Sun/Moon Obsession. Interview With ALJVD

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by Alexandra Mansilla

Sun/Moon Obsession. Interview With ALJVD

21 Mar 2024

He didn't start as a photographer. Altamash Javed, also known as ALJVD on Instagram or just Al to his friends, used to work in banking. But then he made a big change and dived into photography. And it seems like he made the right move — many of you are subscribed to his Instagram account.

We talked with him about the early days of Instagram filters, finding out which smartphone camera he prefers, and hearing some stories, like when security guards asked him to delete his photos or the craziest experience Altamash witnessed with the Moon and the Sun. Plus, we learned that ALJVD also takes portraits!

— Your story is quite remarkable. You weren't always a photographer — you used to work in banking! So, what made you transition from banking to photography? Were you simply tired of the banking world, or was there something else?

— Basically, I graduated in 2008 in finance and joined an investment bank. At the time, my boss was optimistic, promising that by the end of the year, I would have a Porsche due to the profits we would make. However, 2008 turned out to be one of the worst financial years of our time. It was a tough period, but I learned a lot from it.

Photography has always been a part of me, I suppose. Even when I had a Blackberry with its basic camera, I found myself taking walks and naturally capturing moments. I used to post these pictures on Facebook back in the day, although I don't use it anymore. Friends started appreciating my photos, encouraging me to go on. Then Instagram came along, and I began posting there. It has been a journey ever since.

— Did you use Instagram filters for the first time?

— Yes, heavily. Lo-Fi was my favourite. It was a fun time with those low-res square photos.

Time flies, and it is already 2024. I vividly recall everything kicking off here, at least in this region, around 2015–2016. It is remarkable how I have witnessed numerous phases of the Instagram photography community. One thing is undeniable: the photography community has exploded, greatly impacting our careers.

— You have some photos of Burj Khalifa in clouds. From what point of the city did you make it?

— There was a time when we used to do a lot of rooftop photography. Yeah, back around 2016–2017, we would climb buildings and explore rooftops to get a different angle and view of the city. However, it had to come to an end due to security concerns and other factors.

For me, it has always been important to capture iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa. It is one of the most photographed buildings in the world. A fascinating structure, the tallest building in the world. The challenge was figuring out how to put my own spin on it. I was known as the “Burj Khalifa kid” for about three years.

Instagram: @aljvd

— When taking photos in the UAE, it is always essential to get permission first. Have you ever run into any trouble when taking photos without permission?

— Yeah, just the other day, I was in Abu Dhabi. They have some really nice architecture there. And I love it, as you can see from my page.

So, I decided to take a small walk around the government building, the Investment Authority. Just a small walk around the building with my iPhone, not a camera. However, a security guard saw me in one corner and told me not to take photos. Despite this, there was a specific angle I wanted to capture from the front. So, what I did was go to a nearby park, sit for a bit, and then walk around the building from the other side to get the angle I wanted. As I was walking away, a local security guy came to me and said, “We have been watching you for at least 10–15 minutes.” He was super nice but firm in informing me that photography of the government building is prohibited. I began explaining that I was very far from the building, but that guy was like, “It is nice, but I am going to ask you to delete them.” So, I deleted the photos. And then, the guy made sure that I deleted the photos from the “Recently deleted” folder. They were very strict about it. I don't want to have trouble with authorities. But, yes, in terms of travel, I have been in trouble many times!

— You attended your first Apple event last year. How was it?

— So, informally, we kind of work together. When Apple opened here, they were looking for photographers. Initially, I provided them with a huge list of photographers they could collaborate with on projects. Then Apple opened their main Instagram account, and many of my pictures were featured there back in the early days. That relationship has continued, and I still do work for them.

Before, Apple events used to be attended only by journalists. But in the past four or five years, they started inviting Tech YouTubers, reviewers, and us photographers, especially iPhone photographers. They expanded their invitations globally, and I was actually invited the year before last, but I had a visa issue. Still, they reached out again, inviting me to attend the iPhone 15 launch. It was a great experience because it wasn't just us; people from all over the world joined.

Recently, Tim Cook even posted one of my photos on his Twitter for World Photography Day. It was a really exciting moment.

You know, everything is Apple now — we have iPhones, I am talking to you on a Mac. And then, at the event, you can see where all this development happens. It is pretty amazing. I feel blessed.

— As editors, we always take care of photo usage, making sure we follow copyright and licensing rules. Have you ever found your photos used without credit? If so, what is your usual approach?

— Oh, too many times! When we find such cases, especially if they are for commercial use, we will send a notice to these people. Usually, if it is online and they don't comply, it will be taken down by the respective site. For example, if it is on Instagram, you can file a complaint and show proof with the original file. Thankfully, I haven't had an issue where I have had to resort to full legal recourse yet. However, it has happened frequently, and our community is good at notifying us.

Sometimes, if nobody is making money from it, I just let it go. But if it is for commercial use or something similar, then you send a message. You usually try to work something out as well. You don't always have to get angry that they stole your picture; just give credit and show the photographer some respect. Let's work together to figure something out. As a creator, I find it super annoying and just not a good feeling.

— I suppose you will say iPhone, but maybe not. What smartphone has the best camera?

— To be honest, I use an iPhone because I believe it is the best option for me. I am not a tech reviewer, so I haven't tested other brands like Samsung, Huawei, or others. I am deeply in the Apple ecosystem, and I credit the iPhone for much of my photography journey.

I remember starting with an iPhone 4, and now we are at iPhone 15. The quality is exceptional. I only use an iPhone, and I am very happy with it.

— But are there any smartphone models that interest you?

— The Samsung models, I think. They are doing some interesting things, especially with AI. I have noticed features like AI Zoom, which piques my interest when I see it on social media or when my friends use it. It makes me think maybe I should give it a try. But ultimately, I stick with Apple.

