As five million photos are uploaded every hour, Instagram has not only changed the way we do things, it has changed the way we see them too. The advantage of this digital age and social media taking over benefits everyone from your local retailer to street artists. But it is still heaven for the ones who treasure their craft and use Instagram as a platform to exhibit their photographs. Moath Faraj Alofi from Saudi Arabia is a street and documentary photographer. This Madinah-based photographer captures an idyllic side of the sacred city.
“I have a BA in environmental management and sustainable development from Australia. In 2013, when I got back to the Kingdom, I noticed the vast changes that the city is going through and decided to start a documentary journey in order to keep something of Madinah for the future generations,” he told Saudi Gazette.
“Since I was a child I remember that I always had a camera with me especially when traveling with family. I actually started to believe in the power of photography and how it could speak the truth when words could not. It is actually the best way to tell stories in my opinion.
When it comes to studying, I took an intensive course in Australia and devoted myself to develop my skills and abilities.” Alofi runs his family business currently and also participates in tours in Madinah. “I aspire to do more for my city and my Kingdom, to show the real beauty to the world,” he said. Initially his plan was just to showcase the city through photography, but Alofi was addicted. “Nature in general has always fascinated me and by the time I got back to the Kingdom I felt like I wanted to see, feel and explore more areas of Saudi Arabia. It was something so strong that pushed me to start and move further, so I decided to start from my hometown Madinah.” Currently, Alofi is working on finishing other artistic projects but is focused on spreading knowledge and sharing his experience with the world. “I want to spread awareness about the importance of art in our lives and help the young artists in my city to develop their skills further so they can add more artistic value to the beautiful city of Madinah. As for the photography market ‘quantity does not always mean quality' still, it is definitely an emerging market with great financial potential for those who are looking for it.”
During his workshop in Jeddah on March 2nd, Alofi will be speaking more about discovering the hidden wonders of Madinah. To register, email [email protected]
