If you thought photography was just testing lights and finding a pretty location, think again. Saudi creative Bayan AlSadiq’s portfolio doesn’t only boast of accolades from the likes of National Georgrapohic or Wall Street Journal, it will make you super jelly of her visiting the most beautiful out-of-a-story-book spots around the world.
Cosmo ME: Tell us about your job…
Bayan AlSadiq: I am a commercial and travel photographer, so I do work for restaurants and hotels, covering lifestyle, food and interiors. Travel photography is something that I really like and enjoy. I’m also starting to get into fashion photography.
C: What did you study at university?
B: I studied Computer Science in Leeds, England. In my last year of uni, I got my first camera to capture all places around the city and my journey started from there. After coming to Saudi Arabia, my family encouraged me to start my own business.
C: Tell us about your first-ever job…
B: My sister, Fatimah, actually got me my first gig. She approached a bakery in Khobar and told them about me and my photography, and she planned the first photoshoot for me.
C: Top skills you need to be a photographer?
B: Communication skills and time management.
C: What is the best professional advice you’ve ever been given?
B: Any problem that comes your way, accept it and take it as a challenge. And always enjoy the challenge because it will pass soon.
C: Top tips to using social media to improve your professional profile?
B: Consistency, being focused, and connecting with the right entities that will add to your business. It’s not about increasing the number of followers you have, it’s about using the platform smartly and creating that content that will add a special touch to people’s lives.
C: How do you deal with rejection?
B: I usually see rejection as a re-direction. This thing that gives a person some kind of peace that they are moving towards something better.
C: How do you make a good impression?
B: Be honest about what you can and can’t do.