Wojhat Alibda3 (Creative Destination) is an online platform aimed at highlighting creativity of young minds and promoting Saudi youth in different arenas. The initiative, which is supported by BlackBerry, aims to document and shed an inside look at the workings of creative and professional lives in the kingdom.The platform introduces the audience to creative Saudi's in fields of photography, among others. Hythem Al Daham is one of the artists chosen for this campaign. Born and raised in Dammam, Al Daham has a bachelor's degree in graphic design and a master's degree from Newcastle in design management. Currently, Al Daham works as a freelancer and enjoys every moment of his picture perfect life. “We are excited to be a part of the Wojhat Al Ibda3 program which celebrates the creativity of young, talented individuals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These artists have successfully used technology, including BlackBerry smartphones and tablets, to drive innovation in their chosen fields of creativity such as film, animation, photography and music,” said Khaled Kefel, Country Director of Research In Motion (RIM) in Saudi Arabia. Kefel said BlackBerry lends itself to the creative process in many ways, for example by helping Ayzee write new lyrics on the go and by becoming Abdulaziz Al Muzaini's canvas for his animations. The artists have also said that they use their BlackBerry smartphones to keep in touch with their fans on social networks and BBM communities. Saudi Gazette: How did you sell your first photograph? How easy is it for amateurs to make it on their own? Al Daham: Well, I can't really say “sold my photo” because I provide a service and I rarely do exhibits to sell my work. Amateurs, I believe, have to work extra hard to prove their professionalism first and foremost before just proving that they are good in their craft. Saudi Gazette: What camera do you use and what kind of camera would you suggest for an amateur to purchase for photography? Al Daham: I still use my first camera that I bought three years ago, which is a Nikon D90. Honestly, those who are skilled should not worry about the type of camera. However, if they can afford any camera with manual controls then they should go ahead. Even if it's a point and shoot, people are producing magical experiences with phones nowadays so the camera does not matter as much as some people think. Saudi Gazette: Who is your favorite Arab photographer? Al Daham: Faisal Al Malki Saudi Gazette: What inspires you? Al Daham: Everything from music to sports to reading books about great people or great athletes. I really love the curiosity about what my next project is, and the thing that inspires me the most is peoples' reactions to their own photos. Saudi Gazette: What sets you apart from other photographers? Al Daham: My Passion. Saudi Gazette: Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Al Daham: Tough question. I really am pushing hard to have my own studio and doing what I love for a living. Saudi Gazette: Who is your biggest support? Al Daham: My family, wife, and close friends. Saudi Gazette: Does you work reflect life, personal experiences, or is it just imagination? Al Daham: I believe its some of each, a lot of things affect what I do and I must say day dreaming helps too. Saudi Gazette: What moves you most in life, or makes a difference? Al Daham: Positive energy, when I am surrounded by that I just feel like the sky is the limit. Of course prayers and God's blessings. Saudi Gazette: How does it feel to be a young accomplished Saudi? Al Daham: Honestly, I still believe that I have not accomplished even five percent of what I think I am capable of, but I thank God for everything that I have accomplished so far. Saudi Gazette: What have been your accomplishments professionally? Al Daham: I believe the biggest accomplishment would be the campaign I did for INTEL. Saudi Gazette: What is your personal biggest accomplishment? Al Daham: My new podcast photography show because I feel like its something that people would benefit from. Saudi Gazette: Where do you feel art is heading in the GCC particularly? Al Daham: Its heading to amazing places, the art scene is thriving. Saudi Gazette: Tell us about your studio. Al Daham: I have a humble small studio at home, I guess it keeps me grounded. Saudi Gazette: What is the basic theme for all your pictures, does each form represent something emotionally, or does every piece of your work reflect just who you are? Al Daham: I'm very honest, so what you see is what you get, and that's how I try to keep my images. Saudi Gazette: What cameras are your usual tools? What would you recommend aspiring artists to use? Al Daham: Most of my gear is from Nikon, I recommend aspiring artist to use their imagination first and equipment second. Saudi Gazette: Do you think art can be learned or is it inborn? Al Daham: No one is born as an artist, it has to be learned or discovered by people around you. Saudi Gazette: What are your future plans? Al Daham: I wish to be a leading commercial photographer in the region. Saudi Gazette: Do you have a message for the young and thriving Saudi photographers across the country? Al Daham: Keep shooting, keep doing what you love, don't quit and don't listen to anyone who tries to put you or your work down. Saudi Gazette: Who are your favorite artists? Who did you grow up learning from? Al Daham: I really don't have one in particular, but a photographer by the name of “Zack Arias” is one from whom I have learned and in fact copied his techniques too. Saudi Gazette: What is your dream as a photographer? Al Daham: My dream is to do photography for the rest of my life and not depend on anything else to keep me on my feet. I also want my photography to help and inspire generations.
