Anthony Rahayel, Beirut Night Life lead Photographer

Anthony Rahayel, Beirut Night Life lead Photographer

LPM: Introduce yourself (how long, have you been taking photos, what did you study, any old exhibitions or books etc…)

My name is Anthony Rahayel, dental surgeon by profession, and photographer. I have been taking pictures since the year 1997. Had participated in many competitions in Lebanon and won the 3rd price in the AUB alumni and the 2nd price in the hospital St. Georges in Beirut a couple of years ago.

Have already participated to one book, (23 Visions): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9953015236 and publishing the second one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9953019061 on the 24th of november:  the upcoming book is the first book describing the Lebanon by night.

LPM: Introduce Beirut Night Life (BNL)

BNL is the first online media in Lebanon, started in 2002, covering all events happening around town.
We started the nightlife photography concept in Lebanon, with artistic and colorful pictures reflecting the mood and the action of the night.

LPM: How do you describe your work at BNL?

After the company grew bigger, we started recruiting and have today 5 photographers and videographers traveling the 4 corners of Lebanon to keep the world up to date about the Lebanese nightlife scene. I am handling the production department, of photography, videography and editing.

LPM: Share your experience as being the lead photographer for BNL

Our work is different from normal photography.

The job is demanding, you need to stay awake all night, and sometimes have to deal with bizarre situations and awkward people. Nightlife photography is a passion, the colors of the night, capturing the moment, the dance, the deck and the DJ on a certain music mood. While shooting the night, all the camera settings are to be used, high ISO speed, long exposures and large apertures.

LPM: Do you consider yourself Fashion photographer, photo journalist or a professional photographer?

At BNL, we do it all. Our sections differ from fashion, to social, to nightlife, to sports and many others. During the years i had to develop my skills in all those fields to be up to the standard of our company's quality reputation.

LPM: Next job is a photography book? Tell us more

Today, a few cities can compete with Beirut’s reputation for elegance, sophistication and zeal for life that comes out exclusively at night.

In any season, the city’s nightlife is the constant pulse that keeps its people feeling alive. While other cities withdraw to sleep, Beirut prepares itself to shine out like a beacon in blazing colors, calling in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to partake in the festivities and share the magic from dusk till dawn.

This is the true face of Lebanon; Lebanon by night that has captured international attention - CNN describes it as a “world-class party zone”, while the Guardian, UK calls its nightlife “sophisticated.”

We uncover the night’s secrets in a series of over 700 un-retouched photos. 

In a wealth of images taken over the years, I found myself drawn to the power of the night, discovering its true beauty in every event from festivals, shows and concerts to clubs, parties and more. Every image discovers the soul of the night tells a story and takes us on a journey that allows us to relive the magical moments.  

Jean Ghalo, advertising and marketing specialist and Co-Founder of BeirutNightlife.com, a number one digital media in Lebanon, combines his know-how with me talent to produce B. Lebanon. 

For the first time ever, a book dedicated to Lebanon’s nightlife, this unique publication is a compilation and a testament to the country’s vibrant spirit across 512 pages.  The book is a lasting souvenir for anyone who was part of the great times, and a window into the world’s most exquisite party scene for anyone who has yet to visit the country that never sleeps. 

LPM: What do you says to Lebanese photography magazine

I am so happy that we have now a magazine for photography in Lebanon; a magazine for photographers where we can learn from each other’s and express ourselves.

LPM: What do you give for advice for people whom would like to work in a similar position?

A camera is like a car, you need to know how to drive it to reach your destination. After that, let your imagination and creativity take the wheel for you to take your dream shot.

A couple of interesting websites to visit:

www.photo.rahayel.com

www.hotshotphotography.info

www.b-lebanon.com

wwww.beirutnightlife.com

  

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DAVID ABDALLAH – A PHOTOGRAPHER WITH A PASSION.

LPM: Where did you study?

David: I studied Law at the Lebanese University

LPM: Introduce yourself? How long have you been in photography? Starting point? And what is fun and rewarding about Photography? In other words what makes David Abdallah, the famous David Abdallah.

David: I’ve been in this field for more than 15 years; it is a challenging, wide and fast growing domain. It first started as a hobby, I discovered later that it’s the only thing I want to do in life. The fun part is the creative part where you have to come up with something new each time, what is rewarding is the appreciation of the clients and people around me and my self satisfaction about the accomplishment, this is also challenging as it motivates me to give better results in the future.

LPM: How would you describe your photography style?

David: It is a different style that I have developed through my 15 years of experience, I am able now to master the direction and creativity of lights..and That’s what photography is all about .. Nevertheless I’m more interested in how others describe my style.

LPM: What advice do you have for new Photographers?

David:To improve their talent by being updated about all the new equipments in this field and mostly the lighting techniques, extensive researches about all kind of arts, to accept the criticize and work hard to improve their talent and skills.

LPM: Did you train at another photographer?

David:No

LPM: How do you prepare for a photo shoot?

David:I discuss with the client what he has in mind, we try to define and shimmer the idea until we come up with a fine concept. Sometimes we work with a creative Art director. Once the concept is approved, my team will arrange for the production, casting, finding the convenient location (if it’s an outdoor photo shoot) and all the necessary arrangements within the deadline agreed with the client.

LPM: Do you shoot what you feel is best for your clients or do you allow some to clearly define what they want?

David: The client explains me what is the main idea he has in mind and I help him shimmering this idea into a concept and than into imagery.

LPM:  How do you decide on locations & subjects?

David: Usually I sit and discuss these issues with the client, the Art director if any and my creative team

LPM: How do you work out your composition?

David: I get inspired from the subject/product of the photo session taking into consideration the main message which the client wants to promote through my photos.

LPM: What distinguishes a good model from a bad one?

David: She either can pose in front of the camera or not, she has to be active, self-confident and have a good eye contact.

LPM: What make the Lebanese photographers different from the west?

David: Their style due to their different culture

LPM: Do You Have A Favorite Lens…If So What Is It?

David: Noctilux 50 mm 0.95

LPM: What is your Lighting Equipment and Techniques?

David: Broncolor

LPM: In general, during a session, how many pictures would you say you take to find “the right one”?

David: It depends, sometimes the perfect one is within the first shots. Here the model, the art director if any also the set and lighting team have to be very well prepared. This will help getting the perfect shot at an early stage

LPM: Who are your famous clients?

David: BRANDS: to name a few : DIOR-GUERLAIN- ESTEE LAUDER- THIERRY MUGLER- HELENA RUBENSTEIN- FURLA- VIVIENNE WESTWOOD-CARTIER- LOUIS VUITTON- YSL-

Celebrities: Najwa Karam, Haifa Wehbe, Nancy Ajram, Sherine Abdel Wahab, Rashed al majid, Mjida El Roumi,  to name a few

LPM: What is your latest work (last 4)?

David: Fady Kataya (Beauty Shoot, Advertorial)-VIVIENNE WESTWOOD (Ad campaign, the overall ad campaign was assigned to my company) Dior (Fashion and Beauty shoot, Editorial), Helena Rubenstein and Cartier (Beauty and Jewelry shoot, Editorial)

LPM: What do you say for people who love your work?

David: Thank you for your support. The best is yet to come

LPM: What do you say to Lebanese Photography Magazine?

David: It was pleasures having this interview.I wish you all the success

Studio David Abdallah
Tel / Fax : +961 4 416 445
Mobile    : +961 3 167 000
www.davidabdallah.com