We recently connected with Fahmy Abdisheikh and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Fahmy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Back in 2018, I found myself diving into the world of photography, which was a pretty big shift for me. Until then, I was trudging through my accounting major at Kansas State University and, to be honest, I was hating every minute of it. I knew I didn’t want to spend my life doing accounting, but I was also pretty clueless about what I did want to do. Being an international student added another layer of complexity—I couldn’t just take a break to figure things out without having to leave the U.S., so I stuck with it.

That summer, though, everything changed. I started snapping photos on my phone, just as a way to get out of the house. But then, something clicked. I began to see the world differently, paying attention to the light, the textures around me, and suddenly, I was hooked. I threw myself into learning all about photography. Bought myself photography books that taught the technical and the creative. Reading up on it was one thing, but the real learning happened when I started actually applying what I read. I got myself a Nikon D3400, my first real camera. The first time I saw and understood to see a shallow depth of field, I was blown away. I spent the whole summer taking pictures, and by the end of it, I knew this was my thing.

So, I made a big change. I switched my major to a BFA with a concentration in photography. It was a wild turn for me, especially considering I hadn’t really been involved in any kind of art for the past eight years. Back in school, I was at a place without any art, music, or drama classes, so diving into the art world headfirst was totally unexpected. But looking back, kicking off my journey into photography has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It led me to Graduate school at Loyola Marymount University to pursue an MFA in Film Production specializing in Cinematography.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Now in the final semester of my Master of Fine Arts in Film Production, with a specialization in Cinematography at Loyola Marymount University, my journey has evolved significantly since those early days of discovery with photography. Transitioning from photography to cinematography was a natural progression for me, allowing me to deepen my exploration of visual storytelling. Throughout my graduate studies, I’ve had the privilege of shooting eight student films and directing two of my own, experiences that have been both challenging and immensely rewarding.

Born in Kenya and raised in South Africa, I spent my formative years moving between Qatar and Bahrain. This international upbringing has not only shaped my perspective on the world but also deeply influences my work, infusing it with a unique blend of cultural insights and narratives. Coming to the U.S. for both undergraduate and graduate studies has been a continuation of this journey, offering new landscapes—both literal and metaphorical—to explore.

In my cinematography, I strive to bring this rich background of experiences to life, blending technical skill with a nuanced understanding of light, shadow, and color to tell stories that resonate on a universal level. My work is characterized by a keen eye for composition and a relentless pursuit for human stories—a pursuit that has driven my growth from a self-taught photographer to a cinematographer with an academic and practical foundation.

As I stand on the cusp of completing my MFA, I am excited for what the future holds. I am committed to creating compelling, visually stunning narratives that leave a lasting impact.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

In essence, the journey of an artist or creative is as much about personal growth as it is about the creation of art. The reward lies not only in the completion of a piece but in the transformative experience of evolving with each project we undertake. This continuous cycle of challenge, discovery, and achievement is what sustains and propels us forward, making the creative process infinitely rewarding.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The core mission fueling my creative journey is deeply personal and rooted in a desire to authentically represent and serve my community. Driven by a commitment to skill-building and fostering meaningful connections, my ultimate goal is to narrate the stories of my people from an insider’s perspective. With plans to return to Kenya in the next 5 to 10 years, my ambition is to craft documentaries that are not only about Kenyans but are also created with and for the benefit of Kenyans.

This motivation stems from an observation that our stories are often being told by outsiders. While these narratives can offer valuable perspectives, they frequently miss the nuances of our culture, the depth of our struggles, and the resilience of our spirit. More concerningly, these stories, when told by those detached from the direct experience, can become commodified, with little to no benefit reverting to the communities that inspired them. This one-sided exchange, where the subjects of these narratives see little of the rewards, is a cycle I am determined to break.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fahmyphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fahmy_sheikh
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahmyabdisheikh
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fahmyabdisheikh