KAT | Back To Black

Kat is a senior at New York University, majoring in the Urban Design and Architecture Studies (UDAS) program. She is also a yoga enthusiast. We met in SoHo and set up photo shoots at various spots that had murals/backgrounds that worked well with her outfit.

She reminded me (and others) of her resemblance and vibe to the incomparable Amy Winehouse, so I chose to title her gallery "Back To Black" which is the second and final studio album by the English singer released in October 2006.

For larger sized photographs:

KAT by Tewfic El-Sawy on Exposure

Celebrating Melanin Models | Kodak Tri-X Presets

 

As melanin is the pigment responsible for the varying skin tones found across the globe, capturing its diverse tones through photography is -to me- rewarding. It provides me the opportunity to record the unique radiance and individuality of each subject. I don't pretend to be an expert on portraiture, or on mastering lighting techniques, but by my embracing the subject's natural beauty, I feel I created photographs that inspire and empower, while celebrating the tapestry of human skin.

Photo shoots with dark-skinned models also provide a platform for them to express themselves, sometimes tell their stories, and break down racial barriers (if any). I'm hopeful these shoots empower them to embrace their identity and celebrate their heritage.

Fontaine | The Black Swan In The Concrete Jungle

The full title for this gallery was Fontaine's idea. Drawing inspiration from the eponymous movie, she added to it an analogy to the raw, gritty ambiance of New York City's alleys and cobblestone streets, which served as backdrops for our photo session.

This fashion photo shoot blended fashion, dance, and urban culture. It showcased the diversity and the artistic spirit that thrives in the heart of our city. I think that as the world continues to evolve, projects like this one serve as a reminder that fashion is a canvas where individuals can express themselves freely, embracing their uniqueness and celebrating their culture, just as Fontaine and I did in the streets of Soho.

For larger sized photographs:

Fontaine by Tewfic El-Sawy on Exposure

Lana | The Color Purple

Purple has long been associated with royalty, originally because Tyrian purple dye—made from the secretions of sea snails—was extremely expensive in antiquity. Purple was the color worn by Roman magistrates; it became the imperial color worn by the rulers of the Byzantine Empire and the Holy Roman Empire, and later by Roman Catholic bishops. The color purple is also associated with a variety of meanings, including wisdom, creativity, royalty, power, ambition, and luxury. It can also represent magic, extravagance, peace, pride, independence, and wealth.

I thought purple flowers would go well with Lana's purple hair pompoms, so the concept of the photo shoot "The Color Purple' was born.

For larger sized photographs:

LANA by Tewfic El-Sawy on Exposure

Lizah With An H

Since I've started to photograph "street wear", I've progressively come to realize the Japanese Harajuku's "fashion" is also an expressive and experimental street style amongst non-Japanese young women. It’s impossible to characterize Harajuku’s street style with one word, but it's certainly eclectic, allowing its adherents to cobble all kinds of dress items together....just to be different.

For our photo shoot, Lizah has chosen to wear a black bustier and a short denim mini-skirt, with a "fluffy", also known as a furry leg warmer or furry boot cover, a form of footwear fashion accessory. It is usually associated with the rave scene and cybergoth fashion.

For the larger sized photographs:
Lizah by Tewfic El-Sawy on Exposure