smartphones equipped with advanced cameras and photography software are also making photography accessible to everyone. Al-Athba added that with the emergence of modern technology and drones, photography has become an innovative tool for storytelling, exploring the world, and expressing ideas in ways that were not possible before.