I`m drawn to the fact that an individual and his camera could freeze a

Art
Christian Ghammachi
Creative
Pursuits
“I think our
characters are built
stone-by-stone over
time, each stone
tells a story. Things
that affect us are not
always obvious or
conscious.”
The self-taught, ever
talented and passionate
photographer, Christian
Ghammachi, has just
released his first book,
19 Years Later Kirsty
Edwards-Harris chat’s
with him about his
photographic journey.
26
W
ith both Lebanese and
French roots, Christian
Ghammachi has spent
most of his life living
throughout the Middle
East. A Lawyer by
education and profession he has a clear and
infectious enthusiasm for creative pursuits. He
believes that many things have had an influence
on his creativity including his parents, the people
he’s met and his colourful experiences, with his
father initiating his journey into photography.
“He owned an amazing camera when I was
Ohlala! I December 2010 I www.ohlala-magazine.com
“I’m drawn to
the fact that an
individual and
his camera could
freeze a moment or
capture an emotion
and, forever go
back to it.”
growing up and, unknowingly, altered my life. I
constantly felt drawn to it and what it could do,
until the day I finally snatched it and began my
photography journey.”
Being a rather observant and sensitive person,
over the years Christian has been affected by
many things, places and people. He tells us,
“I think our characters are built stone-by-stone
over time, each stone tells a story. Things that
affect us are not always obvious or conscious.”
From a young age, Christian recognised that
he had a passion for creative pursuits as he was
drawn to photos and, “The fact that an 
individual
27
Art
Christian Ghammachi
“There is only you
and your camera. The
Limitations in your
photography are in
yourself, for what you
see is what you are.” Ernst Haas
“There is so much
beauty in this world
and one has to take
the time to learn to
look for it. I enjoy
taking photographs of
anything that makes
me vibrate.”
Christian Ghammachi’s photography exhibition,
19 Years Later, runs from December 14 to
January 4 in Lebanon with a book signing on
December 19 and 20.
19 Years Later, the book, will be available in
Virgin across the Middle East and other stores
from December 11. For information, www.
christianghammachi.com
individual and his camera could freeze a
moment or capture an emotion and, forever
go back to it. As I explain in my new book, 19
Years Later, I felt like I had discovered my own
time and space machine!”
It wasn’t until a few years after Christian
had discovered his father’s camera that he
unearthed his hidden talent for photography.
Throughout this period, he’d been teaching
himself with the few photography books that
he had acquired. Christian elaborates, “Many
rolls of film and months later, I finally took a
shot that moved me; one that made me think
I may be on to something.”
Resolutely following his passion for
photography and evolving his talent by reading
about technical aspects of the subject, as well
as photography books and magazines for tips
and advice, Christian tells us that he was never
tempted to take any professional courses. “I
was always worried that my perception of
things, as well as my technical skills would be
molded.
“The best book I ever read, one that
really helped me from the start, was a book
called Natural Light Photography. You see,
photography is all about light, and knowing
how to see it, use it and transfer it onto the
camera. Through the years, I have been
striving to learn to better see and, therefore
better capture, light.”
Drawing inspiration from a variety of subjects
that move him emotionally, Christian tells us
that, “When you observe and look around you
closely, a lot of things can move you.
“I enjoy looking for the less obvious beauty.
A pretty woman, handsome man or red sunset
28
are all great but, there is so much beauty in
this world and one has to take the time to
learn to look for it. I enjoy taking photographs
of anything that makes me vibrate.”
Every time Christian travels and takes
photos, he ends up having a new favourite
image but, one that has really moved him, is
the photo on the cover of his recently-released
photography book.
"Smoke is the first photo I ever took that
made me feel like I had transferred the
emotions of a person and a moment onto
my camera. It therefore has a very strong
emotional value for me.
“My next favourite photo is Apple Girl, shot
in Cuba in 2008, simply because it has so
much going on in it and the joyfulness of the
people caught on camera is contagious!”
Talking about the release of his book,
Christian explains that it tells the story of
his relationship with photography, from the
moment he first discovered his passion for it,
until the present day. “It is chronological and
therefore showcases my favourite photos,
over the years. When I felt it was important,
I also added text, to explain the evolution of
my art and turning points in my photography,”
he says.
What does it mean to Christian to be
publishing his first book? “I am enamoured
with the result and the feedback has been so
gratifying. I had talked about making a book
for years but, it just never seemed realistic,
until one day, I just decided to do it.”
Christian hopes that people will enjoy his
photographic journey through the years. “For
all of those who are very busy in their daily
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lives, I hope it will encourage them to see our
world with different eyes.”
And, what’s next for this talented and
passionate photographer? “I have an exhibition
in Lebanon, titled 19 Years Later, with a book
signing. I’m thinking of also doing the same or,
at least a book signing, in Bahrain and Dubai
as well.
“As for what comes after that, only time will
tell. I have just returned from Kenya, so maybe
a photography exhibition and/or book about
the country? Or, perhaps, a book about the
children I’ve captured on camera throughout
my travels.”
With a wealth of experience behind him,
Christian advises aspiring photographers not
to put all their energy into getting a technically
perfect image but, to focus on the emotional
aspect just as much: “To let your life affect
your photography,” he says. Christian finishes
our chat by quoting Ernst Haas, “There is only
you and your camera. The Limitations in your
photography are in yourself, for what you see
is what you are.” 
Christian Ghammachi by George Mathew