The next in my series of constructive critiques of the work of young Egyptian photographers. When I asked Mohamed Mahdy to arrange this I could not have hoed for a more enthusiastic group of young people.

This image entitled “Break Time” shows great insight and a natural flair for composition in its simplistic, documentary approach. It just goes to show that his opening statement is humble as he clearly demonstrates a budding talent with a good eye for an image.

“Break Time” by Ahmed Gaber, aged 19 from Egypt

Even thought there are differing points of subject engagement and interest, Ahmed has worked hard on subject placement within the frame and constraints of his DSLR. All to often we hear the terms “fill the frame”, but to do so effectively one should ensure that the content is properly constrained. He has grasped the premise that space around subjects is golden. To enable them to live and breathe giving life and credibility to the animation. ‘Street’ images of this kind are not all about exercising absolute control of your subjects. Rather to affect the composition by placing yourself in the right place and controlling the content of you capture. Well done Ahmed, I can some great images will emerge from this young image maker.

Martin Grahame-Dunn – April 2016