Instagram: @aljvd

— When someone with no photography experience picks up a camera for the first time, they often start by capturing their surroundings — buildings, nature, and more. And, of course, they want to grab the attention of the community. How to do it? How to be different?

— For me, the most important thing is that my intention isn't to be different. I don't approach photography with that mindset. I know my style is a bit unique, not to sound pompous about it, but that is just how it is. However, my intention isn't to deliberately go out and create something completely different just for the sake of it.

It may sound cliché, but you have to be true to yourself. As long as your clear intention is to capture something because you genuinely like it, because it stopped you in your tracks, and you saw something special, then that is all that matters. I just snap it that way, and if people find it to be a bit different or unique, even better. It is important to differentiate, especially when everyone in the photography community seems to be doing the same thing.

It is not just about clicking a button; you should envision the picture in your mind. Sometimes, you should imagine getting a particular angle or capturing the sun behind a certain object. It is about having the artist in you come up with ideas. You also need to understand the technical side of photography, such as knowing which lens to use. When those two elements come together, you create something unique.

— But you were noticed. And there are many new photographers who are waiting for their turn to be noticed. Do you remember the day when you realised that you had been recognised by the community?

— Yeah, I do! One of the guys encouraged me to participate more. He said: “You need to do it more because the way you are capturing the city is different.” And this is just with my iPhone. I have a lot of respect for this guy because I admire his photography a lot.

— Who was it?

— His name is Harald Herrera.

— Once you mentioned that the thing that always recharges you is the museums. Why? Which?

— I have always had a passion for history in general. Visiting museums is like stepping into the past — it brings about nostalgia and provides insights into how people lived and worked in different eras. It is more of a hobby for me, and wherever I travel, I make it a point to visit as many museums as possible. Even here, I try to promote all the hidden gems we have. So, that is my second interest, especially in history. When you see things in museums, it can be mind-blowing sometimes. I think it helps to open your mind and be more creative. I often wonder about the photographers of the past who didn't have cameras and instead relied on sketching. It is fascinating to see that kind of artwork.

— Which museums do you like?

— I don't have a favourite museum; wherever I go, I just try to do a little research. But if I had to choose, I really like the Guggenheim in New York. Firstly, the building itself is like a work of art — it is this unique circular structure, and I am a big fan of the Art Deco era, particularly the 1930s and 40s. There is something about it that just draws me in. Then, the collection they have there is unbelievable. I went there just because there was an exhibition, and as I made my way to the top floor on this circular path, I stumbled upon some incredible Picasso pieces. I couldn't believe I was standing in front of them. They have such a diverse range of artwork. I definitely plan to go back there, but I also have a list of other museums that I want to visit.

— For example?

— I want to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and I am also heading to London soon to explore all the stuff they have there.

Instagram: @aljvd

— So, you mentioned you like history. Is there any favourite part of it?

— For me, it is the 15th and 16th centuries. Wherever I go, I seem to be drawn to that period of time. I am fascinated by the opulence, the art, and the architecture that emerged during that era. It feels like such a captivating period in history.

— Your obsession with the beauty of the Moon and Sun is evident. So, here is an impossible question to answer. What is the beauty of the Moon for you?

— I can't quite explain it. I remember that, as a kid, we had a big telescope at home, and I have always been fascinated by space. We would try to observe the Moon's surface and explore the stars.

When I was five, I had a huge solar system book. And when I got my first computer, my first CDs were about space.

My interest in space has always been a part of me, and now, it is still there. The Moon and stars are the two big things up there that are close to us and easy to photograph. I remember even when I started photography with the simplest Nokia phone, I would always take pictures of the Moon. I don't know why; I just did it.

Photo: ALJVD

— Can you remember the most beautiful Moon you saw?

— The craziest experience I have had with the Moon and Sun was in December 2019 when we had an eclipse here. What made it unique was that it occurred at sunrise. I went into the desert to witness it and managed to capture some incredible photos. As the Sun was rising, the Moon began to eclipse it, creating a surreal sight. It is one of the most unique things I have ever seen. Something that blows your mind.

I was in the desert, far from Dubai, almost in darkness at 5 am, and I arrived just in time to witness the sunrise with the Moon partially covering it. I spent about an hour photographing the Moon and Sun. It was an extraordinary moment to see the desert light up as the Sun rose while the Moon was covering it, and then it suddenly got dark again. It was quite a challenge as a photographer because I didn't have all the proper equipment, but I improvised and learned a lot in the process. Capturing that was insane.

— Why do you rarely take pictures of people?

— I actually take a lot of pictures of people, although you wouldn't see much of that on my Instagram page. I enjoy shooting portraits of my friends, but I tend not to post them too often on social media. I guess I prefer to keep my Instagram page curated in a certain way.

One of the challenges I face is that people often ask me what photography category I specialise in, but I don't like to confine myself to one category. Some days, I might be shooting architecture; other days, I am shooting interiors, and then there are times when I focus on portraits. I have even featured some of my friends' portraits in exhibitions here. So, while I do enjoy shooting portraits, it is not something I am particularly known for.

Photo: ALJVD

— You should create another Instagram account for portraits!

— It is not a bad idea! I thought about it, but I am very lazy.

— Maybe you have some plans that you want, some projects, or maybe exhibitions that you want to announce.

— The problem is if I announce it, it won’t happen. That is just how it goes, you know? I have learned too much from my experience. However, I will try to give you some hints. I am currently working on a solo exhibition linked to my obsession with the Sun and Moon.

Additionally, I have a goal to publish a book. It is going to take some time to put everything together.

— When are you planning your exhibition?

— I am thinking either April or the second half of the year, perhaps September.

by Alexandra Mansilla