We were lucky to catch up with Mimo Khair, an internationally acclaimed photographer whose work delves into social issues, human rights, and the complexities of the human experience. Her images, widely exhibited and published, are known for their striking ability to capture fleeting yet powerful moments that transcend cultural and geographic boundaries.

With a distinct visual language shaped by years of observation and engagement with diverse communities, Khair sees photography as a powerful tool for storytelling and human connection. Her work goes beyond documentation, offering a profound exploration of emotion, identity, and resilience. In this interview, she shares insights into her creative process, the influences that have shaped her vision, and the evolving role of photography in today’s world.

Hi Mimo, it’s great to have you here. Let’s start by talking about your journey, what initially drew you to photography, and how has your vision evolved over time? Were there any pivotal experiences that shaped your approach?

When I moved to New York from Lebanon after completing my university studies, I was searching for a way to express myself and my story through art. I explored various creative mediums—drawing, sketching, acting, writing, and music—but nothing fully resonated. Then, by chance, I came across a Pentax analog camera. A photographer friend in New York taught me how to use it, and that moment sparked a lifelong passion for photography. Thirty years later, I’m still deeply in love with the journey. A pivotal moment came in 1996 during a visit to Egypt, where I discovered my love for street photography and documentary work. Since then, I’ve traveled the world in search of compelling subjects, capturing the essence of people and places. Living in Shanghai for 12 years further shaped my approach, broadening my perspective and refining my craft as a global street photographer.

Photography is a blend of instinct, technique, and emotion. When you’re in the field or composing a shot, what are the key elements you focus on? Is it the story, the light, the subject’s emotion, or something else that guides your decision-making?

All of the elements you mentioned—story, light, and emotion—play a role in how I compose and create a photograph. Sometimes, it’s one specific element that draws me in; other times, it’s a combination that compels me to click the shutter. But beyond these technical and visual aspects, there’s something more—an instinct, a rush of elation, a feeling that tells me this is the moment. With time and experience, I’ve learned to cherish these moments but also not to expect them every time I’m out with my camera. Sometimes, they happen, and I capture them. Other times, I simply take in the scene with my eyes and senses, knowing that not every moment needs to be photographed to be meaningful. Photography is a continuous learning experience—an exploration of how to see, interpret, and compose a story from the life unfolding in front of me.

Choosing the right gear is a balance between practicality and artistic preference. What factors influence your choice of camera and lenses for different projects? Do you believe gear plays a crucial role in the final outcome, or is it more about the photographer’s vision?

Gear becomes more important as you gain experience. Some images require a specific lens or angle to achieve the vision I have in my mind, and that understanding only comes with time and practice. In the beginning, the focus should be on developing an eye for composition rather than getting caught up in equipment. That said, the importance of gear depends on the situation. If it’s a fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime moment, capturing it with whatever I have on hand—even a mobile phone—takes priority. But when I have the luxury of time to plan and compose a shot, the choice of gear becomes more crucial in bringing a specific vision to life. While it’s true that a great photographer can create compelling images regardless of the equipment, sometimes the right gear is essential to fully realize an idea.

Post-production is an essential part of the creative process. How do you approach editing your work? Do you see it as a means to refine your vision, or do you view it as an extension of your storytelling?

Post-production has become one of my favorite parts of the creative process. I love taking my time with it—listening to music, immersing myself in the mood of the images, and fine-tuning them to match the emotions I want to convey. My approach starts with a careful selection process—choosing which images to keep and which to let go—followed by a more refined editing stage, where I give each selected image the attention it needs to fully come to life. For me, editing isn’t just about refining a photograph; it’s an extension of my storytelling, a way to shape the final narrative and bring out the essence of each moment I’ve captured.

Creativity requires constant reinvention. How do you stay inspired and continue challenging yourself in your photography? Are there particular experiences, books, or artists that have shaped your creative outlook?

