It’s hard to capture Egypt’s multiplicity inside a tiny viewfinder. The jostle of its past and present within the swirl of its many cultures make it difficult to snap portraits that don’t leave something out. Now, however, one ambitious photography collective wants to catch it all—and judging from its work so far, it’s doing just that.
Photon is the brainchild of Hazem Khaled and Hosam Manadily, and it seeks to educate Egyptians’ mental perspectives as much as their visual techniques. “The goal is to make everyone see the beauty of our country, which we never see,” the co-founders explain. So every Saturday, its members embark on a new adventure, from urban safaris to workshops in editing.
The club’s explorations of well-known and out-of-the-way places operate like collective treasure hunts, with enthusiastic participants fanning out and vying to outdo each other’s creativity. The result is a roving archive of wonder, mixing the intricate grandeur of Egypt’s architectural monuments with the vivacity of a new-found social cohesion. From the hushed splendor of a venerable mosque to the cheerful bustle of a sidewalk “ful” stand, Photon’s best shots bring a fresh eye to the familiar and illuminate the overlooked with original affection.
For more information – facebook.com/ThePhoton
