Cameras have revolutionized the world of media, allowing individuals to capture powerful visuals that tell stories and make a lasting impact. Kuwait-based filmmaker Tamer Hanna and street photographer Rashed Al-Ajmi recently shared their perspectives on the power of visual storytelling in an interview with the Kuwait Times.
Tamer Hanna, who started making short films as a hobby twelve years ago, has witnessed the transformative role of cameras in media. He emphasized how technology has made it possible for anyone with a mobile phone or high-tech camera to capture videos and photos of excellent quality. This accessibility has given individuals the ability to share their stories and experiences with the world.
Hanna highlighted the shift in power dynamics brought about by cameras. In the past, leaders, governments, and big companies held all the power, and the public could only receive information. Now, with the widespread availability of cameras and social media platforms, the public has the power to speak up and voice their opinions. A single video or photo can go viral, raising awareness and effecting change, as demonstrated by the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.
Hanna has personally used his camera to shed light on less-discussed issues. He created a short film called ‘The Shadow’ in 2018, which focused on depression and was nominated at the Jersey Shore film festival. Additionally, he made a motivational video in 2020, encouraging viewers to seek help when feeling down. The video garnered significant attention and raised awareness about an important topic.
For those aspiring to pursue photography or videography, Hanna offers two crucial pieces of advice. First, he emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth. Every new skill acquired should be immediately applied, followed by the search for further knowledge. Secondly, he highlights the value of consistent practice. The more one shoots and familiarizes themselves with the camera, the better they become.
Rashed Al-Ajmi, a street photographer, shared his love for photography that developed in the mid-nineties. As digital cameras gained popularity in the early 2000s, Al-Ajmi became even more attached to the medium. He found taking pictures of real-life moments and people’s daily lives incredibly compelling, satisfying his curiosity as a human being.
According to Al-Ajmi, photography is an essential component of media and advertising. He believes that without pictures, advertisements would feel incomplete and lacking. He further illustrates the impact of photography by referencing significant events such as the Arab Spring, which was ignited by a single picture of Mohamed Bouazizi, and the second Palestinian intifada, triggered by the photograph of Mohammed Al-Durrah.
Al-Ajmi uses photography as a means to send social messages. One of his pictures, highlighting respect for parents, won the Al-Baghli award in Kuwait and was displayed at the Leica Street Photo Expo in Poland after being purchased by UNICEF. He believes that owning a camera presents individuals with a choice – to use it as a source of happiness and inspiration or as a cause for sadness.
The interviews with Tamer Hanna and Rashed Al-Ajmi shed light on the immense power of visual storytelling through cameras. Whether capturing everyday moments or addressing important social issues, the camera has the ability to amplify voices, raise awareness, and effect change. As technology continues to advance, the role of cameras in media and society is only likely to grow stronger.
