The fascination of unknown places with Benjamin Barakat

Can you tell us a bit about how you came to photography?

I've always found the night sky and the cosmos intriguing. However, my venture into astrophotography truly began during countless nights spent stargazing with my wife. It was during these moments that the idea dawned on me to capture the beauty of the stars through the lens of a camera. With no prior experience in photography and little knowledge of astronomy, I embarked on this journey, unaware even of the existence of the Milky Way. Soon after, my father gifted me his old camera, which I eagerly put to use. Those initial steps paved the way for where I find myself today, pursuing my passion alongside my wife and children, a journey that has become one of my life's greatest purposes.

Photo: Benjamin Barakat

Please share something about your images. What is your special interest? How do you choose the colors, composition, themes etc.? 

I don't usually adhere to a specific theme unless a series of interconnected ideas sparks my imagination. Lately, though, my focus has naturally gravitated towards trees, an obsession that has deepened over the years.

When it comes to colours, I find myself drawn to cooler tones and subtle hints of purple, adapting my palette to complement the unique landscapes I encounter. As for composition, it's an intuitive process for me ‒ I sense it rather than rationalize it. My perspective often diverges from the conventional, allowing me to capture scenes from unexpected angles and viewpoints.

Lately, some of my most cherished images have been captured from within the heart of trees, offering a unique perspective that evokes a sense of looking out or peering through nature's embrace. While many may prefer to maintain a distance from their subjects, I revel in the intimacy of getting up close and personal with the landscape, forging a deeper connection with the world around me.

Photo: Benjamin Barakat

Where does this interest come from?

I've always been drawn to the cosmos, fascinated by the infinite possibilities and mysteries that lie beyond our galaxy. When I immerse myself in contemplating the cosmos, I find a profound sense of tranquillity. It's as if connecting with the vast expanse of the night sky is ingrained in human nature ‒ a birth right that beckons us to admire and worship its magnificence.

For me, stargazing isn't just a hobby; it's akin to a religion or a way of life. It's a sacred space where I channel my emotions and aspirations, sending them out into the universe. With my wild and vivid imagination, I revel in the creative freedom that astrophotography offers. It's a realm where I can unleash my visions and ideas, crafting images that reflect the depths of my imagination.

Photo: Benjamin Barakat

How do you get inspired? And what inspires you the most? Films, books, or magazines? Or what surrounds you?

I'm constantly fuelled by the allure of unexplored locales, seeking out untouched landscapes ripe for the lens of astrophotography. My passion for capturing the essence of nature knows no bounds, with a particular obsession for landscapes and trees. Whenever I encounter a new or ancient tree species, possessing a distinctive charm of its own, I'm compelled to immortalize it through my camera lens.

Recently, my artistic muse has led me to the captivating island of Socotra. Its botanical treasures, found nowhere else on our planet, have ignited a fervent inspiration within me. Socotra is a photographer's paradise, with each tree boasting its unique silhouette and character. I'm on a relentless quest to discover the most extraordinary and enchanting trees this island has to offer, eager to translate their beauty into mesmerizing images.

What was your first camera?

My inaugural camera was a Canon 5D Mark III ‒ a clunky contraption that often churned out grainy images and quirky artefacts. Despite its limitations, it served as the perfect companion for navigating my initial forays into the world of photography, guiding my tentative steps toward the path I tread today.

What else should we know about you?

I'm Benjamin Barakat, a fusion of Lebanese and British ancestry. England was my playground in my formative years, but as a teenager, I felt the pull of Lebanon, and later, the allure of Dubai, where fate introduced me to my wife. Now, nestled amidst Switzerland's picturesque landscapes, I share my world with Alma, my captivating wife, and our two charming daughters, Ruby and Mira.

Photography is my passion, my profession, and my purpose. With my lens, I capture the essence of life's fleeting moments, conducting seminars, workshops, and photography tours worldwide. Alongside, I navigate the realms of real estate photography, blending artistry with the pragmatism of business.

My academic journey in Business Management took an unexpected detour when I chose to join my father in our family business. Yet, my heart sought a deeper fulfilment. It wasn't until I discovered photography that I found my true calling ‒ a medium through which I could narrate stories, freeze moments, and paint the world with the hues of my imagination.