Freezing Time: Photographer Ameen Qaisaran On Capturing Saudi’s Beauty
Artist, photographer, and founder of Qaisaran Studio, Ameen Qaisaran was awarded the Prince Sultan bin Salman prize for best photography book in Saudi in 2018: Masjedi Hatha, which showcases the beauty of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina
What was a career-defining moment for you?
I started my career as a graphic designer in 1997, and my struggle was finding photos to use for my designs. This is when I decided I needed to do it myself as only I knew how I wanted the photo to look and what design I had in mind.
The breathtaking mountains of AlUla.
In your view, how strong is the storytelling power of photography?
There is a saying by Bruno Barbey that “photography is the only language that can be understood anywhere in the world.” Everything around us has a soul, and what I usually do is highlight its beauty so that anyone can feel the message I want to deliver.
What do you think informs the visual beauty of Saudi?
Diversity is what makes Saudi unique: diversity in culture, clothing, nature and architecture. What I adored the most was seeing Diriyah for the first time in 2018 and knowing all about the materials used in the building, how it was breathable in summer and warm in the winter. In addition; the fast-paced development in mega-projects like NEOM and others.
Sunset with a Prophet’s Mosque minaret.
Who inspires you?
Vivian Maier and Ansel Adams inspired me in how they produced historical photos. The care of quality not quantity and the joy they had in the process is clear. They took photography as a mission. The photos were like a symphony and their stories were told even after they passed.
If time could stand still like a photograph, which moment would you freeze?
I was with my wife exploring AlUla’s mountains with our caravan and the rain started to fall. Being in a magical place like this with my loved one in sparkly weather is my wish.
Seeing your achievements now, what would you say to your younger self?
I would say thank you. You are lucky for knowing what you love from a young age and pursuing your dreams will always be your key to success.
A lady in Jeddah’s Al-Balad area
If we could truly see the world through your eyes, what would we learn?
The hidden beauty. I always ask myself how I feel about something, whether it’s a place, project or a person. Where is its beauty? And I always find the answer in the picture, in the details. You will learn to see the beauty around you.
What’s a dream you have for your future?
Showing the real beauty of Saudi by building the Saudi photographic archive. This is why I launched my own studio in Riyadh, specialised in artistically documenting culture and the real beauty of Saudi Arabia with an international standard.
Photography by Ameen Qasareen
From Harper’s Bazaar Saudi Summer 2021 Issue.