Saudi Arabia: A Journey of Connection

We continue to live in a time when the number of social media influencers out there seem to outnumber those looking to be 'influenced'.

So, when true talent for original photography and storytelling appears in your feed, it can jump out. That’s what happened when we came across Paris Verra’s Instagram profile and her more than 150,000
followers.

The American has spent the past six years travelling through Saudi, creating a stunning visual diary of its culture and varied landscapes through her fresh, outsider’s eyes. “My initial reason for visiting was solely to see my mother who has been working as a teacher here,” she says. “I had never even heard of AlUla or Saudi having anything other than flat land and deserts.”

Her perspective couldn’t be more different now: “Saudi has surprised me in every single way. It’s completely different to anything I could have imagined or had been told prior. It's also changed tons since I first visited, but even so, I still loved it then and continue to love it now. To be honest, I’d say the safety and way of life surprised me the most. I’ve travelled the world, and I can honestly say I’ve never felt safer and more welcomed as a woman living here today.”

Previously a signed actress in LA, Saudi has allowed Paris to turn her key passions into a living, combining travelling with being behind – as well as in front of – the camera. Her number one piece of travel photography advice? “Spend time exploring a place, rather than just go somewhere for a shot and leave. By connecting to the destination all the content will shoot itself in its most beautiful and authentic way.”

What do you love about Saudi?

I love the way of life here. I feel safe, welcomed, content, and inspired. I love the way the people welcome you. There’s so much to explore and experience. It’s really beautiful, in all ways.

Which other places in the world have you visited the most and loved, and why?

Some of my favourite places are Jordan, Siwa Oasis in Egypt, Tunisia, Norway, and Indonesia. All of them are very different, but they all inhabit the same idea of a unique beauty, culture, and tons of discoveries you have to really work for.

Which place in the world should everyone experience if they can?

Again, although I’d say there are many, I’d recommend Siwa Oasis and Saudi. One of the best ways to grow is to challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone. By breaking fears or the media’s opinions of places, you’ll find your own perspective by realising that at the core of every country is its people. “Disconnecting to connect” is my motto, and this is exactly the experience of connection we all should make once in our lives. Go somewhere completely opposite to where you come from.

How much forward planning do you have to do for each shoot?

Although it varies, each shot takes a lot of time. It begins with the endless research leading up to it: finding the places and considering all things such as weather, lighting, outfits, travel time, long hours, plus arriving at the actual spot. I’m not much of a planner; I travel spontaneously, but I keep spots saved as I come across them, so when I’m ready to go, I gather the main ones I’d like to see and leave a flexible schedule around that.

Who does each shoot with you?

Travelling is about the company rather than the destination. Each trip varies for me, but since I’m a self-taught photographer I can have any friend help stand in [to take] images where I would like to be in them. My mum joins me along to some of my favourite Middle Eastern destinations, and typically I join other travel photographer friends, or [go] solo for the others.

What were you doing before your Saudi adventure?

My home base was Los Angeles, California. However, I had been travelling around the world living essentially out of my luggage for the year prior to visiting Saudi. I had begun freelance photography and blogging for fun, and was a signed actress. I’m so grateful I was able to turn my hobbies into an occupation […] What I especially love about Saudi today is that I can do all my passions here, without sacrificing any of the things I enjoy.