by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 3^rd of February 2025

Ahmed Sulaiman Alshehhi likes to think of himself as a hobbyist, even though photography is deeply integrated into his life. By maintaining this attitude, he ensures that the drive to learn and the room for improvement are always present. He quotes : 'For me, photography is about more than just capturing moments - it is about nurturing a creative mindset and training my mind's eye to visualise the subject before I even press the shutter. This approach keeps my relationship with photography dynamic, full of curiosity and endless possibilities for growth.'
Discover how Ahmed explores nature and shares his journey through this interview.
Enjoy! 

'Foggy flowers'

Dear Ahmed, first of all I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire! First of all, please introduce yourself and tell us more about yourself, your hobbies or other projects you are involved in!
I'm Ahmed Sulaiman Alshehhi, a landscape photographer from the United Arab Emirates. Photography is my main passion, but I also love exploring nature, especially deserts and mountains. I'm also involved in teaching photography techniques and sharing my journey with a growing community of like-minded people. I've also started working on educational projects, including a course that combines technical skills with the artistic side of photography.

When and how did your photographic journey begin?

My journey started in 2019, when I bought a camera - not because I loved photography at the time, but because I wanted to challenge myself. The camera was expensive and I felt I had to make the most of it. I made it my personal mission to learn every single function it offered. I was 39 at the time, and that challenge became the spark that ignited my passion for photography. When I started experimenting with tools like Lightroom Mobile and Snapseed, I quickly fell in love with the process. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, I took the opportunity to dive deeper into photography and learn Photoshop, which took my skills to a whole new level.

For many of us, photography is either a hobby or a way of life. How would you define your relationship with photography?
I like to think of myself as a hobbyist, even though photography is deeply integrated into my life. By maintaining this attitude, I ensure that the drive to learn and the room for improvement are always present. For me, photography is about more than just capturing moments - it is about nurturing a creative mindset and training my mind's eye to visualise the subject before I even press the shutter. This approach keeps my relationship with photography dynamic, full of curiosity and endless possibilities for growth.

What would you say is the most important experience that has influenced your steps in photography?
One of the most defining moments of my journey was when I nearly drowned at sea, an experience that left me with a profound appreciation for the beauty and fragility of life. On top of that, I lost my very first camera equipment - worth about $15,000 - in the process. It was devastating and felt like a signal to quit, especially with my family suggesting 'this isn't for you'.
The decision to return to photography after this loss was deeply emotional and incredibly challenging. Despite the doubts and external pressures, I realised that photography wasn't just something I did - it had become part of who I am. This moment of resilience has shaped my approach to photography. It's no longer just about capturing a scene; it's about telling stories of perseverance, emotion and the beauty that often comes from challenge.

Why are you so drawn to landscape photography?
I explored different genres of photography before settling on landscape. Each genre had its own set of requirements - studio photography often required models and controlled setups, while urban photography in a place like Dubai required permits and planning around urban constraints.
Landscape photography, on the other hand, offered something completely different. It's about solitude, connection with nature and the freedom to immerse yourself in the environment. There's no need for elaborate setups or permissions - just you, the landscape and your vision. For me, it's the purest form of photography, where the challenge is to capture the beauty and emotion of nature and share it with others.

What is more important to you, the mood/story behind your images or the technical perfection?
To create an image in any genre, there are countless emotions to evoke - tension, suspense or even confusion. But for me, what I am looking for is very different.
Landscape photography is inherently complex; it's not easy to isolate subjects, and it requires careful selection of elements that work harmoniously within the composition. If you were to ask me what I am looking for in my photographs to captivate the viewer, my answer would be simple: to relieve tension. I strive to make my images relaxing, inviting the viewer to step into the scene and feel as if they are there, experiencing the serenity and beauty of the place with their own eyes. It's about creating a connection that soothes and inspires.

In general, what is your relationship to your subject matter, beyond that of an observer?
Do you prepare carefully the places you want to photograph?
The landscape photographs I take are often about conveying a sense of space and presenting the whole landscape as a subject. I approach the photo frame as a triangle of relationships between the individual elements, carefully considering how they interact with each other. This method is particularly effective when shooting wide-angle scenes, where the balance and harmony of the elements define the image.
On the other hand, when I focus on the main subject in a composition, the emotional intent varies depending on how that subject interacts with its surroundings. For example, a solitary tree might evoke feelings of isolation, a misty mountain might convey mystery, and sunbeams shining through clouds might express the joy of life. In deliberate compositions, these emotions are enhanced by using closer focal lengths to emphasize the subject and its relationship with its surroundings.

Describe your overall photographic vision.
My vision is to create images that transport people into the heart of a scene. I want my photographs to inspire, evoke emotion and remind the viewer of the beauty and power of nature. It's about creating a connection between the viewer and the landscape.

In your opinion, what are the main characteristics of a successful landscape photographer?
I think one of the most important qualities is the attitude of striving to get better with each attempt. This has been the key to my own rapid development. I see every tool I use - whether it's the camera, lens, Photoshop or any other technical feature - as a vehicle to bring my artistic vision to life.
Patience and an eye for detail are equally important, but a commitment to continuous improvement and treating the craft as a journey of growth is what truly sets a successful landscape photographer apart.

