Azerbaijan has always been the motherland to many talented photographers and journalists whose work was published in a great variety of newspapers, magazines and photographic albums. Through cooperation with Azerinform (State Telegraf Agency) and further through TASU (Telegraf Agency of Soviet Union) Azerbaijani photographers sent their photographic works to various famous publications and news agencies around the world. Independent photographic clubs and unions were formed to bring together professional photographers as well as amateurs and hobbyists of photographic art.
In the beginning of 90's after the collapse of the Soviet Union, many state-run organizations ceased to exist. At that point of time, the establishment of organization that united Azerbaijani photographers was of critical importance. Therefore, the creation of Azerbaijan's Union of Photographers (AUP) was an important step to the implementation of existing tasks of Azerbiajan's photography.
The next task for the Azerbaijani photography is the organization of the First Baku International Festival of Art Photography "Ayna 2002". The Festival will assist international photographers and amateurs of photography to resume old and establish new contacts with their counterparts. The Festival will facilitate the exposure of Azerbaijani society to masterpieces of both Azerbaijani and international photographers, as well as present the latest achievements of the Azerbaijani photography to the international society. The worldwide scale of the Festival will facilitate the demonstration of high professionalism and offer a great example of works of experienced photographers from Azerbaijan, Asia, Europe and America. The Festival will serve as an impetus for new photographic pursuits as well as inspire new visions and views.

The Purpose and Target of the Project

Purpose:

• Familiarize the Azerbaijani society with the achievements of the world's photography as well as the international society with the latest achievements of the Azerbaijani photography;
• Propagate esthetic ideals, as well as intellectual information and promote the art of photography;
• Facilitate communication between photographers worldwide, as well as lay foundation for future collaboration for the development of artistic initiative;
• Promote interest in the art of photography in the regions of Azerbaijan as well as educate the population about significance of the photographic genre.

• Invite famous and highly professional photographers from Azerbaijan, Asia, Europe and America to participate in the Festival;
• Conduct public relations campaign to inform the population about events and exhibitions planned within the frameworks of the Festival;
• Organize master classes, seminars and slide-shows with various expositions in the regions of Azerbaijan;
• Conduct photography exhibitions in city galleries as well as on the streets of Baku and the Old City, metro stations, supermarkets, buildings and other places in order to reach wider audience;
• Average number of people that will gain knowledge and use as a result of the Festival may reach 40-50 thousand.

1. Jozef Kaudelka - Photographer, "Magnum" France;
2. Reza Diggati - Photographer, "National Geographic" Magazine, USA, Iran;
3. Pierre Devin - Head of the Regional Center for Photography, Lil, France;
4. Uk Baltzinger - Cultural Attach, Embassy of France in Azerbaijan;
5. Sanan Aleskerov - Photographer, Bearer of 10 international photographic awards, Azerbaijan;
6. Farid Mamedov - Photographer, Azerbaijan;
7. Rafik Gambarov - Photographer, Chairman of the Photographers Union, Azerbaijan;
8. Sara Nazirova - Writer, Azerbaijan;
9. Farid Abdullayev - Art Critic; Azerbaijan;
10. Farhad Khalilov - Artist, Chairman of Artists Union, Azerbaijan.

• History of Oil Industry
• Original View
• Urban life. Pulse of the City
• Oriental bazaar. Traditions and modernity
• High key (supreme examples of art photography)
  The project unite professional photographers, art critics, gallery owners, art curators, media and publishing agencies, artists and general public from Baku and Azerbaijan regions.

• Azerbaijani photography promoted to high international level through exhibitions, seminars and other events;
• Expanded communication with international professional photographers, art curators and agencies;
• Internet web site created reflecting the results of the Festival as well as Internet forum established for further communication;
• Catalog of submitted works of the Festival published and distributed;
• Inspire interest to the art of photography all around Azerbaijan as a result of the media coverage and feedback of the Festival.