Photographer Spotlight: Amr El Saadany

Bio: Amr El Saadany is an advertising, commercial, and conceptual photographer and digital artist based in Cairo, Egypt. Follow him on Instagram @amrsaadanyphotography and online at amrsaadany.com.

How would you describe your style of photography?

Challenging. I am always on the hunt for new challenges, as much as I believe in specialized photography, I hate routine!

What was your first camera, and how’d you get started in photography?

My first camera was Canon 50D with a 50mm lens.  I was always into compositing and photo manipulation but I hated the fact that I had to use other people’s images to create my own vision, it felt wrong! Taking my own images with my own lighting and having everything planned out gives me total control over my outcome. Further down the road, while working with other photographers, I’ve learned different types of photography which are now more than 50% of my work.

What’s your most memorable shot or shoot, be it challenging to capture or interesting subject?

A composite I call Paper Boat Fisherman. It was an interesting project. Shooting miniature objects and bringing them up to scale, mix it with human element and match lighting with backgrounds could get pretty challenging at times.

What image are you most proud of from your photography portfolio?

Quite a few actually, but shooting the world strongest man, Eddie Hall, and seeing my work was used on the cover of his biography – that’s something I’m very proud of.

My favorite piece of gear is…

My Phase One camera, I am obsessed with details. and this camera gives me more than I want.

Do you shoot tethered?

I have to! It is a totally different experience, being able to set the mood and feel of my images while shooting … imagine the possibilities. Also instantly sharing with clients, I couldn’t ask for more.

My favorite piece of Tether Tools gear is…

The Tether Table Aero System. I can comfortably and securely shoot tethered. No need to mention the number of laptops and cameras broken because of randomly placing the gear.

What’s on your photography gear shopping list?

Definitely a few Profoto heads, perhaps a 100MP Phase One Digital back, more Tether Tools accessories.

The best advice I can offer a fellow photographer would be…

Stay true to your art, Work to impress your self first and not others and stay out of your comfort zone. Keep shooting no matter what!