Meet photographer from Lebanon, Tamara Abdul Hadi.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am an Iraqi Canadian photographer living and working in Lebanon. Through my work as a photographer, I  tend to explore the complexity and idiosyncrasy of minority communities that are often subjected to stereotyping and underrepresentation interchangeably. My work also touches on ideas of masculinity, self – representation, questions, and misrepresentation of culture.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I live in a small village in Lebanon called Roumieh, and it’s quiet and lovely. But I’m guessing you’re asking about Beirut? 🙂

Through my work as a photographer, I  tend to explore the complexity and idiosyncrasy of minority communities that are often subjected to stereotyping and underrepresentation interchangeably.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The city and the country are currently going through a revolution so right now it’s crazy, inspiring, electrifying, and uncertain.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Right now- inspiring, electrifying, and uncertain. Usually, crazy, Inspiring, electrifying and uncertain 🙂

How did you start your career in photography?

I was living in Dubai, UAE and I felt like I needed a creative outlet to deal with my own feelings of isolation and need for expression and photography answered that call for me. Photography for me is a way to discover certain things I was curious about and I ended up realizing the importance of documentation and representation of culture.

Photography for me is a way to discover certain things I was curious about and I ended up realizing the importance of documentation and representation of culture.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Extremely. My family is a creative one so it felt very natural. My sister, Sundus, is an artist and so is my mother, Sawsan. My father is an architect. I was blessed growing up surrounded by art.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

My main goal for my work is to keep documenting my culture and my people and create a future archive of subcultures that surround and inspire me.

My main goal for my work is to keep documenting my culture and my people and create a future archive of subcultures that surround and inspire me.

How would you describe the women around you?

Extremely inspiring, but so are the men!

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

So many! My sister, mother, friends, really many that I was surrounded by.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

There are always challenges, but these are also common challenges many people face being a photographer or a creative, regardless of gender! It is also a very expressive and free-ing creative path at the same time.

Keep working for what you believe in. And remember, its all about intention!

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Keep working for what you believe in. And remember, its all about intention!

Photos courtesy of Tamara Abdul Hadi.