The world of photography offers endless approaches—some photographers focus on the set, others on props, many on lighting. For Libyan creative Ibrahim Elhinaid (Instagram), nostalgia and lighting take centre stage in his role as a fashion photographer.
Ibrahim Elhinaid, now based in Paris, is celebrated for infusing his work with the poetic, subtle, and playful qualities of light. Deeply connected to his Mediterranean roots, he describes himself as “a child impregnated by the light of the Mediterranean world,” a sentiment that shapes his artistic vision. His photography represents a subtle, personal take on nostalgia imbued with a modern twist, with each image reflecting the warmth, vibrant colours, and intimacy of his homeland, regardless of where the photos were taken.
Elhinaid’s mastery lies in making light a central character in his work—whether it gently illuminates the contours of a subject, creates contrast, or playfully dances in the form of shadows. This emotional connection to light, colour, and memory gives his photography a timeless, almost cinematic quality, setting him apart as an artist who creates not just images, but moments that evoke deep emotion and a strong sense of place.
His approach captures moments that feel both authentic and timeless, transporting viewers to another era while grounding them in the present. With a background in documentary and street photography, his work has developed a raw, spontaneous style. A photograph can evoke a wide range of sensations and emotions; seeing is not only perspectival but also multi-sensory. Through his delicate balance of light and nostalgia, the work of Ibrahim Elhinaid transcends fashion photography, becoming a medium for emotional and temporal exploration.
Ibrahim Elhinaid, welcome. What’s your earliest memory of photography and how did you first get into it?
One of my earliest memories is being a young child at family gatherings, playing with the family camera, snapping photos here and there.
How has your upbringing in Libya and the Mediterranean light shaped your approach to photography and storytelling?
Growing up in Libya on the coast was a big factor building my relationship with that bright harsh light, the striking contrast yet very warm and serene. I built my eye around this light growing up.
Can you tell us more about the nostalgic connection you feel to the Mediterranean and how it influences your work?
I feel like this light and place now come from a space within my mind, an imaginary source of inspiration. Over the years, this light has grown distant, and the sense of longing has turned these memories of my youth into something I shape and mould. I was always a nostalgic person, since I was very young I’ve always loved going through old family photos for hours, ha, ha! All these eras and times that I didn’t live … how people dressed differently and how traditions change, et cetera … now I feel like I am a bit less nostalgic, but I do like to use it as an emotion to sometimes explore in my work.
Your work is often described as poetic and playful. How do you balance these elements with the technical aspects of fashion photography?
Focusing on storytelling and emotion first, understanding lighting, composition.
What role does light play in your creative process, and how do you use it to evoke emotion in your images?
For me, light is everything in photography. The shape and quality of the light I use can tell or transform a story in countless ways. I’m drawn to sensual lighting, with a love for dramatic, film noir-style contrasts. That blend of melodramatic shadows and a warm, inviting glow is what defines my approach.
How has living in Paris influenced your artistic vision compared to your experiences growing up in Libya?
Living in Paris has broadened my artistic vision by exposing me to diverse influences and encounters with beautiful-minded, eccentric people. [While] Libya [is a more] intimate setting, Paris offers a universal perspective that helps me connect my personal experiences with a global narrative, enriching my creativity and deepening my work.
Can you walk us through your creative process when directing a photoshoot? What inspires your visual choices?
My photoshoot process involves either spontaneous collaboration or detailed planning. In the spontaneous approach, I work with a trusted team of makeup artists, hair stylists, and stylists, letting creativity unfold naturally and seeing what kind of magic can happen with this team at this certain moment. Alternatively, I start with a concept inspired by a mood, movie, or photograph. Planning and styling bring that vision to life, often blending older themes with a modern twist.
How has your approach to fashion photography evolved over the years, and what has remained constant in your work?
Initially, my fashion photography was influenced by my background in street and documentary photography, resulting in a more raw and spontaneous style. As I studied in France, I got interested in fashion photography, a more polished and planned approach, carefully directing models and coordinating with my team. Now, I’m blending these elements, balancing refined and raw aesthetics. Throughout all these changes, my focus on capturing colours and unique lighting has remained constant.
How do you approach capturing the essence of a fashion collection while infusing your own visual style?
Shooting a collection while adding my own style involves continuous research and adaptation to both the designer’s vision and the surrounding elements. It’s about finding a perspective that highlights the collection’s essence while blending in my personal visual touch. Staying in a constant quest for growth, being open to taking risks, and learning from those experiences all contribute to building my own vision.
As both a photographer and director, how do you navigate the transition between still photography and motion direction?
I approach both still photography and motion direction with a similar mindset, but with motion, I also incorporate elements like sound and movement to enhance the experience.
What’s the most unexpected source of inspiration you’ve ever had for a photoshoot?
I would say a Fifi Abdou portrait from the 80s! Which I loved!
If you could only shoot in one location for the rest of your career, where would it be, and what makes it so special to you?
Somewhere on the Mediterranean, maybe Sicily where it feels like home but also that time has stopped, or Cairo <3.
If you could collaborate with any artist on a shoot, living or deceased, who would it be?
Tilda Swinton, Fifi Abdou, or Sade.
If you could define your purpose in one word, what would it be?
Beauty.
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