Saudi photographer Amer Alsaad was born in Sakakah in the northern region of Saudi Arabia and currently lives in Riyadh. He graduated from the College of Applied Studies, King Saud University, and holds a degree in Diploma of Medical Labs. “I have not studied photography but I always loved to collect magazines containing fashion photos. I used to make cutouts and hang them on the wall,” he said.
With the emergence of the Internet, Alsaad’s obsession with collecting photographs increased many folds. “In 2005, I owned my first professional camera, a Canon camera, and this was the beginning of my journey in the world of photography,” he said. “I had difficulties in using the camera. I started learning through watching photographers and trying to copy them. I studied their works, besides gaining information from various websites,” he added.
In 2008, Alsaad started to publish his photographs professionally on websites, such as Flickr and Definite Art. Indeed, this served as a motivation for Alsaad and he continued to develop his skills and update them. “I was encouraged by the feedback and comments from various people, including my friends, who are still my greatest motivation,” he added.
Arab News spoke to Alsaad about his passion for photography, his work and future projects:
What kind of photography do you do?
I am into fashion fine art photography
What are the pros and cons of being a photographer?
One of the positive aspects of being a photographer is that I have a tool through which I express and share my ideas via the photos. Negative aspects usually lie in the social restraints and the unacceptability of the photographer as part of society or some of the works done by him.
How did you start your photography career?
I started my work in the field of photography when I resigned and built my studio in the year 2011.
Have you ever exhibited your work? If yes, where and when?
I have displayed two of my works at Alwan exhibition in Alkhobar; also in the same year of 2013 my work was featured in some local art and fashion magazines.
Do your photos have a hidden message? How do you create a photo with a hidden message?
I have messages in my works and creating a photo carrying a message undergoes various phases, including the preliminary idea, passing through formulating the idea and imagining the idea in the form of a photo and ending with the steps of creating the photo as imagined, stating the accessories which will be used, the tools, the place of photography and sometimes the furniture; these are important steps for making a photo carry a message and a meaning.
What is the one lasting impression you want to leave in your photos?
I always want my photos to leave a beautiful impression in the viewer’s memory in all aspects, including the idea, the lighting and the photo pattern. This is what I realize now through the feedback for my works.
How do you describe your style?
Realism and simplicity are essential to my works. I approach my photos realistically, starting from the idea, the use of lighting and ending with photo processing.
What type of cameras do you shoot with?
Canon 5d, mark 2 and 5d mark 3.
What is your most used Photoshop tool, plug-in and action set?
The black boards to deepen the shade besides the darkening filters and the reflectors are all very important. Actually Photoshop is now equal to a development room, which was previously indispensable for the photographer. I also use Curve Tools and Contrast Tool.
What has been your most memorable photo shoot and why?
The first commercial photography session for one of the biggest communication companies in the Kingdom was a wonderful experience. It was a great feeling to do commercial work and the photography scene was buzzing with people.
Have you ever had anything go wrong at a shoot and if so, how did you handle it?
In the beginning, there were difficulties and mistakes during the preparation of the idea and making the photos. I dealt with all of them, thanks to a team of creative youth, assuming certain responsibilities such as dress coordination, make-up, technical direction through observing and supervising the photography locations, and the designers who contribute much for the success of the projects.
What is it that you know now that you wish you knew when you started your photography career?
I know that photography is related to technology, so a photographer must be aware of the latest technologies in terms of the equipment or the various patterns of photography. The most important thing I wished to learn in the beginning of my career that I realized after comparing my works with that of professional photographers is that every photographer has his/her peculiar style and perspective.
What are you currently working on?
Currently, I am working on photographing people under the theme of ‘love shares us.’ I also have a workshop within the upcoming weeks in addition to some commercial projects.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
This is an awkward and embarrassing question. However, everyday I find myself in a different position; what really matters is to be in a position better than before and this is what provides me with self-satisfaction.
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