Welcome to the new age, where every photo becomes a digital archive of an entire pop culture, a people’s history, a sign of the times to be permanently preserved in someone’s saved folder or Pinterest board … Ah, yes – the highest of honours. Come on, babe, we’re being serious! With work so compelling it can’t help but inspire that same creativity in others, we’re proud to introduce some of the sickest photographers from across the MENA:
@san.cairo
Meet Cairo’s Omar Bukr, a fashion photographer committed to getting the shot and telling a potent story.
@osamattarr
Syrian photographer and director based in Cairo, Osama Attar, is bringing the whimsy and colour back into your feed. He isn’t afraid to push boundaries and have fun doing it.
@moz.____
Based in Dubai, the artist’s visual portfolio is nothing short of impressive. He even shot our Cosmo ME feature with Miss Palestine. Having kicked off the year with a DJ Snake cover, you just know he brings the heat 🔥.
@walevm
Listen up Dubai, Peruvian creative director Valeria Mesia has arrived. When you think of feminine mystique, soft yet sultry, think of the photographer’s work. A Cosmo-certified girlboss, Mesia even shot our latest fashion spread.
@luanabassil
Photographer and filmmaker Luana Bassil just has that effect. It really is true that women just see each other’s beauty through different eyes. With enough soft girl, Mitski-esque shots to fuel your maladaptive daydreams, Bassil captures the feminine experience through an intimate lens of someone who knows what it’s like.
@somayabdelrahman
Somaya Abdelrahman understands the power of a camera in a moment when people try to make you look away. A different creative from others on this list, Abdelrahman is a documentary photographer who focuses on human rights. You can check out the important work she’s been doing on Instagram!
@aminazaher
Amina Zaher knows she’s that girl. The fashion photographer speaks a language we understand – it’s editorial, it’s playful, it’s hot. From shooting Egyptian actor Amr Youssef to Rami Malek, Zaher is defo one to look out for.
@zeinaaref
Have you ever wondered what makes Arab culture so nostalgically charming? I’m talking white chairs, printed couches, embossed armrests charming? Well, whatever it is, Zeina sees it and makes us wanna see it too. We feel like we’re nichemaxxing with this pick, but the photographer/director’s work is too good to keep to ourselves. You’re welcome 😉.
@cherineshiha
Cosmo babes, meet Cherine. Cherine, meet Cosmo babes. Great, now that we’re all acquainted, let’s talk about the multidisciplinary artist’s work – the shots? She’s shot everyone from Mohamed Zaki to Nour El Nabawy. Our personal favourite, though? It just has to be her surreal collab (quite literally) with Yehia Bedeir. SO cool.
@najlasaid_
Najla Said has got us in a chokehold, and we’re exactly where we wanna be. She’s the cool older sister you wanted to be just like when you were younger. Her vision’s just so her. From thematic work to genuine personal style, she’s really got it all. If you check out anything from this, let it be her “Sister, Oh Sister” piece and her “Vanities” feature. Okay, we’re actually done now. Bye diva!
The girls are writing letters again. Check it out!