Mouneb Taim
TIFA 2024 Interview with Mouneb Taim
1st Place winner in People, Non-Professional, “Peace In Times of War”
Q: What drew you to the specific genre of photography you specialize in? Was it a personal experience, a mentor, or something else that sparked your interest?
Unfortunately, I had no mentor or guide to help me along the way. However, the tragic loss of my brother, a journalist, in Syria in 2014 was a pivotal moment that deeply influenced my decision to pursue this path. I was only 14 years old at the time, and the Syrian warzone became both my classroom and my inspiration.
The experience offered me invaluable lessons that no prestigious university could have provided. Of course, I made many mistakes early on, driven by passion and a youthful eagerness that often led me to risk my safety for the perfect shot. My teenage years were unlike any others, shaped by the chaos and intensity of conflict.
Despite the challenges and missteps, I emerged with a profound sense of purpose and a body of work I am incredibly proud of. This journey, though unconventional, has been transformative and rewarding in ways I could have never imagined.
Q: How do you approach a new photography project? Can you walk us through your creative process, from concept to execution?
I often approach each idea with a unique perspective, tailored to the subject or situation at hand. During the war in Syria, for instance, I focused on showcasing the other side of conflict, striving to capture narratives that went beyond the familiar. My primary focus was often on children, as I was one myself at the time, and many of my photographs reflect their experiences amid chaos.
Now, living in Europe, my creative philosophy remains the same—I aim to break away from conventional portrayals. I believe the essence of a photograph lies in the authenticity of the subject’s personality. Capturing unfiltered, genuine moments is what drives my work, allowing me to tell compelling stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
Q: Your winning project stood out to the jury for its unique perspective. How do you ensure your work maintains originality and authenticity in a competitive field?
Maintaining originality and authenticity is essential in a field as competitive as photography. For me, it starts with staying true to my vision and my personal experiences. I focus on telling stories that haven’t been told, or at least not in the way I envision them. By capturing moments that reflect raw emotions, untold narratives, and unfiltered realities, I ensure that my work remains both distinctive and meaningful.
I also make a conscious effort to avoid following trends or mimicking others. Instead, I embrace my own perspective, influenced by my unique background and the stories I’ve encountered. This authenticity, combined with a commitment to exploring new angles and pushing boundaries, helps my work maintain its originality and relevance, even in a saturated market.
Q: As a photographer, how do you balance technical expertise with artistic vision? Do you lean more heavily on one, or do they work hand in hand for you?
For me, technical expertise and artistic vision are inseparable. The technical side of photography—the understanding of light, composition, and camera settings—provides the foundation that enables me to bring my artistic ideas to life. Without a solid grasp of these fundamentals, my creative vision wouldn’t be as effective or impactful.
However, I don’t believe in allowing the technical aspects to dominate the process. I prioritize my artistic vision, allowing the emotions, story, or concept I want to convey to guide my decisions. The technical elements then serve as tools to enhance and support that vision. It’s this balance—where technical knowledge and creativity complement each other—that allows me to create work that is both technically sound and artistically powerful.
Q: What role does post-processing play in your work? Do you consider it an extension of your creativity, or do you aim to keep your images as natural as possible?
In my work, I generally aim for my photos to stay as natural as possible. However, there are times when I make simple adjustments to preserve the true colors and spirit of the image. I believe over-editing can strip away the essence of a photograph.
The approach varies depending on the type of work. For news or event photography, I rarely make adjustments, as time and description are far more important than post-processing. On the other hand, when working on a project, I often apply a consistent color tone across the images to maintain a unified mood or feel. This is something I plan even during the shooting phase, considering the timing and the natural colors of life. For me, it’s about balancing authenticity with subtle enhancements to support the narrative.
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated in an ever-evolving industry? Are there any specific sources—books, films, or other art forms—that fuel your creativity?
Personally, I find inspiration in the work of top editors and photographers that I follow, as well as the daily selection of top images from leading news outlets and agencies. The work of these professionals, combined with the best photographs of the day and week, serves as a constant source of motivation for me.
In today’s world, Instagram has become an essential tool for any photographer, and it’s now an integral part of my work. For me, it’s not just about passion—it’s like drinking water. I browse news agencies and social media multiple times a day to discover images that inspire me and fuel my creativity. It’s important for me to stay connected to the global photography community and draw from a wide range of influences to keep my work fresh and dynamic.
