Written and Photographed by Mohamed Hassan

As I discover and explore more of Wales I find inspiration all around.  Whether I am packing up my camera and trekking up the Carmarthenshire Fans or a gentle walk on a Pembrokeshire beach I feel blessed to experience and photograph these incredible landscapes with my Fuji 645.

Artist

Originally from Alexandria Egypt, I have been living and working in Pembrokeshire, in west Wales in the UK since 2007, graduating with a 1st-class honors degree in Photography from Carmarthen School of Art in 2016.  I have been shortlisted for several awards and competitions and my work has been exhibited at the prestigious Mission Gallery, the Waterfront National Museum in Wales the Trajectory Showcase Competition Exhibition in Shoreditch, London, and Nova Cymru 2018. Most recently I have a portrait included in the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait exhibition 2018 at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

My journey with photography started at a young age, accompanying my professional photographer father to his studios in Alexandria, Egypt or to a wedding or party, as I got older I helped him record these events both on film and video camera, a great foundation, and training for my future. You can find more of work on my website or Instagram.

Gear and Film Stock

I shot the project with my Fuji 645 using Kodak Portra 160 and Contax T2 using Portra 400. It’s a great film stock that shows off the beautiful warm hues of landscapes.

Landscapes of North Wales and Scotland

Living and studying in Wales has been pivotal to my journey as an artist.  When I first arrived there I felt as if I were in a dream, as I discover and explore more of Wales I find inspiration all around.  Whether I am packing up my camera and trekking up the Carmarthenshire Fans or a gentle walk on a Pembrokeshire beach I feel blessed to experience and photograph these incredible landscapes with my Fuji 645 and Contax T2.

I am equally happy packing up my kit for a day out around Pembrokeshire – or going into the studio for a portrait shoot. The joy of an interesting model, a cloudy day or an inspiring location is immense.  

I work in both black & white and color and want to draw you into the image I am making, evoking an emotional response. Whether a portrait or landscape I focus on the mood and light of the scene and want to portray the subtle and subdued characteristics of the image.

Inspiration

A few directors that have given my work drive and inspiration are Abbas Kiarostami, an Iranian Film Director, and Ingmar Bergmana, a Swedish director.

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