On a weekly basis this exceptional photographer inspires creatives from the region with her unusual, amazingly versatile and impeccably executed editorials published in The National's M Magazine.
I have not had the honor of working with her, yet I rush to the Newspaper stand every Saturday to grab a copy of the M Magazine as though it was my own work published inside, just to see what Tina has been up to. On a regular basis I catch myself thinking "awww, I wish I had done that" and certainly always I react with "holy s..t, that's seriously amazing".
Her editorials let you assume an artist behind the camera who is very true to herself and does not bend or conform to norms or expectations of her environment. Her photos feel as though she truly believes in her instincts, her talent and vision as an artist.
Tina surrounds herself with some of the finest stylists and makeup artists of the UAE and you can almost feel their presence when looking at her photos. The passion for fashion, storytelling, creativity and artistry is so evident in her editorials, you just know that there is a amazingly excited team of professionals standing behind the camera looking over Tina's shoulder trying to catch a glimpse of her last shot.
Tina's works are certainly shaping the future of Fashion Photography in the UAE by challenging the traditional commercial approach often demanded by clients and imposed on the resident photographers. I am convinced that over the long run her creative input will change the minds and develop the UAE into a Middle Eastern hub appreciating creative freedom, non-traditional beauty and artists who aim for the extraordinary. Inshallah, it will.
And here her most recent one, styled by the incredibly talented Sarah Maisey.
photo credit: The National M Magazine
