However by 2006 he came onboard as a freelancer in order to project an accurate imagery of Saudi Arabia in its diverse facets…Since then he has never looked back.

What changes are you witnessing in terms of the Kingdom’s development as modern centre for visual arts? Photography in Saudi Arabia is now capturing centre stage. Propelled by the growth of technology, young generations are joining in the blossoming of the visual arts. Both the internet and supportive parents are encouraging youngsters to hone their skills. The government launched the Saudi photography society in 2009 and I am one of the founders of this society.   What challenges do you face in growing your practice? Initially I faced stiff competition from professional photographers from worldwide which forced me to fine tune my skills and sharpen my marketing ability (as well as overall professionalism with agents) in order to compete successfully. Today, I have established my name and my path is less complicated.   KSA is diversifying its economy to develop a sophisticated image, what type of photography best serves the requirements of your growing consumer base? Stereotypes of Saudi Arabia do not reflect what Saudi Arabia truly is. Photographers have a responsibility to promote and accurately capture what the Kingdom is

now, not what it was 100 years ago. We must take photos that are an invitation to the rest of the world to come and visit our nation as we have a lot to offer in our rapidly transforming environment.

Can you run through the individual themes of your operations and services, explaining the new trends and approaches in photography?

I always ensure that I convey the real feeling and capture the right moment at the right time. I look for depth behind what is ‘seen’ and I ask questions, putting myself in my subject’s shoes in order to get an authentic feel for the emotions that give power to the visual. For instance, I had a project to shoot a young Saudi student in the US calling his family back home. My job was to feel what his family was going through and catch the moment through their eyes. It’s more than asking a person to smile for the camera, I rather make them laugh spontaneously and then snap a photo.

What further strategies for progress do you have?

I have lots to dream of in terms of my goals. Recently, I started my first attempt to write and direct a short movie.

What developments in the field of e-commerce have you initiated?

Online photo library or others… I started my website in 2005 and it’s a great tool to promote my work and reach a new spectrum of customers. The hits have already surpassed one million and today I have contract business in places as diverse as Canada, China, UK and the UAE.

Do you believe in training for young photographers – as an experienced professional, do you have internships or other initiatives in this area?

Over the past two years, I worked part time with Imam University in Riyadh as a trainer for one of their photojournalism courses. I collaborated with undergraduates on the principles of photography and engaged them with projects that have since been successfully showcased in exhibitions that were supported by the chairman and faculty.

What further steps can be developed in order to strengthen the field of visual media in KSA?

I am looking to coordinate an institute for photography training at all levels so that professional photographic talent can filter into the market for everyone’s benefit.