Ibrahim Nabeel: Photography, City and Soul
- Mohamed Amine Mokcheh
- Jul 17
- 5 min read
Ibrahim Nabeel, a Jordanian photographer, is known for his work in fine art, architectural, and abstract photography. With roots in traditional film development, he has cultivated a distinctive visual style that has gained recognition through international exhibitions and awards.
This interview was conducted by Mohamed Amine Mokcheh, a contributor at Influx Gallery, as part of the gallery’s editorial vision to spotlight distinctive voices in contemporary photography.
1. Take us back to the moment you first fell in love with photography. What sparked your passion? Were you influenced by family members or mentors who shaped your artistic path?
Absolutely. My story with photography began at home—I grew up surrounded by it. My father was a respected photographer, and from an early age, I was immersed in the world of images. We had a private darkroom and studio, and I used to work in film development and printing. That environment shaped me deeply, as I learned not just the technical side, but the emotional power of photography. Everyone around me, especially my family and local photographers, influenced me.
But fine art photography—that was a separate calling. I didn’t want to be just another photographer or a copy of someone else. In 2018, I discovered my passion for artistic and creative photography. That was the turning point. I wanted to develop a unique style and voice.
2. Your international awards are remarkable. How have these accolades impacted your creative evolution?
Winning first place in the Special Effects category at the International Photography Awards (IPA) in New York in 2019 was a life-changing moment. It was one of the most prestigious awards in the world. I was invited to attend the ceremony in New York, and that recognition gave me a new level of confidence. The winning images were from my “Eastern Amman” series—those tightly packed old buildings, each telling a story. That series went on to win four more awards in the Siena Creative Photo Awards in Italy. These honors didn’t just validate my vision—they pushed me to go further, to explore deeper layers of storytelling.
3. One of your celebrated photos captures Amman’s eastern hills. What draws you to urban landscapes—particularly Jordan’s—as a subject?
There’s something hypnotic about the repetition of architecture in Amman’s older neighborhoods. The way the houses are stacked, clinging to one another, tells a silent, collective story. Every time I return to the same location, I feel something different. It’s not just visual—it’s emotional. These scenes represent not just architecture but memory, humanity, and time. They resonate with me on a very personal level.
4. How would you define your photographic style? Are there recurring themes or emotions you intentionally pursue?
I believe my style is like a personal signature—even without my name, those who know my work can recognize it. I strive for uniqueness. I love working with shadows, colors, and contrasts—sometimes vibrant, other times in black and white. I’m drawn to feelings that shift from calm to intense, and I try to express those emotions visually. My images are never meant to be copies or clichés; I’m constantly chasing originality.
5. You work across architecture, abstraction, and events. Which genre feels most authentic to your voice, and why?
I feel most connected to abstract, architectural, and nature photography—these genres reflect my artistic voice clearly. They give me space to explore form, light, rhythm, and visual emotion in a way that feels true to who I am. There’s a deep creative satisfaction in discovering beauty in structures, patterns, and the natural world.
That said, event photography is also an important part of my work. I enjoy capturing human moments and real-life stories as they unfold. Recently, I’ve also started to feel drawn to street photography. There's something raw and spontaneous about it that opens up new creative directions.
Above all, I love diversity in photography. I never confine myself to one category. Wherever I find something visually or emotionally unique, I’m compelled to capture it. This variety keeps my work fresh, and it constantly pushes me to grow.
6. Having exhibited from China to Germany, have you noticed cultural differences in how audiences engage with your work?
Yes, definitely. Coming from the Middle East, I’ve noticed that European and Asian audiences are often fascinated by images that depict unfamiliar cultures. When I exhibited my work in Germany and China, many people connected deeply with my photographs of old Amman. Some said the buildings reminded them of places in China. It was eye-opening. What I might see as ordinary in my country, others see with wonder. And the same happens when I travel—my perspective as a visitor allows me to see places with fresh eyes. That’s how I created a series in New York that later won global awards in France and the U.S.
7. Share with us the story behind a photograph that holds profound personal significance to you.
It’s hard to choose just one—I feel a deep connection to many of my photographs. But the series from Eastern Amman has a special place in my heart. Each frame represents more than just a place—it’s a reflection of memory, repetition, human presence, and the passing of time. These images, which earned international recognition, represent my artistic awakening and carry both personal and creative weight.
8. Is your editing process an extension of your creativity or a technical step? How do you balance both?
For me, editing is an essential part of the creative process. I don’t see the image as finished straight out of the camera—it’s like a raw canvas. Post-processing allows me to communicate my vision more clearly. Some works don’t need heavy editing, but others do—especially when I want to express a specific emotion or idea. It’s where I leave my unseen mark, my artistic fingerprint.
9. In an image-saturated world, what qualities make a photograph truly enduring?
Authenticity. Style. Originality. A lasting photograph has to carry a unique essence—like a painter’s masterpiece. Just like the Mona Lisa, great works of art only grow in value with time. It’s not about trends; it’s about creating something timeless that speaks beyond the moment.
10. As AI reshapes creative fields, what excites or concerns you about its role in photography’s future—especially for young artists?
There are some concerns, of course. But I truly believe that the human touch remains irreplaceable. AI may assist or generate, but it can’t replicate the authenticity of an artist’s soul. Artistic photography is like an original painting—it carries depth, spirit, and emotion. As the years pass, that human essence becomes even more valuable. I think young photographers should focus on originality, because that’s what lasts.
11. Reflecting on your journey: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned, and what advice would you give emerging photographers facing today’s challenges?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is the value of originality. Your style is your identity—develop it, protect it, and let it speak for you. My advice to emerging photographers is simple: search for your voice. Find your own space. Make your artistic signature so strong that it doesn’t need a name. Let your work speak before you do.
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