Capturing the Visual Language of Travel With Ahmed Othman
Capturing the Visual Language of Travel With Ahmed Othman
Delsey Paris x VISUALPLEASURE
NEW HORIZONS - WORLD TOUR 2024
Egyptian Artist of the week - Ahmed Othman
Name:
Delsey Paris x VISUALPLEASURE
NEW HORIZONS - WORLD TOUR 2024
Egyptian Artist of the week - Ahmed Othman
Photography:
Ahmed Othman
Words:
Erica Nichols
No matter where your travels take you, if you stop to look and listen to your surroundings, Ahmed Othman believes that the place will reveal everything there is to show you. The photographer and art director relies on that exchange to inform his work, recreating the visual language of a place through the filter of his own creative lens. With a background in advertising, Othman’s portfolio infuses a vibrant, playfulness into commercial work across a wide-range of industries. Read our interview below to discover more about his career and what he created for our DELSEY Paris collaboration.
Talk to us about how you got started and how you developed your style of photography.
Ahmed Othman: My artistic journey began with a strong foundation – my father, a photographer, and my mother, a theatrical arts teacher. Their influence instilled in me a lifelong passion for the visual arts. In college, I gravitated towards graphic design, which ultimately led me to a successful career in advertising at multinational agencies. While navigating the world of advertising, street photography became my creative outlet, a way to express myself visually outside the boardroom. This dual passion for art direction and photography culminated in 2014 with the launch of AO Studio, a space where I could merge these skills and create compelling imagery.
What, to you, are the most important elements of capturing a great photo?
For me, a great photo comes from a blend of technical know-how and pure creative joy. I love experimenting and letting my intuition guide me as I shoot. Of course, mastering the technical aspects of photography is essential, but it’s the passion and emotional connection I bring to the process that ultimately elevates a good picture to a great one.
Be it through color, light, or form, how do you develop your vision?
I do love digging into research beforehand. It gets the creative juices flowing and exposes me to new ideas. Plus, I’m always learning and expanding my artistic toolkit. But when it comes to actually shooting, intuition takes the wheel. I follow my gut feeling about what looks and feels right, while always keeping a touch of logic in the mix to make sure everything works together harmoniously.
“Of course, mastering the technical aspects of photography is essential, but it’s the passion and emotional connection I bring to the process that ultimately elevates a good picture to a great one.”
How do you infuse your creative integrity with commercial projects?
My advertising background definitely comes in handy for commercial projects! Those first four years in agencies gave me a deep understanding of the client’s perspective and how marketers think. It’s like speaking a second language! Budget limitations are also part of the equation, so I see each project as a creative puzzle. I have to find the sweet spot between my artistic vision (driven by aesthetics), the client’s marketing goals (focused on results), and the production team’s budgetary needs. It’s all about collaboration. Ultimately, I strive to create something visually stunning that resonates with the audience and achieves the client’s objectives. And the best part is finding joy and creative fulfillment even within the framework of a commercial project.
Does place or location influence your perspective? And how does that translate into your work?
Absolutely! Every place has its own unique energy and visual language. When I arrive somewhere new, I take some time to soak it all in – to relax and truly feel the vibe. It’s like the place whispers its secrets to me. Once I’m connected, I can start to identify the visual elements that resonate most with me. This becomes the foundation for my work, where I combine the inherent beauty of the location with my own artistic vision. The result is a unique perspective that captures the essence of the place, filtered through my creative lens.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
Creative block for me is a sign I need to recharge. Pushing through exhaustion rarely yields good results. Instead, I take a break and let go of the pressure to create. The best ideas often pop up when we’re relaxed and not in “force” mode. Our fast-paced world can fuel FOMO but that can stifle creativity. So, I seek out places that promote a slower pace and connection with nature. These help me clear my head and make space for fresh ideas.
Locally, Dahab, a charming town on the Sinai Peninsula’s southeast coast, is my go-to retreat. It’s a Red Sea paradise with a laid-back vibe. What truly inspires me there is the simple, chilled-out lifestyle. Plus, the incredible coral reefs right off the beaches offer a chance to enter another world. Diving or snorkeling is like hitting the reset button on my creativity. Underwater, worries melt away, and I’m fully present in the moment. Emerging refreshed and invigorated.
“Creative block for me is a sign I need to recharge. Pushing through exhaustion rarely yields good results. Instead, I take a break and let go of the pressure to create. The best ideas often pop up when we’re relaxed and not in “force” mode.”
How does travel influence your work and world view as an artist?
Travel is my muse! It’s the ultimate escape from the routine, a chance to explore fresh perspectives and break free from my comfort zone. As an artist, repetition can be the enemy of inspiration. So, I crave new experiences that keep my creative fire burning. Travel’s impact goes beyond just influencing my work; it shapes my entire being. Immersing myself in different cultures fosters a deep appreciation for their unique beauty and traditions. This openness to diversity fuels my own artistic courage, reminding me to embrace what makes me unique. Every journey becomes a lesson in acceptance and a springboard for creative exploration.
What projects excite you the most?
I definitely find myself most engaged when I’m exploring new things and different approaches in photography. Early on, I was fascinated by retouching and compositing, pushing the technical boundaries. Then, lighting became my playground, sculpting mood and atmosphere. As I delved deeper, art direction and styling ignited my passion for crafting a cohesive visual narrative. Now, I find myself most excited by good ideas. While technical skills remain crucial, they’re tools to bring those ideas to life. It’s the marriage of concept and execution that gets me truly energized these days.
Talk to us about what you’re creating for DELSEY.
As a huge DELSEY fan and travel enthusiast, I was thrilled to collaborate on this project! My creative vision is a series of images capturing the essence of a truly relaxing vacation, a perfect moment where your Delsey luggage seamlessly blends into the experience. Recently, I’ve been drawn to destinations that celebrate eco-conscious travel and architecture that harmonizes with nature. For this project, the scene I envisioned unfolded at a stunning eco-friendly Airbnb nestled in the heart of Egypt’s White Desert. (We recreated this environment in a studio setting). The idea was to capture the excitement of arrival, showcasing a young woman exploring her unique accommodation and soaking in the awe-inspiring panoramic views. This scene reflects my own travel aspirations – a place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
