Mariam Nihal Saudi Gazette “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” especially when you are holding a camera. Young and incredibly talented, Bayan Al-Sadiq, is a Saudi photographer who lives her life behind the lens. “I am originally from Safwa and I am still living here.” Bayan was honored by the Saudi ministry of Culture and Information by Dr.Abdulaziz Khoja. She said: “It was one of the most amazing moments to be honored by the Minister at this early stage of my photography journey. It is hard to describe the feelings I had. This thing has encouraged me a lot!” She bought her first camera during the final year of university in 2010. Like many others, her interest in photography started at a young age but it took encouragement from people around her to realize it meant more. “I started taking photos of every place at Leeds knowing that I am going to leave it soon. I wanted to take photos of all the places that my friends and I used to go to and taking photos of the other cities around the UK. Then I came back to Saudi Arabia. “My cousins and relatives asked me to take photos of their children and after seeing the results everyone encouraged me to turn it into a business,” she said. Still young and on the rise, Al-Sadiq's photos have been published in various magazines and newspapers in Saudi Arabia and abroad, giving her international exposure. Al-Sadiq plans to establish her own studio that is specialized in children and commercial photography. “I have participated in different galleries and contests inside and outside of Saudi.” When asked how being a member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP) helped her, she said: “I am a self taught photographer so I try my best to educate myself.” She said learning from the experience of others, helped her improve her photography skills. “I wanted to focus on children photography and NAPCP is concerned with that.” For young photographers, Al-Sadiq recommends cameras that match their level of experience. “To master it and not look for the most expensive one. The magic is not with the camera but with the person behind it.” She said her favorite photographers are Tasneem AlSultan, Nigel Barker and Jo Mcnally. Successful and optimistic people inspire Al-Sadiq. Al-Sadiq was also a member of the editorial board of the Omani Magazine “Perfect Designer.” She said: “It started by publishing my photos on the magazine and winning the photo of the week among other photographers. The magazine is made to talk about the talents around the region so I was more than happy to be part of this wonderful magazine and people.” She said she wants to develop as a professional and learn more about commercial and children photography. “Once I master that then maybe I can reach the level of being one of the best in the region in both categories.” Al-Sadiq has exhibited her work in various countries such as “Moltaqa AlEbda'a” in UAE, 8th and 9th European Arab Festival of Photography in Germany, “Hamasat Gallery” and “Water Contest” in Saudi Arabia. She said: “There is nothing like working and having a business with the thing that you love and enjoy doing.”
