‘A view of Hull through the lens of International Exchange Student Albaraa Almasari’
Sometimes, a photo appears on your Insta explore page and stops you in your tracks: the composition, the unusual perspective, the evocation of a specific moment forever captured in time.
This is exactly what we experienced when Albaraa Almasari’s (otherwise on known as @aa3sa) photograph of Hull Minster appeared on our timeline, so we just had to catch up with the artist in question to see Hull from their lens.
words: Poppy Irwin
So, who is the person behind the @aa3sa account on Instagram, that so beautifully captures Hull in all its glory?
Albaraa Almasari began his photographic journey in Hull in 2009, having moved here from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Albaraa was inspired by architectural photographers on social media who were using photography to explore new and forgotten parts of their hometowns.
Now aged 22, Albaraa’s love for the city has grown. He spends much of his spare time photographing often overlooked spaces in Hull, capturing them in such a way that they become, in his words, ‘like something out of a movie scene’.
Albaraa told us how he wants people ‘to experience the picture and make them feel like they’re a part of it’ – well, from our perspective, that aim is certainly achieved! The images captured by Albaraa transform Hull into something of a spectacle. Chiaroscuro lighting, atmospheric angles, and the special focus on the city’s vibrant heritage showcase Hull in a way you seldom see it captured.
When we caught up with @aa3sa on Instagram, we were keen to know the process behind the images and his individual approach to artistic curation. The majority of Albaraa’s images are simply him capturing a ‘moment’ of his day-to-day life; there’s no fancy photography set up and no big plan of action, it’s just Albaraa, a camera, a little bit of Lightroom editing and, most importantly, his incredible ability to capture beauty in the ordinary.
There’s no doubt Hull has a fascinating history; from the journeys of the trawlerman to the refusal of entry to King Charles I, these stories are etched into every wall of our city and every cobble in our Old Town. Albaraa tells us how photography has taught him the tales of Hull’s history. He believes that if we spent more time embracing the creative potential of our city, we might better understand this place we all call home.
Firstly, can you tell us a little more about yourself and your story?
My name is Albaraa Almasari, I am 22 years old, from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I first came to the UK in 2009 to study here in Hull till the year 2014 which is when i went back and finished my High-school in Saudi Arabia and then came back to the UK in 2019 as a sponsored student by my government to study my Bachelor degree in Hull.
Are you a student at the University of Hull? And, what are or were you studying?
Yes, i am a 3rd year student at Hull University and currently studying Mechanical Engineering
When did your interest in photography begin?
It began when i was in High-School, I used to be inspired by photographer on social media which motivated to do the same if not better. That is when a friend of mine bought me a camera as a gift after he noticed how interested i was in photography.
You photograph lots of locations, but Hull is significant to us as Browse is a local magazine. Can you tell me a little more about photographing Hull? What makes photographing Hull interesting?
Hull is interesting when it comes to photography as it has many historical buildings and sites. Without Photography i would have not learnt much about Hull’s history.
Do you live in Hull? If so, how do you find the local area? And are you involved in the arts scene of Hull in any way (I.e. a photography group, showcasing your photos at a gallery event etc.)
I do live in Hull, but i have not had the chance to join a photography group.
Have you found anything new about Hull in the process of photographing it?
I have learnt about it’s History, and explored many new places.
Where is your favourite place in Hull to visit and why?
My favourite place in Hull would probably be the Hull Marina. It’s a lovely calm place to spend my free time.
Is there anything you have found about Hull through photographing it that you wish more people knew about?
The history of Hull is quite interesting, and it fascinated me which made photography more interesting for me and i wish more people knew about it.
Do your photos have particular meanings behind them?
Yes, whenever i take a picture i always love to have a story behind it, more of a memory than a story for me to remember certain moments.
Do you plan your shoot locations or just photograph your day to day experiences?
I sometimes do plan to go and shoot locations whenever i can, but i would say most of them are just my day to day experiences.
Your photos have a vintage feel to them, is this purposeful?
Yes, I’ve always been a fan of that classic and vintage look when taking pictures. Many people seem to enjoy it which motivates me to keep going.
Your photos have a moody quality, with a darker, warmer colour palette. Do you edit the photos in this way? And is this for any particular reason?
I do yes edit them using an app called Lightroom, whenever i take a picture i always love to edit it like it’s out of a movie scene. I’ve always tried to make people experience the picture, make them feel like they’re in it.
