Interview with Abed Halawi | Displaying Timeless Charm of Urban Life in Stills

Abed Halawi here! I’ve always felt a deep urge to express myself visually, drawn to moments when a place or scene would seize my attention and stir something within me. These experiences often left me with a lingering sense that something was incomplete as if I needed to capture the essence of those fleeting moments. Whether it was the sight of a striking building, the beauty of a cityscape, or the layers of nature unfolding on a mountaintop, I found myself captivated by the strange and the beautiful.

The vibrant streets and their quirks always sparked something in me, though—I didn’t realize it was photography I yearned for—an art that would allow me to capture, express, and complete those feelings. It wasn’t until I began taking photos in 2019 that I discovered this passion, and only in late 2023 did I decide to fully commit, dedicating time to honing my skills and embarking on the journey to find my unique style, which remains elusive but within reach.

Winning the Global Photography Awards is a tremendous honor for me. It represents a validation of my creative vision and dedication to capturing the world in a unique and evocative way. This distinction inspires me to continue pushing the boundaries of my craft and to explore new perspectives that resonate on a deeper level.

I am deeply grateful for this recognition, and it motivates me to keep growing as an artist and storyteller.

My winning entry, "Tales of the Architect," explores the deep connection between architecture and its creators’ visions. By isolating each building against a minimalist backdrop, I aimed to strip away distractions and allow the flowing lines, bold curves, and intricate details to take center stage.

This project was entered because I believe it transforms these structures into timeless works of art, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the stories and emotions embedded in our urban environments.

Winning this award has been a significant milestone at the beginning of my career, especially as it’s my first attempt at creating award-winning work. This recognition has validated my artistic vision and opened up opportunities to expand my network within the photography community.

I hope it will attract the attention of gallery curators and others who can help share my photography through exhibitions. It’s a step towards reaching new audiences and growing as an artist.

The best advice I’ve been given is to always look behind me when deciding to take a photo. We often focus solely on what’s in front of us, but turning around can reveal a different perspective on the scene—one that might offer a new way of seeing and interpreting the moment.

Also, I always pay attention to the borders of my viewfinder, ensuring I capture exactly what I want in the photo while intentionally leaving out what doesn’t belong and practice, practice, and practice.

For anyone looking to become a photographer today, my advice would be to stay curious and experiment with different styles and subjects to discover what truly inspires you. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as they are essential to learning and growing. Focus on developing your own unique perspective and storytelling style, but don't dwell too much on it—keep it natural and intuitive, and eventually, it will find you.

Also, remember to look beyond the obvious—explore different angles, perspectives, and compositions. Lastly, immerse yourself in the photography community, learn from others, and stay committed to constantly refining your craft. Go out and take photos, it's the best way to learn!

My key to success is a relentless pursuit of curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning. Embracing experimentation and learning from mistakes has been essential in my growth. It is often that I revisit the same spots to take the same photographs over and over again, whenever possible, and try a different approach every time.

Staying true to my vision while remaining open to new ideas and perspectives drives me forward. For me, success is not just about the end result but about the journey and the resilience built along the way.