Instructors

Toufic Araman

Blog: http://www.facebook.com/aramanstudio

A trained painter and award winning photographer, Toufic Araman spends his time between Dubai, Cairo and Beirut. He is versatile in various photography fields, advertising, fashion, hotels and food photography. He has displayed his talent through major advertising campaigns. His work was shown at the Noorderlicht Festival, Groningen, The Netherlands, Brecht Forum, New York, USA, Photo Finish, Melbourne, Australia and Dubai Art Fair, Dubai, UAE

Araman studied at the International Center of Photography (ICP) and School of Visual Arts (SVA), New York. His work is distinguished by his propensity for story-telling, lighting which plays a character and images that often have a sense of humor.

AWARDS
Davey Awards 2010 - Gold Award – New York – Fashion - 2010
Creativity International Award – Australia - Fashion – Silver - 2010
Gulf Photo Plus – Best Advertising – Dubai - 2009

PHOTOLOSOPHY
I don't define myself as anything more than an observer; I don't give solutions, I simply reflect. My work takes the viewer through the journey of my thoughts, towards the exact feeling or moral I try to reflect. I want to be labeled as an effective communicator, and let that be through photography, painting or film.

Photography is modern and fast. Photography reflects the fragility of objects; it combines different elements to produce one masterpiece. The reason I favor photography is because of its stillness. It could gather all the elements of a 10 minute film in one single frame. One shot, and the message is there: crystal clear.

Photographs are not real. They reflect the reality of the person behind the lens. Photography is very subjective, as a photographer I will choose my angle, and so the frame will reflect only what I have chosen to capture.

We are too involved in our emotions, beliefs and human conditions to portray objectivity in its finest forms.

I don't build my creativity on a person's influence; however, I admire the pioneers, as they define the concept of uniqueness (individuality) to me. They dared to do the different against the mainstream, thus becoming the first in history.

It is when you are able to view the world from all sides and perspectives that you acquire that gentle touch of art, which reflects your deep belonging to humanity in general.