User:ElxanQəniyev/Elkhan Ganiyev

Elxan Qəniyev is an Azerbaijani documentary photographer and digital artist.

He started his professional career in photography in 2011 and has participated in and received awards in various local and international workshops, exhibitions, and competitions.

Since 2017, he has been a member of the Azerbaijan Photographers Union.

He has been directly involved in photo and video projects aimed at promoting Ismayilli, its ancient cultural heritage, and natural beauty to the international arena, with the support of the Ismayilli District Executive Authority.

He has captured photographs for international events such as Formula 1, 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games, and 2015 European Games, which have been exhibited to the wider public.

Elxan has worked as a photographer, designer, art director in companies and government institutions such as "İSTECH MMC," "Hajizade Group," "İntro Dev," Gəmiqaya Holding, and the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ARVXSİDA). He currently works at the Ministry of Agriculture in Azerbaijan. He specializes in lifestyle and portrait photography and captures images during his travels throughout the year. His photography work has been widely covered in the Azerbaijani media.

Biography
Elxan Ehsan oğlu Qəniyev was born on November 12th, 1994, in İsmayıllı District.

From 2000 to 2011, he received his secondary education at Natiq Behdiyev Middle School in İsmayıllı. It was during his school years that he developed an interest in design and photography.

In 2012-2013, he attended computer courses at the Heydar Aliyev Center in İsmayıllı and successfully completed them, receiving a red diploma.

In 2012, he received specialized education in dental technology at the Mingachevir Vocational and Specialized School.

He was a student of the "KJM Conflict Journalism School" organized by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Since February 17th, 2017, he has been a member of the "Azerbaijan Photographers Union".

In 2017, he was involved in the organization of the "Culture Ambassador" project by the "ASAN Volunteers" Organization, collaborated with YARAT Contemporary Art Space, and received media support from ASAN Radio for the "FotoMən" photography course.

In 2021, his photo-sharing of homeless individuals living near the Sahil Metro Station in Baku received significant attention in the Azerbaijani media.

He is married.

Professional Career
From January 7th, 2016, he started working as a designer at "Gəmiqaya Holding" and since September 21st, 2017, he has been employed at the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (VXSİDA) in the "ABAD" department. On June 1st, 2018, he was appointed as the Chief Specialist-Inspector of the Public Relations and Information Support Department at the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. On July 29th, 2020, he was awarded the first-degree specialist rank in the civil service.

Exhibitions
He successfully completed the "Video Preparation Course on Human Rights" organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan (April 2014) and exhibited several selected photographs at the Youth Photographers' exhibition on the topic of "Islam in Azerbaijan and the Values of Multiculturalism."

He took photos related to the working conditions of Azerbaijan Airlines employees.

His photographs were exhibited at the "Coexistence House" exhibition organized by ASAN Volunteers and the Azerbaijan Photographers Union at ASAN Service Centers.

Awards
In October 2016, he won several competitions organized by the Azerbaijan Photographers Union, including "Minimalism," "Lights,", and "We Haven't Forgotten - We Will Not Forget."

In December 2016, he received the second place award at the "Photolimp" exhibition and competition, supported by the Youth Foundation under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

He participated in the "Turkish Arts History and Folklore Congress/Art Activities Exhibition" organized by Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Selcuk University, the Association for the Protection of Italian Cultural Heritage, and his exhibited photos were among the most admired exhibits.

In Germany, he won the first prize in a competition on "Environmental Protection" organized by the GIZ organization, with 20 selected photographs.

Elxan Qəniyev won a gold medal at the "Azerbaijan Photo Salon 2022," an international photography competition held for the fifth consecutive time with the support of Gilavar Photo Club, and concluded in early July 2022.