Rabab Faisal on Turning Personal History into Visual Stories

The winning piece is part of a larger narrative exploring the silent strength within everyday people, especially women and children in conflict affected areas. It was taken in Sudan, in a quiet moment that revealed so much unspoken emotion. Winning this award reaffirms that our stories, no matter how distant or humble, deserve to be seen and remembered.

I choose based on emotional truth. I ask myself: Does this image carry a story that will linger in someone’s heart? Technical excellence matters, but storytelling comes first. I submit what feels honest, raw, and timeless.

Curiosity. I was fascinated by how light shapes mood, and how a single frame could carry layers of meaning. My earliest images were about observation; later, they became about intention and advocacy.

Portraiture is not just about capturing a face; it’s about capturing essence. A good portrait speaks even in silence, honoring presence, emotion, and individuality.

I use a Canon Mark III paired with a 50mm f/1.2 lens. This setup gives me sharpness, creamy depth, and adaptability in natural light. My favorite feature is its low-light performance; it helps me capture authentic moments without interrupting them.

Connection. I want viewers to feel seen or reminded of someone they love. I want them to pause and truly feel.

The emotion. I had to hold the camera steady while holding back my own feelings. Respecting the subject’s vulnerability and honoring the moment was the hardest part.

Sudan: its people, textures, light, and stories. I’m endlessly inspired by its contrasts — gentleness and strength, chaos and grace.

The Sudanese people—their resilience, depth, and unfiltered beauty—inspire me, as do photographers like Sebastiao Salgado, who remind me that storytelling and ethics can go hand in hand.

Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Submit your truth. Awards are not just recognition—they are stages where stories travel far. Let your work carry your values, not just your vision.

Start with what you know. Your neighborhood, your family, your story. Your authenticity is your strongest lens.

Minimal but intentional. I use editing to enhance the emotion, not to alter the reality. It’s like seasoning a dish: enough to bring out the flavor, not change the essence.

AI is a powerful but neutral tool. It can democratize creativity if used ethically. For me, it offers new ways to archive, enhance, and share.

I would photograph elderly women across African villages—their wrinkles, hands, and silence. They hold wisdom that needs no caption.