Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Haila Alkhamis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Haila, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Photography to me is a medium of expression. My mission is to create photographs that focus on the inner beauty in everyone and especially in women, powerful images that show vulnerability and free people from the obsession of perfection.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a portrait photographer from Saudi Arabia with a photography business based in Los Angeles. Since a young age I’ve had a strong interest in human rights, particularly women’s rights, which was my reason to get my degree in law. During the time I was in law school here in Los Angeles, I found photography, which I have always had a love affair with, to be a better method of expression for me if I want to makes a difference. My goal and focus is to create images that show more than just the beauty in the appearance.. My goal is to show the beauty of human emotions and authenticity in a photograph that stirs the heart.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

During my learning journey I struggled to connect with a number of educators who focused mainly in technicalities and equipments rather than focusing on knowing your style and showing your story, your journey and your background in your work. until I got a golden advice from a good friend and a great photographer Michael Cannon who suggested I study the work of my favorite photographers and know what attracts me to their style of work. Since then I have only seen improvements in my photography which absolutely reflected in a big way on my business.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

More than 10 years ago I started as a street photographer back in Saudi Arabia. It was a hobby that brought me so much joy. As I developed a stronger connection with photography I wanted to fill my world with it. I decided then to take it from street photography to a business in portrait photography. This decision was based on the interest I have in people and what makes us who we are.

Contact Info:

• Website: hailaalkhamis.com
• Instagram: h.alkhamis

Image Credits
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