Draft:Ahmad Najm

Ahmad Najm (Kurdish ئەحمەد نەجم, born 1990s) is an Iraqi photojournalist and entrepreneur known for his contributions to photojournalism in Iraq.

Najm became the managing director of Metrography Agency, the first and only stock photography agency in Iraq. Under his leadership, Metrography has become a platform for Iraqi photojournalists, documenting untold stories from communities across the country.

Early life
Born in Kirkuk, Iraq, Najm's childhood was marked by the displacement of his family during the civil war era; by age seven, he was living in a refugee camp in Iraq, and the family also fled to Iran twice. Following the war, the family returned to northern Iraq, where they ran a restaurant.

As he grew older, Najm took a job as a driving instructor and, like his older brother Najat. He later became a photographer after working with another older brother, Kamaran, who had left the family to become a photojournalist.

Career
Najm first left Kurdistan to attend a photo festival in Georgia.

Najm supervises a group of photographers, capturing Iraqi life amidst ongoing challenges. As a photojournalist and safety trainer, Najm has trained photojournalists in Iraq, Iran, and Turkey, including during the fight against ISIS. He has particularly focused on empowering women photojournalists.

Najm's has organized Metrography's annual photo festival in five Iraqi cities, showcasing local photographers' work and fostering community dialogue. His recognition extends beyond Iraq, having served as a jury member for the World Press Photo Contest in 2019.

Metrography Agency
Metrography was founded by American photojournalist Sebastian Meyer and Ahmad Najm's older brother, Kamaran, who was kidnapped by ISIS in June 2014.

Ahmed Najm continues to lead Metrography, honoring his brother's legacy. The agency provides a platform for Iraqi photojournalists to document their experiences and share stories. Through Metrography, Najm strives to give a voice to those affected by conflict and shed light on Iraqi life.