Catalin Marin

Catalin Marin is an award-winning photographer based in Dubai, UAE, specializing in architectural, hospitality, interior, lifestyle, and advertising photography. A Fujifilm X-Photographer since 2021, he has conducted workshops and photography talks in over 15 countries.

With a strong background in design, he brings a refined eye for detail and a unique perspective to every project. Catalin has created compelling visual content for top-tier clients such as Marriott, Starwood, Fairmont, Samsung, Ericsson, Kempinski, Grand Hyatt, Virgin Australia, and emirates.

Passionate about photography since childhood, Catalin was first introduced to the craft by his father at the age of 9. His photo “Foggy Sunrise in Dubai” was selected as the National Geographic Photo of the Day in 2011, and his work has been featured by BBC Travel, Lonely Planet Middle East, National Geographic, Geo Magazine and Time Out.

Since 2007, he has run a widely followed travel photography blog, with over 1300 articles and more than a million readers wordwide.

Selected Awards, Exhibitions & Jury Roles:

• 2023, Juror – Loop Design Awards 2023
• 2022, Winner – Architectural photography, Exteriors, Loop Design Awards 2022
• 2021, Winner – People’s Choice Award, Loop Design Awards 2021
• 2020, Juror – HIPA Awards
• 2019, Belgrade Photography Month solo exhibition, Belgrade
• 2018, Shortlisted in the Production Paradise Awards, Architecture and Interiors
• 2017, Finalist at the Architectural Photography Awards organized by the Association of Hungarian Architects
• 2015, Sydney International Airport solo exhibition about Dubai
• 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