French lensman captures KSA’s unique shades

The landscape of any country serves as an attraction and a memory for visitors.
Such memories were captured with eye of the lens by photographer Philippe Walter, a French national. Walter told Arab news that he came to Saudi Arabia 27 years ago to work in the air conditioning field and later his family also joined him here.
“I instantly fell in love with this country. I spent almost half of my life here; I was very much impressed with the life style and way of living and love the country very much,” said Walter.
“It is time for me to go back home. I want to share the time I spent here with Saudi brothers and friends,” said Walter.
He further said that the moments he captured in his camera and displayed at the exhibition of the French consulate reflect life in the Kingdom.
“I spent most of my career working for Saudi Oger and the royal family. During business travel from place to place, I would capture the moment. The elements were hidden somewhere; people were not looking at them, but for me they are equally as important so I captured them with the eye of my lens, and today every one can see them,” he explained.
“A view or picture always has something to say. It can be a very normal moment in the street. These works are always judged by people, so here is my picture of the world for the public to view. I regret that I cannot print it onto a big screen,” he added.
He also said that he likes to travel and took the time to visit other Arab countries as well. He worked in construction sites where he got some freedom to capture life on the sites.
He further said development expanded rapidly in Saudi Arabia during his 27-year stay. Many things changed, notably in life style, with flyovers, big huge buildings and malls, amongst other things that were not here a quarter of a century ago.
"These pictures that I took on the road are also memories of those days. Personally, I appreciate the system of the country, but I found that life here is moving too fast."
He added that he sad to leave the country. Walter has four children living in France and Canada.
“It’s very difficult to go back to such a system where you have everything in small boxes or in small lines. I am French so I have to go back but though it’s hard for me. I would love to come back when I get a chance."
55 of his memories of Saudi Arabia were on display. The exhibition opened on March 4 and will continue for 14 days at the French consulate.
He is also a prize winner from Canada. He shot photographs in many Arab countries. He described photography as a big mosaic that is composed of thousands of viewpoints.

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