Jury 2010

Salem Basabeen

PHOTO EDITOR, AL ZAWIAH (SAUDI ARABIA)

"In Saudi Arabia, as far as I'm concerned, the photography industry has developed immensely in the last 10 years," says Salem Basabeen, photo editor at Al Zawiah magazine. "We have seen not only the introduction of digital photography, but also new media tools. Globalization has exposed Saudi Arabia to all the latest technologies."

Salem studied media and communications at the King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah. He then started his photography career in 1997 as a photo journalist and graphic designer for Assayarat, an Arabic car magazine. His career highlight to date was getting his current position at Al Zawiah in 2007.

What is it like working at Saudi Arabia’s premier photography magazine? "In each new issue of Al Zawiah, we take a new challenge or a new idea or concept that will make our upcoming issue different and more exciting than the previous one. My day starts with the magazine board meeting to discuss subjects to be published in the upcoming issue. After that I review all photo and editorial contents scheduled for publishing. I then review the new editorial tasks and assign team members to handle them."

What does he love about photography? "It has an ability to portray facts, reality and action in a neutral but also beautiful way. Photography also enhances your creativity and sharpens your view of the world around you. If you are a photographer, you pay more attention to the smallest details around you and learn how to discover beauty in everything. I also love that it is a common language that anyone can understand."

Why was he interested in being a judge for Red Bull Illume? "I appreciate that the contest is open to photographers from any part of the world. It’s also linked to Red Bull, which is known globally for its huge involvement in sports and youth activities. I also want to congratulate and support the photographers and athletes involved who make such beautiful photos."