July 24th, 2024

With over 15 years of experience, Tarik Al-Turki stands as a leading figure in KSA’s photography scene, blending his engineering precision with an artist’s eye to capture the breathtaking beauty of the Kingdom’s landscapes.

In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s picturesque terrain, where vast deserts meet serene oases, Tarik Ahmed Al-Turki has carved a niche as one of the Kingdom’s most revered landscape photographers. Born in the historic city of Hail in 1991, Al-Turki’s journey from civil engineer to certified photography trainer is a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication. Since discovering his love for photography in 2009, he has experimented with various genres, ultimately finding his true calling in the grandeur of landscapes. With a refined eye honed over 15 years, Al-Turki captures the ethereal beauty of Saudi Arabia’s natural wonders, creating visual symphonies that resonate deeply with both national and international audiences.

What made you go into landscape photography?

I think the main reason is that I am from Hail city, and the city of Hail (for those who do not know it) is characterized by the diversity of the natural terrain between mountains, plains, valleys, and desert, as well as its proximity to the city. I remember in my early days in photography, I used to go daily and learn from the natural areas near me.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

For me, it is after editing each photo and making it look like I imagined it.

What would you say is your relationship with nature?

My relationship with nature since I was young. Even before I entered the world of photography, I used to enjoy watching landscapes very much. After I entered the world of photography, nature became for me an outlet from the pressures of work and life. I feel as if I am in my own world, and most of the time I go alone to nature.

How does it affect your creative process?

Calmness, meditation, and clarity of mind are all factors that result from going to natural areas, and this greatly helps me to think creatively and is reflected in my results in photography.

Do you think the cultural landscape in the KSA would benefit if photographers who focus on nature and wildlife had more exposure?

Yes, it will definitely be very supportive of the photographers. During recent years, we have witnessed an amazing cultural movement in Saudi Arabia at all levels, and this is a positive thing and makes us optimistic about the future.

What are the main things that you want to communicate through your work?

In all my works with landscapes, I seek to convey these things, firstly, contemplation of the greatness of God’s creation. The second thing is that the eye of the photographer is always different from the eye of the average person, so we may see beauty in places that ordinary people cannot see, and that is why we were distinguished by transmitting this picture. The last thing is that we (as landscape photographers) are part of marketing natural tourist places and attractions that are in line with Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 to make it one of the best tourist destinations.

What has been your biggest challenge?

About a year ago, I implemented a project for one of the international furniture companies in Saudi. This project was one of the most challenging photography challenges I had ever faced. The idea was to transport home furniture to the most prominent landmarks in Saudi Arabia, where it is impossible to have furniture. For example, we moved an entire bedroom in the middle of one of the islands in the Red Sea. It is true that the project was a great challenge for me, but the final results were absolutely amazing.

Less is more or more is more?

In art, I see that less is more.

What is style to you?

Style is the only element that differentiates between one artist and another. It is the DNA of every artist. And I think every artist must ensure that he has his own style. Otherwise, it will be lost among them.

What is authenticity to you?

Authenticity means being true to yourself, your values, and your beliefs, even in the presence of external pressures and influences. Even in art, authenticity makes the difference in results. Don’t be a mirror of others, be who you want to be.