Photography

Photography began as a pastime. I gradually moved into news photography and photojournalism, while my interest in portrait and commercial photography became professional work. Today, most of my time is devoted to psychology. Photography remains a space for self-expression: a way to share what I see and feel in encounters with the world and its people.

Portraiture is still one of my strongest attachments. I believe every person has forms of beauty that may be unfamiliar even to themselves: in an expression, a glance, a way of sitting, or a moment of simply being at ease. I enjoy noticing and recording these moments, creating images that make a less familiar aspect of a person visible.

For this reason, my photography usually begins with conversation, before the camera. I like to make time for getting acquainted: listening to a person’s thoughts, interests and beliefs, and, to the extent they wish to share, understanding their relationship with their face, body and self-image. Choosing a setting is part of this process. Everyone has places where they feel more at ease, with a sense of safety, belonging or home. I enjoy discovering those spaces and photographing people where their presence feels natural and unforced.

My approach to portraiture is inseparable from my interest in understanding people. When you join me for a photography session, you are working with a psychologist who also takes photographs. Conversation, the encounter with the camera and seeing the resulting pictures are parts of one experience: an opportunity to pause over a person’s self-image and notice aspects that have received less attention.

I continue to make time for portrait photography on a limited basis, with an opportunity to get acquainted before deciding to work together. A shared interest and a mutual connection matter to me: a person should connect with my perspective and way of working, and I should feel able to create images that are meaningful to both of us.

This possibility remains open. A conversation about portrait photography can begin on Telegram — @mahdi_kn.