Reports | 25 05 2020
Conventional photography methods in the studio are no longer attractive to a great many young people in Latakia. Nature, the seaside, and public places seem to hold more interest, with more "cinematic" or expressive shots, as some of them described these shots, becoming the norm.
These young people spend upwards of two thousand Syrian pounds per photoshoot, out of which they choose two or three pictures only. Rami, for example, tells Rozana that he occasionally books a photoshoot appointment with his favorite photographer whose style he likes, explaining that "these new photographers can help hide any personal defects, and highlight beautiful aspects that may not actually exist."
Whither the Traditional Studios?
It is too early to pronounce traditional studios dead just yet. They were, and still are the place to take pictures for travel documents or identity papers, etc. They simply no longer are the only places to go to for wedding or event photography.
Many people nowadays go to "Freelance" photographers, to capture the most beautiful moments in their lives—be it a wedding, an engagement, or a social occasion. You will often find newlyweds out and about posing for pictures in their wedding outfits; in the Latakia National Museum, at the seashore, or in nature; which has become commonplace in the city.
For Ali, one of these Latakia photographers, this is more than just a mere hobby or a way to earn a living. It is a hobby that runs in his blood, as he puts it. He adds: "Of course I aspire to international fame and recognition! Being professional is knowing how to showcase the beauty of every human being. No one is ugly in front of the camera; your ingenuity is in bringing this beauty out."
Even Relief Organizations!
Every Relief Organization now has its own cameraman. The pro-regime Darb [Path] volunteer organization serving regime army families and soldiers has two photographers, documenting all its activities; while the Shiddou el-Himmeh [Spare No Effort] volunteer outfit also has its own photographer. Both teams provide their photographers with all the necessary photographic tools.
Despite the popularity of this profession in the current circumstances, photographers face many obstacles. Ahmed, one of the photographers, explains to Rozana how difficult it was for him to travel and complete his filming, which was set in nature. The numerous checkpoints were a hurdle, he received several threats, his camera was confiscated, and he was arrested.
The young man adds: "I no longer venture out to film in public places. Unlike others, neither do I have a Wasta [Powerful Supporter], nor am I one of the Shabeeha [pro-regime thugs] or a pro-regime loyalist. It is extremely difficult for me to travel with my camera wherever I wish to."
"If You're a Latakian, You Have Two Professions: Your Own Profession, and Photography!"
This is a popular "inside joke" making the rounds among young people in Latakia. Most photographers who created their own photography pages on social media work without any sound training or talent, according to some opinions. Some of them use a mobile phone camera, with very little, if any, professional standards.
Many people, on the other hand, started working with a normal mobile phone camera, then were able to develop their work to more professional-grade cameras, even attaining international acclaim—such as the young Victor Ibrahim, who received a scholarship to study photography in Germany.