AN INTERVIEW WITH EGYPTIAN PHOTOGRAPHER MOHAMMAD RAHMO The Grandeur of the Islamic Era in Cairo as Seen Through the Camera’s Lens

Can you tell us about your photographic beginnings? How did it all start?

It all started in 1998, in high school, when I found an old CONTAX SLR that belonged to my Grandfather. I was fascinated by the complex dials and buttons. I ruined a lot of film rolls until I finally got the hang of what is ISO, F-Stop, shutter speed, etc., and have been following the technology news ever since.

What inspires you to choose themes?

Landscapes and architecture are my preferred themes, by looking at a building I find hundreds of compositions. Having a wide angel lens opened a whole new dimension of the possibilities.

The Citadel exterior in Cairo by Mohammad Rahmo / Courtesy of Mohammad Rahmo

Can you tell us more about your series of mosques in Egypt? What is it that fascinates you in the religious architecture?

Mosques with their own beauty can be found all around Egypt. What attracts me the most are the ones built during the Mamluk period, like the Sultan Hassan Mosque. The architecture itself reflects the Grandeur of the Islamic era.

Do you work by predefined concept or by inspiration?

I have a preferred style in photography, which is mainly wide angel HDRs, or PANO HDRs.

The Moez Street Mosque by Mohammad Rahmo / Courtesy of Mohammad Rahmo

The Moez Street School by Mohammad Rahmo / Courtesy of Mohammad Rahmo

To have an “eye" for the light and composition or to have a great equipment, which is more important to you? What makes a quality photo?

Everything is important when taking a shot. The composition is important to capture the concept, measuring the light is important to ensure the needed details are also captured, however having the best equipment simplifies this task. So for me having the best equipment is the most important.

Do you edit your photos in programs like Photoshop? What do you think about editing photos in general?

Photo-editing software is important but one must be very careful so the shot appears as natural as possible.

The Moez Street Mosque by Mohammad Rahmo / Courtesy of Mohammad Rahmo

Can you tell us about the photographic scene in Egypt?

Egypt is very rich in photo scenery. One can spend days in Cairo alone without being able to cover all: the ancient Egyptians monuments, the Islamic heritage, the Coptic history, the city life or the river Nile.

Which do you prefer commercial or artistic photography and why?

I prefer artistic photography as they are more about how I see the subject and not how the subject needs to be seen by others.

The Sultan Hassan Mosque in Cairo by Mohammad Rahmo / Courtesy of Mohammad Rahmo

To see more works by Mohammad Rahmo visit the ONLINE GALLERY.