To stay inspired, I immerse myself in different forms of art—reading, visiting galleries, watching films, and traveling. Changing my environment is essential; it helps break the familiarity that can dull my perspective and allows me to see the world with fresh eyes. The same applies to my own photography. If I only look at my work, I risk becoming too comfortable, and growth slows down. That’s why I constantly seek inspiration from other artists—photographers, filmmakers, painters, and even people I observe on the street. I also collect photography books, which serve as both a source of learning and a reminder of the endless possibilities within the medium. Every artwork, film, or fleeting moment that stops me in my tracks contributes to shaping my creative outlook.

Critique and feedback are often seen as stepping stones for growth. How do you handle criticism, and has any particular feedback influenced the way you approach your work?

Criticism—especially the right kind—is essential for growth. In many online photography communities, feedback tends to be overly kind, and constructive criticism can be rare. That’s why I’ve learned to look for it in more subtle ways, like noticing why one image resonates more than another or why certain work doesn’t receive as much engagement. Finding the right critics who can genuinely help you evolve is challenging, but I try to be my own toughest critic by revisiting older work and assessing how I’ve grown. Curating my work for exhibitions has also been an invaluable learning experience. My curator’s honest feedback has pushed me to reevaluate my images and recognize areas for improvement, ultimately strengthening my approach to photography.

Looking ahead, do you have any upcoming projects or locations you’re excited to explore? What aspects of these new ventures are inspiring you the most?

Yes, I’ve been exploring film and the moving image—particularly animation—since the COVID pandemic, and I’m excited about the possibilities of blending that medium with photography. The intersection of still and moving images opens up new ways to tell stories, and I’m eager to push those creative boundaries further. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the UAE and Oman, and I was deeply inspired by the region’s light, landscapes, and architecture. The visual richness of these places sparked new ideas, and I plan to return next year to explore them further, capturing new stories and perspectives along the way.

The photography industry is always evolving, with new trends and technologies shaping the way we work. How do you adapt to these changes, and do you see them as opportunities or challenges?

I embrace innovation and change because they are essential for growth and discovery. The evolution of photography, like everything else in the world, presents both opportunities and new creative possibilities. I’m always paying attention to emerging technologies and how they can enhance my artistic process. The key is to use them as tools—to assist and expand my vision rather than define it. Photography is constantly evolving, and adapting to these shifts keeps the journey exciting, allowing me to explore new dimensions of storytelling and expression.

For those looking to build a career in photography, it can be a daunting journey. What advice would you give to emerging photographers trying to refine their craft and establish themselves in the industry?

My advice is to not let fear or imposter syndrome hold you back—we all experience it at some point. The key is to stay connected to your passion and process rather than getting too caught up in the outcome. Remembering why you create in the first place is the best fuel for growth, whether or not you have specific goals in mind. Success in photography, like any craft, comes from consistent dedication. It’s about showing up every day, putting in the work, and staying focused. Even the highest mountain can be climbed one step at a time. On a practical level, share your work as much as possible, put yourself out there, and be resilient. Adapt, learn, and embrace change—it’s all part of the journey to refining your vision and finding your place in the industry.

Photography has the power to evoke emotions, tell stories, and challenge perceptions. What do you hope people take away from your work, and is there a particular impact you strive to create through your images?

Yes, I’ve always hoped to create art that does something—something meaningful, something that fosters connection. Throughout my journey, that something has been the idea of building human connections through my work. So much happens in the world that we never see or hear about, yet these unseen moments are part of our shared human story. Photography has the power to bridge those gaps, allowing us to see and connect with people across cultures and borders. I hope my images strengthen our sense of humanity and remind us of the emotions, experiences, and connections that make us who we are. At its core, my work is about evoking the essence of what it means to be human.

Website : https://mimokhairphotography.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mimokhairphotography/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimokhair/

More works: https://linktr.ee/mimokhair

Image Credits
Mimo Khair

Have a question for Mimo or want to share your thoughts? Drop a comment below!

Nominate Someone: Camorabug is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.