Getting a feature in an international magazine doesn't feel the way you think it will. It's quieter. More internal. You open the PDF, find your pages, and just sit with it for a minute.
This was the editorial that landed me in MALVIE's Main Issue Vol. 46: a French fashion and beauty magazine with a serious international readership. The shoot was called Let Your Inner Charisma Take the Lead, and it featured model Maria Khodikova. We shot it in a clean studio space in Dubai, the kind of simple white-wall setup where everything comes down to your subject and how you direct them.
Maria brought an energy that made the whole thing work. There's a certain kind of model who understands space: who knows that stillness is its own kind of movement. She had that. We went through several wardrobe changes, mixed denim and structured pieces, and built the story one frame at a time. By the end we had a set I genuinely felt proud of, which is rarer than it sounds.
"Each click is not just a picture: it's a chapter in the visual novel of life."
MALVIE also ran an interview alongside the editorial. I don't usually go long on interviews: I'd rather let the work speak: but these questions actually pushed me to articulate things I hadn't put into words before. About why I got into photography, what keeps me in it, and where I'm trying to go. I'm sharing it in full below because I think it captures where my head was at in early 2024, and honestly, most of it still holds.
The Interview
As published in MALVIE Main Issue Vol. 46: Freezing Time, Crafting Stories: A Journey of Passion and Creativity with Hatim Champeli
As a tech-savvy Digital Marketing professional, how do you integrate your marketing expertise into your photography work?
As a digital marketing enthusiast, I seamlessly intertwine technology with the art of photography. Harnessing the power of social media, SEO, and data analytics, I not only capture moments but curate visual stories that resonate in the digital landscape.
What ignited your passion for capturing moments and telling stories through photography? How has this passion evolved over the six years you've been immersed in the field?
My passion for photography ignited from a desire to freeze fleeting moments in time. Over the past six years, this flame has evolved into a bonfire of creativity. Each click is not just a picture; it's a chapter in the visual novel of life. The motto is 'Capturing Life, Creating Art.'
Your portfolio spans across various genres, from Creative to Fashion, Makeup, and Boudoir Photoshoots. How do you approach each genre, and do you have a favourite style or type of photoshoot?
Every genre is a canvas, and I approach each with a unique brushstroke. From the avant-garde of creative shoots to the elegance of fashion and the intimacy of boudoir, I find joy in diversity. While I don't play favourites, the magic often happens in the delicate dance of boudoir shoots.
Congratulations on receiving the Best Photographer 2021 award from the 999 People's Choice Awards! How did this recognition impact your perspective on your work, and how do you strive to maintain excellence in your photography?
The Best Photographer 2021 award is a humbling acknowledgment. It's a fuel that propels me to exceed expectations continually. Maintaining excellence is a dance between passion and precision, a rhythm that keeps my work vibrant and relevant.
Having your work featured in international magazines is a significant accomplishment. Can you share some insights into how your work gained international recognition and made its way into these publications?
Gaining international recognition was a serendipitous journey. Embracing the digital realm, coupled with a dedication to storytelling, organically drew attention. It's a testament to the universality of visual language and the power of authentic narratives.
You mention having a keen eye for artistic expression and dedicating yourself to perfection and client satisfaction. How do you balance artistic expression with meeting client expectations, and what role does attention to detail play in your creative process?
Balancing artistic expression and client expectations is akin to a harmonious duet. Attention to detail is the key melody; it ensures that the visual symphony resonates with the client's vision while retaining the signature notes of my artistic expression.
What does the process of weaving captivating visual narratives mean to you, and how do you ensure that each project tells a unique and compelling story?
Weaving captivating visual narratives is an art of its own. Each project is a unique story waiting to be told. I delve into the essence of the subject, allowing their narrative to unfold organically. It's a dance between intent and interpretation.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as a photographer? Are there specific projects or milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years?
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue pushing creative boundaries. I aspire to embark on projects that challenge norms, break barriers, and contribute to the evolving tapestry of visual storytelling. Each milestone is a stepping stone to a grander visual odyssey.
Reading those answers back now, a year on, a few things have shifted. The boudoir line still makes me smile: it's true, there's a particular kind of trust involved in that work that I find compelling. But the bigger change is Dubai itself. When that interview went to print I'd been here a few years. Now it genuinely feels like home, and that changes what you photograph and why. The city moves fast, the creative scene here keeps growing, and there's no shortage of talent to collaborate with.
If you're a Dubai photographer: whether you shoot portraits, fashion, editorial or something in between: you already know how much this place gives you visually. The light alone is worth building a career around. I'm still figuring out the best ways to use it.
