Seasoned freelance photographer Domenic Aquilina has launched his first book publication - his autobiography titled "Domenic Aquilina - The Malta Falcon" with all the proceedings from the book sale going towards Hospice Malta. The book meticulously compiles the highlights of the Maltese photographers' 40+ years of work, journeying from a freelancer sports enthusiast to eventually covering UEFA key football matches, including an impressive 15 UEFA Champions League finals.
The self-taught photographer who specialises in sports photography has garnered numerous awards and accolades during his distinguished career. Chiefly amongst them are the Societies UK "Sport General Photographer of The Year 2011" award winner, and 5-time winner of the "Malta Sports Photographer of the Year" in the Malta Journalism Awards amongst others.
Present for the official book launch at Cavalieri Art Hotel in St. Julian's was David Farrelly, Director of Communications at FIFA who spoke highly about Aquilina's uncanny skill and experience to capture the heart of historic sporting moments, bringing the raw passion, joy, triumph, tears, teamwork, and drama to viewers all around the world. Hospice Malta CEO, Kenneth Delia, who was present for the launch thanked Aquilina for his altruistic gesture and spoke about how this autobiography will inspire new generations of sports photographers in the coming years. Ida Linda Reitano, International Commercial Sports Lawyer was also present for the book launch.
Aquilina said: "This autobiography encapsulates my lifelong journey starting from a football loving enthusiast all the way to a generic professional sports photographer. My wish is that through this book I can instil and inspire anyone who will get to read the book, to follow their dreams and work hard towards making them a reality - not only in sports or photography, but in whatever life endeavour that makes them passionate. I would particularly like to thank my long-time mentor, David Farrelly for his presence during this special event. A big thank you as well to all the sponsors who assisted for such a good cause."
The book is in hardbound style and being sold at €30 per copy in leading book retailers with all proceedings being directed towards Hospice Malta.
The book launch will also be associated with a photography exhibition featuring Aquilina's best 25 captures taken throughout his distinguished career in sports photography. The exhibition will be hosted at Cavalieri Art Hotel till 10th February 2023. Aquilina's photographic images, printed in 30x20 inches, on stylish 5mm aluminum sheets, are being sold at €250 each, on a first come first served basis. The sale from these unique photographic images exhibited will also be directed toward Hospice Malta.
The project was made possible through the main sponsors; JP Portelli and iLab Photo Labs, as well as Atlas Insurance, Responsible Gaming, Q Media Limited, Embark, Dizz Group, Dhalia Real Estate and VisitMalta. Other contributors include The Concept Stadium, Cavalieri Art Hotel, Wines & Co, Gutenberg Press and designers Ramon and Antoinette Micallef.