Could you please tell us more about your workflow from idea to final product?
My workflow starts with a clear vision of the final image. On location, I focus on capturing the best possible light and composition, ensuring that the basic elements of the scene align with my artistic intent.
In our era of photography, what truly sets someone apart is the maturity of their craft and the ability to imagine the effect of a tool before using it. This foresight acts as a leverage multiplier, allowing the photographer to bring their vision to life with precision and creativity. Such technical skills are built on a solid understanding of fundamental principles such as the zone system and colour theory. With this knowledge, I approach my craft like playing music - every adjustment is deliberate, in tune with the 'musical scale' of the image, and free of distracting outliers.

Where do you find inspiration and what inspires you most?
Nature is my biggest source of inspiration. I particularly enjoy watching how the sun interacts with the terrain - whether it's illuminating mountain peaks, casting long shadows across sand dunes or creating dramatic contrasts in the landscape. These moments of interaction between light and environment are endlessly fascinating to me.
I am also inspired by the work of great photographers such as Ansel Adams and Marc Adamus and the philosophy of creating balance and harmony within an image. On a more personal level, my friend Hamed Musharbak has also been a source of motivation, always encouraging me to challenge myself and grow as an artist.

Many people think that the equipment is not very important when the passion for photography is strong. But could you please tell us what equipment you use (camera, lenses, lighting, tripod, etc.)?
I use a range of lenses, from 10mm wide angle to 600mm telephoto, and I challenge myself to shoot with whatever lens I have. For me, lenses are simply tools, and if a particular lens doesn't serve my vision, I'll adapt my approach - for example, using techniques such as panorama stitching to achieve the desired result.
I shoot with Nikon mirror-less cameras and my setup includes a solid Viper tripod, which provides excellent stability. However, I don't always use the tools as intended. If the tripod slows me down or limits my ability to get the angle I want, I'll tweak my camera settings to shoot handheld. For me, the tools are there to support my vision, and I always prioritize creativity over strict adherence to traditional methods.

What is your favourite photo? Please tell us the story behind it.

'The death reveals life'

As I mentioned before, I always try to evolve with each photo I take, and aim to surpass my previous work. However, one photo that holds a special place in my journey is entitled *'The Death Reveals Life'*. It's of a famous tree in Oman, a tree that has been photographed by many professional photographers who inspired me early on. I was determined to present it in a way that no one had done before.
The journey to get this shot was unforgettable. I spent over three hours in the scorching midday sun searching for this ancient tree in the mountains, completely alone. When I finally found it, I carefully planned how to photograph it. The field of view was too wide for a single lens, so I opted for a vertical panorama combined with focus stacking to capture every intricate detail of the tree.
The next morning I returned with my colleagues and waited patiently for the sun to rise so that the soft morning light would illuminate the scene perfectly. Once the photo was taken, I spent the next two days working on the image, meticulously implementing everything I had visualised beforehand. My aim was to show this tree, estimated to be over 5,000 years old, in a way that highlighted its beauty, history and significance as never before. This tree, though long dead, is a powerful symbol of the resilience of life and the timeless stories that nature tells.

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose work has influenced you and your photography?
Ansel Adams has been a huge influence - his mastery of light and shadow is timeless and continues to inspire me. I also greatly admire Marc Adamus for his ability to create dramatic and immersive landscapes that transport the viewer to another world. His style has profoundly influenced the way I approach storytelling in my photography.
On a more personal level, my friend Hamed Musharbak has been an important mentor and source of inspiration. His passion, guidance and insight have pushed me to challenge myself and explore new techniques in my craft. Each of these individuals has played a unique role in shaping the way I see and create art.

Now that we have almost reached the end of this interview, I would like to ask you to tell us about any plans or photographic projects you would like to be 
I am currently using Instagram as a platform to teach photography tips and techniques. I started this initiative four months ago and it's mainly focused on reaching an Arab audience. The content is designed to be engaging and educational, providing valuable insights for photographers at all levels.
The next step is to develop a comprehensive photography course that goes beyond the basics. This course will combine technical skills, such as post-processing and composition, with the artistic philosophy of creating meaningful and emotionally impactful images. My aim is to help aspiring photographers not only improve their technical skills, but also discover their unique artistic voice.
I also plan to expand my teaching efforts by creating in-depth PDFs, hosting live workshops, and eventually collaborating with other professionals in the field to reach a wider audience. Through these projects I hope to inspire others to see the world through a creative lens and connect with nature in a deeper, more meaningful way.

'Frame of beauty'

'Cold peaks'

'Abstract humps'

'Neaom desert'

'Universe roots'

'Fog morning'

'Stormy desert'

'Maliha'

'Sunrise of Tabuk'

'After rain'

'Fire flowers'

'Fog reveal'

'Desert Photographer'

'Dew Point'

'Pick it for memory'

'Guide me to the light'

'Flowers on fire'

'Dunes view point'

'Light up the sky'