By
Tell us about yourself
I was born on 16th August 1985 in the UAE. I studied engineering at the HCT and graduated this June.
When did you step into the world of photography and what motivated you to pick up the camera?
I took to photography when I was 16 years old. The first camera I used was my father’s digital one. I am self taught and did not really take any photography courses. It was all about the drive to explore photography. I like to collect photographs, be it hard copies or downloaded photos from the Internet. I have used these as inspirations so I could recreate something similar myself. I chose photography because, to me, it seems like a story that could be memorised.. I love photography of all kinds but I am specially attracted to modelling shots.
How did you get into modelling?
The first time I ever modelled was for my cousin and for a friend. It was an exciting experience, something that gave me flexibility to be creative with my expressions.
Why did you choose modelling?
For some people modelling is a way to be famous but for me it is great to have a different look every time - you can model in different genres - like fashion or in a cultural genre. Modelling can depict emotions like sorrow and happiness which comes easy to me. I find it challenging and similar to acting, where you need to feel the expressions rather than fake it.
A lot of the people in UAE compare you with the Emirati singer Al Wasmy saying that you’re his look-alike, how does that feel?
Smiles! Yes, many people have been saying that to me. Even my class mates at college have nick named me ‘Al Wasmy’. I simply laugh
Tell us about your popularity on Flickr
?
I joined Flickr in 2004 and have learnt a lot from professional photographers there. I have observed their ideas and looked at their works, this has enhanced my knowledge regarding photography. As a result my work has improved steadily and given me the flexibility to photograph an array of subjects.
What is the best part
? B
eing a photographer
or
being a model?
Photography is my soul whereas modelling is not something very significant to me.
I believe that in order to be a good model, one needs to fulfil the specifications of a good physique, confidence, patience and flexibility to new environments.
Do you think a lot of the guys in UAE are getting into modelling? Or is modelling still seen
as
a bad thing in UAE?
I don’t see a lot of the Emirati guys in the modelling field and I don’t see modelling in a negative light. But then again, a lot of the guys have taken up presenting jobs on local TV channels like Samaa Dubai and so on. So that is a good sign that such an art is appreciated.
Have you won any contests for your photography?
I participated in several photography competitions at college and I won many times, approximately three of my photographs are exhibited in the corridors at college.