This is a continuation of our story from the 1 Billion Followers Summit — the major content creation event that took place in Dubai last week.

As a quick reminder, we are in the heart of the city’s business district, surrounded by some of the biggest and most influential content brands, attending a workshop hosted by Apple. The focus? The craft of content creation — and how the iPhone enables a seamless, end-to-end creative workflow, from capture to editing to publishing, all optimised for social platforms. It already sounds impressive.

But the real highlight was the speakers — people we’d known long before the event through their Instagram pages and standout campaigns. We spoke to one of them earlier, and now it’s time for the second. So, ladies and gentlemen, meet Abdulaziz Alsorayai — a Kuwaiti videographer and content creator, known for his striking angles, confident use of light and shadow, and visuals that instantly elevate any campaign he touches. And one more thing: he doesn’t need much to create them — just a phone.

Here, we talk about his most recognisable campaigns and ask for a few tips you can apply to your own content.

— For those who don’t know you — how would you describe what you do today: photographer, videographer, creative director, or something in between?

— I would say something in between. Photography and videography are my main tools, but storytelling and visual direction are really what sit at the core of my work. Sometimes I am documenting a moment as it unfolds, other times I am shaping a narrative, and occasionally it is less about story and more about emotion, mood, and atmosphere. The role changes depending on the project, but the intention is always the same: to communicate something visually and honestly.

— You were born and raised in Kuwait, right? Did your passion for visual content start in childhood?

— Yes, I was born and raised in Kuwait. Growing up, I didn’t have structured access to photography or filmmaking — and honestly, I didn’t imagine myself in a creative profession at all. Photography entered my life almost by accident rather than through careful planning, and that is what makes it meaningful to me. It felt more like a discovery than a decision.

That said, I was always observant and naturally drawn to visuals — details, movement, light, and the way scenes come together. Looking back now, I realise that curiosity was the starting point. Even if I didn’t recognise it at the time, it quietly shaped the way I see and interpret the world today.

— In today’s world of content creation, what do you think is worth focusing on, in terms of themes and formats?

— I think identity matters more than anything else. Trends and formats change constantly, and it is easy to chase what is popular in the moment. But a strong visual voice has longevity. Whether you are working in short-form or long-form, telling a clear story or simply creating a strong visual impression, what truly resonates is intention, consistency, and honesty. If those elements are there, the format almost becomes secondary.

— Many people use the same iPhone, yet some videos feel ordinary while others stand out. What are the three biggest mistakes people make when shooting photos or videos — and how can they avoid them?

— I think it usually comes down to a few simple things.

1. Ignoring light

A lot of people assume the camera will somehow “fix” bad lighting, but no device can replace good light. Poor direction, harsh shadows, or flat lighting immediately make footage feel amateur. Even small adjustments — turning towards a window, waiting a few minutes for softer light — can completely change the result.

2. Shooting without a clear visual decision

So much content is shot without any real intention behind it — there is no clear framing, no mood, no sense of what the image is trying to say. When you don’t make a visual decision, the result often feels random and easy to forget. Even asking yourself one simple question — what am I trying to show here? — can make a huge difference.

3. Not using the full potential of the iPhone camera system

iPhones get better every year, but most people barely scratch the surface of what the camera can actually do. Many stick to the default settings and miss tools that can noticeably improve both quality and creativity.

One great example is Photographic Styles. This feature lets you choose a look — like Vibrant, Rich Contrast, Warm, or Cool — before you take the photo. Unlike basic filters, these styles make smarter, more natural adjustments and allow you to fine-tune things like tone and warmth. You can even set a favourite style as your default, so your images already reflect your visual taste straight out of the camera. To use it, simply open the Camera app. With the simplified view in iOS 26, you will see just Photo and Video (other modes are available by swiping left or right). Tap Photo or the six dots at the top of the screen, then select Styles.

— If someone is shooting videos at home on an iPhone, what are the key things that can instantly elevate the result — without using extra equipment?

— I would focus on a few simple habits that make a huge difference.

1. Create a shoot plan

Even a rough plan helps. A simple shot list or a clear sequence immediately improves the end result and saves time. When you know what you are shooting before you press record, everything feels more intentional — and far less chaotic.

2. Choose the right lens

Each lens has a purpose, and knowing when to use which one makes your footage look far more considered.

1× (main lens): Your go-to. Best overall quality, strong dynamic range, and the most reliable in low light. Use this for most shots.

2× (optical zoom): Great for portraits and interviews. It gives a more natural perspective without distortion.

0.5× (ultra-wide): Use sparingly. It is useful for tight spaces or establishing shots, but it can distort faces and soften the image.

3. Avoid digital zoom

Pinching the screen to zoom in reduces quality very quickly. Instead, stick to optical zoom options — they will keep your footage sharper and cleaner.

4. Lock exposure — and slightly darken the shot

Tap and hold on your subject until AE/AF Lock appears. This prevents the focus and brightness from constantly shifting.

Then gently slide your finger down to darken the image slightly. It helps protect highlights and gives your video a cleaner, more professional look.

5. Choose advanced formats for heavy editing

If you are comfortable with editing, formats like ProRes (available from iPhone 13 Pro onwards) or Apple Log (from iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max) give you more colour detail, better highlights, and greater flexibility in post-production. Pair them with good light and controlled exposure for the best results.

6. Clean the lens — every time

It sounds basic, but it matters. A dirty lens instantly kills sharpness and contrast. A quick wipe before shooting makes a noticeable difference.

7. Choose the music first

Music sets the rhythm, mood, and pacing. When you shoot with a track in mind, your edits feel more intentional — and the final video flows naturally.

— Most of your work sits somewhere between story-driven videos and purely visual pieces. Which do you enjoy working on more, and how does the process differ?

— I enjoy both, but story-driven projects tend to stay with me longer. Purely visual pieces are often more instinctive — they rely on mood, rhythm, and quick creative decisions. Storytelling, on the other hand, demands more structure, patience, and emotional clarity. Each approach challenges a different part of my creativity, which is why I find value in moving between the two.

— Do you consciously bring Kuwaiti culture into your work? How?

— Yes, but in a subtle way. I don’t always reference culture directly; instead, it shows up in textures, themes, and creative choices. Projects connected to heritage and identity are where this influence comes through most clearly, even when it isn’t immediately obvious.

— In one of your posts, you mentioned that working on a Formula 1 project felt like a dream come true. How did that opportunity come about, and what did that day feel like from the inside?

— It really was a dream. To be precise, the project was coverage for the Lusail International Circuit during the Formula 1 weekend, rather than official Formula 1 coverage itself.

My first experience in this world started on a much smaller scale a few years ago, and even then it felt unreal — simply because it is one of the biggest stages in motorsport. By 2025, that dream had grown. I was leading a larger team and delivering a more elevated, distinctive style of coverage for the circuit.

From the inside, it is high pressure and high energy, but it is also filled with gratitude. I wasn’t just proud — I was genuinely happy. It felt like a dream expanding, and the final result was something we were truly proud of.

— How has Instagram changed the way you think about creating content?

— Instagram taught me discipline and consistency, but I don’t chase the algorithm. I focus on creating work I genuinely believe in. Relevance, in my experience, comes from honesty and a clear point of view — not from following trends.

— Do you have a favourite project?

— Rather than one specific project, it is a certain type of work that excites me most. My favourite projects are the ones where a client gives me real creative freedom — when there is no ceiling and they simply say, “Go for it — show us your creativity.”

That freedom, combined with the pressure and fear of delivering something truly strong, is what pushes me to raise my level every time.