Q: Winning this award is a significant accomplishment. How do you plan to leverage this recognition to further your career or make a greater impact in the photography world?
Winning this award is indeed a major achievement for me, just like any other award I’ve received. It’s a crucial step that motivates me to look ahead and continue pushing forward. Personally, I believe it’s important to receive recognition for our work, especially as a photographer who has spent many years covering wars, refugee crises, and conflicts.
I had a conversation recently with a photographer who has won the Pulitzer Prize twice. While reviewing my work with him, he told me that I had so much material in my archive that wasn’t known. It struck me, because much of my work, especially from the years I spent covering intense stories, has been hidden. But now, I am more determined than ever to showcase my work to a broader audience.
Although some of my photos were taken years ago, it doesn’t matter—what’s important is to show every moment where I risked my life to capture a scene through my lens. Many people have the talent to capture powerful images, but not everyone is willing to put their life on the line. There are moments I lost track of time and place, so focused on getting the perfect shot, and that, I believe, is a rare and invaluable approach to photography.
Q: How do you approach connecting with your subjects, especially in projects that require a deep level of trust and intimacy, such as portraits or documentary work?
Personally, I believe that connecting with the people I photograph is an essential part of the image. Each person in my photos becomes a part of my life, whether they are a friend, companion, or someone with whom I share a deep connection. Rarely do I take photos of someone without forming a deep friendship between us. One of my projects was about a man who lost his loved one on Valentine’s Day. I spent almost a week with him, stayed at his house, traveled together, and felt that his emotions were truly genuine. To this day, he remains a friend of mine. Many of my projects are like this.
I love connecting with people, sharing laughter and sorrow. This gives me valuable life experience, especially since I am still young. In photography or documentary work, it’s about creating an environment where trust and openness can develop. I approach each person with genuine curiosity and respect, allowing them to feel comfortable and understood. I take time to listen to their stories and experiences, which helps me capture the essence of who they are.
In documentary work, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects, it’s important to build trust over time. I never rush the process; I ensure that the people I photograph know they are in a safe space where their story will be respected. I often share some of my own experiences, which helps bridge the gap and humanize the interaction.
Whether through conversation or simply spending time together, I focus on building a connection that allows the people I photograph to feel seen and heard. Only then can I capture their true selves, resulting in powerful and intimate images.
Q: In what ways do you believe photography can influence societal change? Have you worked on projects that aim to raise awareness or advocate for a cause?
Certainly, much of my work, especially during the war in Syria, the refugee crisis in Turkey, or the student uprisings and long-standing climate protests, had a significant purpose. During the war in Syria, one of my photos documented the crimes of the Syrian regime in a very clear manner. This image was even displayed during United Nations Security Council sessions and remained on display at UNESCO and the United Nations for a long time. These works made a substantial impact, shedding light on human rights violations and pushing for accountability.
As a result, my work significantly contributed to advocating for justice and raising awareness about the atrocities. However, my efforts also placed me in danger, as I became one of the individuals targeted by the Syrian regime, which eventually led me to flee for my safety.
Q: What advice would you give to photographers about finding their unique voice in a crowded industry? How can they stay true to their vision while appealing to a broader audience?
My advice to photographers, especially those covering major crises, is to remember that your life is more important than any photograph. Unfortunately, I’ve made many mistakes, which I now consider reckless decisions. For those seeking their unique voice in a crowded industry, the focus should first be on authenticity. It’s crucial to stay true to what resonates with you personally, rather than chasing trends or what’s currently popular. Your unique voice comes from your experiences, your perspective, and how you interpret the world around you.
Be honest, and remember that honesty, even in the toughest situations, might cost you more than it gives. Personally, I’ve lost more than I’ve gained at times by being straightforward, but that’s part of the journey. Throughout my career, I made plenty of mistakes that taught me invaluable lessons—some of which could have destroyed my career, but it all played a role in shaping me. The impact of war and conflict on a photographer’s psyche is real, and though I would never repeat those mistakes, I also believe no great photo is captured without risk. Perhaps I’m not entirely right, but this is my perspective.
Don’t fear experimentation and pushing boundaries. Explore subjects, styles, and techniques that inspire you, and don’t feel pressured to conform. Authenticity will set you apart. While staying true to your vision, it’s equally important to understand your audience and how your work can resonate with them.
In the end, the most successful photographers are those who remain passionate about their craft, willing to take risks, and adapt while engaging meaningfully with the world around them.
