Interviews / Stories
Photographer Louay Nasser (Egypt)
Tell us something about yourself
I am a 27 years old, Cairo-based photographer and video producer, shooting editorials, fashion campaigns, Cinemagraphs and advertising work. I am specialise in fashion and beauty.
How and when did you get into photography?
I got into photography in the last year of college, got my first Camera on 2010. By the time i graduated, i was sure that this is what i want to do. I always wanted to do more, grow, learn and develop myself. I like to create the whole production and I wanted to work with talented people, so in 2011 I founded Louay Nasser Production Agency in Cairo. It is Photography and Video production which later on expanded to be a Talents & Model Agency too.
We provide full-fledged photography and video production services; from coming up with the creative concept to styling, until the post-processing of the visuals itself and bringing the product/service to life. We also provide innovative, top-notch quality videos for our clients in various categories, such as Fashion, Beauty, Products, Food, Corporate, activations advertising and more. Our Talents & Model Agency represented fashion stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists and models from all over the world. Each of one of the professionals we represent has their own unique style.
What does photography mean to you?
It is a medium that lets you implement your imagination into the real world.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
To be honest, I don’t think i have a specific style. In my photo shootings I am usually seeking for creative scenarios, but my style and light changes from client to client and from brief to another.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I believe that there is no such thing as a place where you go to find inspiration, there is never only one source. Reading books gives me ideas, because they spark your imagination and you paint a picture of the story in your head; but you combine different things, perhaps you see an item and the idea pops up, or you connect it with something that you saw in the streets once, or a work of art, or something you watched.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
Sure, planning is a crucial part of any professional photographer. A full day might seem as a long time to do a shoot, but it actually isn’t. You need to have at least an outline of what you are going to do, so in the middle of a long hectic day, with time running fast you are able to get things done. I like to at least have an outline of what i need and what I want to do, after that it is fun to experiment a little and see how it goes.
Studio, or location, or both?
Location and natural light.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Paid professional, I am full time photographer.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
I think my first fashion shoot for a client, and the first shoot I did abroad. What makes my first shoot memorable is that I did the whole production from scratch, and came up with an idea that was originally a solution to a budget problem that ended up creating a beautiful shoot. My first shoot abroad was memorable because it was a new experience for me working in a foreign country, away from every resources I might have at home.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
Nothing in particular. There is never only one source for inspiration. But definitely a
lot of talented photographers and cinematographers around the world is a big inspiration to me.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Definitely Canon. My favourite lenses are 16 - 35mm, 50mm and 85mm.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Work hard, never stop trying and experimenting. You won’t be a photographer from one day to another; if you think it’s just the click of a button, don't bother yourself. It takes a lot of hard work, a lot of preparation and effort. And the most important thing: always keep learning.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I think it’s a great source of inspiration and information all together. A lot of material
to inspire, and many interesting articles to read, in a clean interface.
www.louaynasser.com
https://www.facebook.com/Louaynasserproductionagency
Instagram: @louay_nasser
Also read the interview of Irina Krupneva
