We were lucky to catch up with Mohammed Ghanayem recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mohammed, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I was professionally trained as a journalist and cinematographer. When I moved to the U.S.A. I had to readjust my craft to fit the market here. I was lucky to find a job with a Palestinian-American man who founded CHI hair products and needed a professional photographer. I had very little professional experience as a photographer so I had to learn on the job. I began to study their previous work and the work of other photographers in my field. I followed high-end photographers on Instagram so I could learn from them and their craft. I have always had a good eye for lighting and this has proven to be an important skill as I developed my still photography craft.

I could have sped up my learning process by practicing more. If I had the confidence and foresight I would have began my freelance career right away so as to gain more diversity in experiences right from the start. The transition from videographer to still photographer was relatively smooth because of my existing skill with lighting – that has only developed further as time progresses.

I am, first and foremost, an artist. I love to draw and paint, which is all about shading and light. This skill of drawing helps me to look at photography as an artistry and not just a skill to generate income. Understanding natural lighting, such as, sunsets, sunrises, a full moon helps me to shape and the natural light in a photo. This skill has truly helped bring my pictures to the next level. If anyone wants to improve their craft understanding how to employ light is one of the key factors.

Mohammed, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Palestinian, I grew up in Dheisha Refugee camp in Bethlehem, Palestine (where Jesus was born!). I first became enthralled with photography when I realized, as a child, that photography was a way to tell our story to the world. I saved my money as a child and bought myself my first camera. I walked around taking pictures of everything and everyone around me. When I got the film developed the man who owned the store that developed the film told me I have an eye for such things.

I eventually shifted to videography and then eventually made my way back to my initial love & interest; still photography. When my wife and I decided to move our family to the U.S. we ended up here in Houston, Texas so I could work with the visionary Dr. Farouk Shami, founder of CHI hair products. I work full-time for CHI and have also built-up my freelance career. I enjoy most doing portrait shots so I can really grasp the personality of the subject. I work both inside and outside the studio and pride myself in using my surroundings and natural light to create a unique image that tells the story of that individual.

I work hard to please my freelance clients and help create the vision they have for their headshot, Senior picture, newborn photoshoot or whatever the subject may be. Pictures are intimate things that can tell a story for many years to come and I view my craft as something that can freeze a moment in time for everyone to see.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I truly believe if you do something you love you will never really be working. Growing your artistry takes time and commitment. It can take a while to get a point where you are able to support yourself and your family with your craft. My advice to myself and others is always stick with it, be true to yourself, and enjoy the ride. Eventually, you will find your niche and you will be able to support your life with your talents and this is truly a happy feeling.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

One day I want to direct my own movie. I have the story in my head, I just need to put enough resources together to tell my story and direct my movie. Until then, I will continue to enjoy using the camera as a tool to tell other people’s story through creative photography shots that illustrate people’s unique journey in life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.ghanayem_photo?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muhamad.fawzi.92
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-f-hossne-ghanayem-72063963

Image Credits
Mohammed Ghanayem