Photographing the Kingdom’s mountains isn’t just a matter of skill; it requires a spirit of adventure and a fearless eye.
Abdulrahman Aldugilby embodies both. A photographer and tour guide with an intimate knowledge of the Taif region, Abdulrahman is a living archive of the area’s stories, past and present. He inherited his passion for photography from his father, who began capturing moments with an instant camera.
An intrepid photographer and tour guide, Abdulrahman shares his unique perspective on the region's natural wonders, its rich history, and the poignant stories that unfold within its majestic peaks, and aims for his photography to reveal the hidden depths of this mountainous region in western Saudi.
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Fairouz, Taif Roses and The Old Man
The Taif rose is more than just a flower; it represents an entire world for the region that gives it its name. Beyond its beauty, it’s an economic cornerstone, a tapestry of human stories, and a shared memory for the people of Taif.
Abdulrahman shares a touching story behind one of his most striking photographs, taken at the peak of the Taif rose season: “There was an elderly man lying amidst a pile of roses, and someone had put on a song by Fairouz, Nassam Alayna Al Hawa. As the music played, the man’s eyes began to well up; the song had clearly triggered a distant memory for him. In that moment, with Fairouz’s voice, the Taif roses, and the man’s tears all converging, I managed to capture an image full of emotion and life.”
The photograph was exhibited at the Perfumes of the East exhibition in Riyadh. It was one of the first Abdulrahman took at the start of his photography career, and it marked the beginning of his journey towards professional acclaim.
Capturing the Soul, Not Just the Scene
Abdulrahman holds a unique philosophy in photography: “While some photographers seek merely a beautiful frame, I aim to capture the genuine emotions and themes behind each image, in addition to its aesthetics. This approach is particularly evident in my portraits of people across different ages.” He prefers photographing natural landscapes over urban settings, which he finds often marred by visual distortion.
A Photographer's Peril: The Danger and Beauty of Nature
Photographing nature in mountainous areas involves considerable risks, from climbing steep terrain and encountering poisonous insects to the potential collapse of old structures. Abdulrahman recounts a tragic story about a colleague in Abha, who died nearly two years ago after falling from a high mountain while filming with a drone.
Abdulrahman himself has suffered serious injuries while on shoots. “I was stung by a scorpion once while filming. Initially, I didn’t realise the severity of it until I developed swelling in my feet and face. I was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with cellulitis. The result was seven days in intensive care and seven months at home recovering from the injury,” he recalls.
He also explains how exploring old historical houses or palaces over a century old can be risky, as their wooden floors may have deteriorated. Currently, these historical sites in Taif are closed for restoration by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. “I once filmed inside an old mud house more than 200 years old, and the roof suddenly collapsed on me,” he recounts. “All these risks surrounding my work as a photographer and tourist guide pushed me to take a first aid course, as it’s difficult to reach help or an ambulance in rugged mountainous areas.”
Favourite seasons and destinations
“I love photographing Taif during the rose season, but also when the almond and apricot blossoms are in bloom. February is when Taif truly lives up to one of its nicknames, “The City of Seven Seasons.” That’s when almonds, roses, raspberries, mulberries, apricots, pomegranates, grapes, and prickly pears all come into season, Abdulrahman explains.
Other favourite sites in Taif for the seasoned photographer include Shubra Palace, Al Kateb House, and Jabra Palace.
Outside Taif, Jizan holds a special place in his heart: “Its people are very kind, and its landscape is characterised by green mountains all year round, even in summer – not to mention the beauty of the Jizan jasmine.” During one of Abdulrahman's three-day visits to Jizan, he slept for only two hours. Farasan Island, a nature reserve for gazelles, is among his favourite places to photograph.
Discover more of Abdulrahman Aldugilby's work via his Instagram account @aldgelbi
