We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mai Alsewaify. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mai below.
Mai, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Most of the meaningful projects I’ve enjoyed working on have involved recreating movie-inspired scenes. Growing up in the Middle East, I developed a deep love for cinema from an early age, watching classic American films with my dad.
In a way, it became a shared bond between us, something we both loved and could discuss together after each movie. I’ve recently done a Dune, Poor Things and noir films themed shoot.
Mai, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a photographer based in New Jersey, born and raised in the Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with Egyptian roots, visiting my hometown in Cairo. Growing up, I always had a passion for cinema, watching classic American films. With the encouragement of my uncle, a passionate photographer, I was urged to get my first camera when I was 13 years old—and I did.
As I encountered new surroundings, I felt compelled to document them as if I were creating my own movie through stills. I began carrying my camera everywhere, reading books, watching videos, and practicing shoots with friends and family. Capturing memories on camera brought me joy, and the thought of future moments to document fueled my desire to invest my time and nurture my curiosity in photography.
Fast forward to graduating from a university in Mississippi in 2020 with a BFA in graphic design and minor in photography. Never did I think that living in the flatlands of the Delta would bring me closer to my authentic self. I learned a wide range of techniques in landscape and street photography in both the Middle East and Mississippi, which eventually led me to focus on creative portraits, product photography, and re-creating cinematic scenes in the tri-state area.
Now, I work full-time as a product photographer at a small company, shooting e-commerce content for brands like Walmart and Target. On weekends, I dedicate my time to freelance photography, keeping my creative energy flowing. Doing logos, business cards, flyers for clients and friends whenever I have free time and the creative drive for it. Whether it’s paid shoots for weddings, behind-the-scenes work, and events, or unpaid personal projects where I collaborate with other creatives, I enjoy supporting one another to achieve the best possible outcomes and build a stronger community.
One thing I’ve noticed my clients appreciate is my ability to develop a unique style for them, capturing their true essence in a way they haven’t seen before. I’m most proud of projects that embrace artistic freedom and storytelling. What I want to be known for is my cinematic approach to both the mundane and the extraterrestrial.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I’ve noticed that my interest in art constantly evolves, shifting between different types of equipment and styles of photography. Whether it’s moving from digital to film I find myself drawn to projects that reflect my perspective as a foreigner living in America. These projects often explore the lifestyles and cultural norms of the countries I’ve lived in.
Currently, my goal is to create a series of photographs inspired by my love for cinema, which I express through silhouettes. I’ve always been captivated by shots where light comes from the opposite direction, obscuring the person’s details but still allowing their aura to be felt. I’m drawn to photos that place less importance on the external details and projections we usually focus on, and instead, focus on what’s within. This approach creates room for interpretation and questioning, much like the open-ended endings I love in movies. Collaborating with like-minded creatives helps foster deeper connections and reflections—both within ourselves and beyond the limits of our expectations. After all, as social creatures, we thrive when we connect with others, and that’s how we grow.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
It wasn’t so much about the resources as it was about starting earlier, practicing or exploring a skill sooner than I thought I could. Every new talent I develop enhances the ones I already have. For example, shooting more on film has taught me to be more intentional and not overshoot with digital. I’ve also realized that not practicing what I learned consistently or venturing to new places to discover fresh angles had a significant impact on nurturing my creative process.
My editing workflow slowed down when I found myself repeatedly working on projects that felt monotonous, lacking variety and inspiration. Taking time to embrace new challenges has helped me break free from that stagnation and rediscover my passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maiismazephoto.com
- Instagram: maiismaze
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mai-k-alsewaify-05a113167?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
