From Beirut: A candid view of the street by Imad Haddad
Imad Haddad is an passionate street photographer based in Beirut, Lebanon. As an active member of the Beirut Street Photography, shooting using different digital cameras, for different uses, the artist create a realistic representation of real life on the streets. Although he finds inspiration trough well known masters of street photography such as Bresson or Maier, his visual representations of the street capture the viewer attention with a strong emphasis on the emotions of everyday pedestrian and their energetic actions. Definitely you must read more for a in depth review of his approach and some of his best images.
Tell us about something about Imad Haddad Photography?
Shooting has been part of me since childhood but I didn't have the chance to develop my skills as it was an expensive hobby. I’m Lebanese and live in Beirut, Lebanon, my Photography journey effectively started 2 and a half years ago while taking a trip to Thailand. I bought my D-SLR there, and since then my camera became my dear companion. My Leica D-Lux 5 is the main camera I use, it travels with me everywhere. As for Close Candid Portraits, I use my Sony Alpha A350 with a 50mm lens.
What's your creative process like?
There is always something new, something strange, or something different on the streets. Street Photography Creativity offers itself to you without effort; you only have to SEE It.
“Once photographed, it will last forever.” Imad Haddad
Where do you find inspiration and why you like photography?
As my battlefield is the street, I always see it is from my own perspective. I see people my way. While on the street, I am all eyes, and all ears; every single scene inspires me in a way or another. Furthermore sharing my passion with others makes the experience even better; I am part of a Photo-Community "Beirut Street Photographers (BSP)" and we share many ideas, thoughts, tips and photos. I also got inspired by a brilliant street photographer and a dear friend- Thomas Leuthard who taught me most of the Streets Techniques.
What are some tips you could give to people that really like your work?
Street Photography is not about going on the street and pressing the shutter button of the camera; it is about feeling the street, it’s about the interaction of people on it. I think that “In Street Photography, looking is insufficient; Seeing is the Key”.
We saw that there is a Street Photography Community in Lebanon, can you tell something about it?
Street Photography in Lebanon is growing day after day, and everyday more people are getting involved in streets. As mentioned earlier, I am part of the BSP; we organize monthly Photo-trips in different areas of Lebanon, in addition we organize mini outings within Beirut. Our first trip gathered around 13 Street Photographers and currently some 33 street photographers take part in our monthly trips. We will be organizing two Street Photography Workshops this year in September and in December. Our Facebook page has reached more than 1800 fans so far and the number is increasing constantly.
The Beirut Street Photographers (BSP) can be accessed via official website, facebook or twitter.
Can you name some of the photographers that inspires you and why?
I do like the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson, the Master of Street Photography, Vivian Maier, some of Ara Güler’s work as well. For me I do not like to copy the work or to imitate, but to learn the “how” and from this point forward develop my proper style.
"Photography involves putting one’s head, eye, and heart on the same axis, shooting as many pictures as possible until a single image emerges in which all the elements fall into place to symbolize a person, place or event.” ~Henri Cartier-Bresson
Of course and as I said before Thomas Leuthard did teach me a lot and I am so grateful and honored by his generosity.
What can you tell us about your latest project (book, website, video, etc)?
I am in the process of developing my own webpage, which will be available by mid August, and two Photo books, one about my trip to Nepal and the other about my trip to Istanbul.
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Dear Imad, thanks for your interesting answers and fascinating pictures that represent your approach to street, especially into Beirutese community . It's very captivating and interesting to see the the differences between the people and to identify the story behind each picture. Good luck from now on with your hobby. Let us know when you will launch your website and books. We look forward to find out great stories about the photography passion.