Lebanon, And Beirut, in particular, was known as the “Paris of the Middle East”. It's a country full of hidden gems, ornate architecture, and painful history. After the civil war, this country has continued to rebuild - which makes it appealing for people looking to “get off the beaten path”.
We chose Lebanon as a country to explore after some research into its history and the abundance of abandoned architecture that still resides countrywide.
On our arrival and as we exited the airport we were greeted with Army checkpoints and the overwhelming feeling of chaos as we witnessed the flood of mopeds, bikes, and traffic like I have never witnessed despite all of my travel experiences. I instantly knew this was going to be both an eye-opening and memorable trip.
I had an idea of doing a self-portrait series and to shoot in as many locations as possible. This meant overcoming a few challenges including the heat and ensuring I posed differently for each shot. Battling the elements of natural light whilst also remaining respectful was also a top priority whilst shooting my series in Lebanon - and I was only going to use natural light, as this made the kit lighter.
We visited nearly 30 locations and each one had their own story to tell. Some were laced with bullet holes whilst some were just simply aged and abandoned with time. I hope you enjoy my series as I take you through this unique country with my portrait series.
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Middle Eastern homes are known to have lavish entrances and these ornate trio of arches are a common feature in most. This house now resides as a gallery and exhibition center despite the decay and leaking roof.
This location was breathtaking in terms of its architecture and these beautiful arches.
Known as the "Rose House" this beautiful mansion overlooks the Mediterranean sea.
This abandoned theatre in the center of Beirut was once a place where locals would attend to see live shows.
A rare drone shot of these planes, word has it they were used to house tropical fish in the sea having been stripped and filled with cement in preparation.
It was comforting to see this particular mansion being renovated as we visited, kindly they still let us in to take photographs.
The natural light in this location was lush. So quiet inside despite the business that unfolded on the streets below us.
Well hidden, this location was sadly riddled in bullet holes and destruction, word has it this staircase was built specifically as a lookout for the Lebanese army during the Civil War
My pose reflects the heartbreak this location holds, still standing despite the destruction.
Rumored to have been a base for the Syrian army, this hotel stands today as a reminder of darker times.
One of a few of Lebanon's abandoned train stations, unfortunately, trains are still not running today these lay as a sore reminder of how beneficial the rail network once was for the city.
A gorgeous mansion that overlooks a peaceful town in Lebanon.
This hidden little gem is thankfully looked after by a local, who kindly let us photograph inside.
A visual example of how the Civil War in Lebanon affected what was once a beautiful and grand mansion.
Captured within a train yard, where trains, chunks of metal and machinery lay decaying under the warm summer sun.
