Abdelrahman Alkahlout
TIFA 2024 Interview with Abdelrahman Alkahlout
Photographer of the Year, 1st Place winner in Editorial, Professional, “The Mass Genocide of Civilians: Gaza Under Fire”
Q: What drew you to the specific genre of photography you specialize in? Was it a personal experience, a mentor, or something else that sparked your interest?
I started photography as a passion, a love for capturing moments and freezing time through the lens. I saw beauty in the details, in light and shadow, in the expressions on people’s faces. But this passion transformed into something greater, into a responsibility, during one of the wars on Gaza.
In a single moment, I found myself witnessing scenes that words could never describe: families wiped out, homes reduced to rubble, children searching for their parents beneath the wreckage. That was when I realized that photography was no longer just an art; it was a testimony to the truth, a cry against a silent world. My camera was no longer just a tool; it became a shield against oblivion and a weapon against distortion. Photography became my destiny, the path I chose to ensure that these stories would never fade into darkness.
Q: How do you approach a new photography project? Can you walk us through your creative process, from concept to execution?
My photography projects don’t start with a camera; they start with a feeling. A sense of responsibility toward a story that must be told, toward people whose voices have been drowned out by the noise of the world. When I decide to document an event or a cause, the first thing I look for is the human element – the face, the gaze, the moment that encapsulates suffering or hope.
Before I press the shutter, I live the story. I talk to people, listen to their testimonies, and immerse myself in the reality of the moment without a camera. Only then do I search for the frame that needs no words, the image that conveys the truth as it is, without distortion or exaggeration.
Execution doesn’t end with capturing the shot; it extends to selecting the frame that carries the greatest impact, then processing it while preserving its authenticity. In the end, the goal is not to create a beautiful image but an unforgettable one, an image that forces the viewer to stop, to think, and to feel.
Q: Your winning project stood out to the jury for its unique perspective. How do you ensure your work maintains originality and authenticity in a competitive field?
In a world flooded with images, originality is not just about capturing a different scene; it’s about seeing it with a different soul. I don’t strive to create a beautiful image; I strive to convey a truth that cannot be ignored. The key to maintaining authenticity is getting closer to being inside the story, not just an outside observer.
I refuse to chase easy shots or staged moments. Every image I take carries a part of my own experience, my fear, my pain, and the hope of those I photograph. I don’t approach photography as a mechanical task but as a silent conversation between me and the person in front of my lens.
What makes my work stand out is not just technique but honesty in storytelling. When photography comes from personal experience and a sincere human vision, it remains authentic no matter how competitive the field becomes.
Q: As a photographer, how do you balance technical expertise with artistic vision? Do you lean more heavily on one, or do they work hand in hand for you?
Technique without artistic vision is just a set of tools, and vision without technique remains an incomplete idea. For me, they cannot be separated. Every powerful image is a delicate balance between feeling the moment and mastering how to convey it visually.
When I’m in the field, the priority is always the moment – the one that tells the whole story without the need for explanation. But without technical skill, that moment could be lost or lose its impact. That’s why I treat my camera as an extension of my eyes, mastering it so that it never stands in the way of capturing the scene as I see and feel it.
In the end, technique gives me freedom, but it is never the goal. The goal is always an image that reaches the heart before the eye.
Q: What role does post-processing play in your work? Do you consider it an extension of your creativity, or do you aim to keep your images as natural as possible?
Post-processing is not a tool to alter reality but a way to clarify it as it is. In photojournalism and documentary photography, visual integrity is fundamental, so any adjustments I make are limited to enhancing lighting and contrast, never altering the essence of the image.
The goal of editing is not to create a different picture but to highlight details that might otherwise be lost in the chaos: a glance of fear, a tear, the dust of war. Every adjustment I make serves the truth, not distorts it. A photograph should remain a testimony, not a painting.
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated in an ever-evolving industry? Are there any specific sources books, films, or other art forms that fuel your creativity?
Inspiration for me doesn’t come only from traditional sources but from reality itself. Every story I witness, every eye I meet, every moment filled with life or pain fuels my drive to keep going.
I also find inspiration in the works of photographers who have used images as a tool for change, in documentaries that boldly reveal the truth, and in literature that paints vivid pictures with words that stay in memory.
But above all, I draw strength from the impact of my photographs. When an image reaches the world and creates change, that alone is the greatest motivation to continue.
Q: Winning this award is a significant accomplishment. How do you plan to leverage this recognition to further your career or make a greater impact in the photography world?
This award is not just an honor it’s a greater responsibility. Winning means that the voices of those I’ve photographed have been heard, but it also pushes me to continue documenting the truth with even more courage.
I will use this recognition to expand the reach of my work to broader platforms and extend my documentation to other humanitarian issues that need exposure. I also aim to leverage this achievement to build connections with media organizations and human rights groups, ensuring that these images are not just frozen moments but catalysts for real change.
Q: How do you approach connecting with your subjects, especially in projects that require a deep level of trust and intimacy, such as portraits or documentary work?
In documentary photography, the camera alone is not enough; trust is everything. I never start by shooting; I start by listening. I immerse myself in the moment with the people I photograph, get to know their stories, and make them feel that I am not just a photographer but a human being who shares their pain or hope.
Photography is not just about taking an image; it’s about building a bridge between me and the person in front of the lens. When they feel safe and trust me, the images become more honest because they are not just captured, they are told through them.
Q: In what ways do you believe photography can influence societal change? Have you worked on projects that aim to raise awareness or advocate for a cause?
Photography is not just documentation; it’s a force for change. A single image can shake the world’s conscience, expose a crime, or spark a conversation that cannot be ignored. I have witnessed how an image can transcend borders and politics, reaching people on a deeply human level.
All my projects have been tied to a cause, whether documenting genocide in Gaza, highlighting the struggles of displaced people, or revealing the stories of medical teams under fire. I don’t believe an image alone can change the world, but it can make people think, confront the truth, and that is the first step toward change.
Q: What advice would you give to photographers about finding their unique voice in a crowded industry? How can they stay true to their vision while appealing to a broader audience?
In a world full of images, standing out doesn’t come from imitating others; it comes from being true to yourself. Don’t chase the shot that pleases everyone; chase the one that represents you, the one that carries your unique perspective and story.
A true photographer doesn’t just capture what they see; they capture what they feel. If you stay honest with your vision, your work will resonate with people naturally, without the need for conformity. Let your images speak, and don’t try to be a copy of someone else—be yourself, and your unique voice will emerge.