Tasneem Sultan: Photographer Who Rejects Stereotypes

Mar 10, 2019

Home > People > Tasneem Sultan: Photographer Who Rejects Stereotypes

Tasneem Alsultan is a Saudi-American photographer based in Saudi Arabia. She is known for her work on gender and social issues in Saudi Arabia.

Born in the United States, Tasneem moved to Saudi Arabia when she was 16 and went to university at the same time she started her family.

Married at the age of 17 and becoming a mother at 21, Tasneem found herself living as a single parent for the last six years of an unhappy ten-year marriage. Soon she began interviewing and photographing other women who shared similar experiences.

After finishing her Master degree in social linguistics and anthropology in her late 20’s, she moved back to Saudi Arabia. Her college thesis was focused on Saudi women studying abroad and specifically their issues of identity. Photography became a hobby since that time. 

Tasneem’s photos document women’s identity issues. She began by changing the game of wedding photography in a traditional and reserved society, contrasted with the stories of women who reject expected stereotypes and managed to find creative ways of overcoming the multiple hurdles set in front of them by society, and sometimes the state.

Focusing on love and marriage, how women find meaning in their lives – their stories include choices that involve marriage, divorce, and other difficult personal experiences. She portraits these unique women in a direct and honest fashion.

What began as a part-time hobby grew into a full-time profession. She gave up her teaching position at the university to become a commercial photographer. Since then, she has captured more than 120 weddings all over the world.

Now, Tasneem works as a freelance investigative photographer for multiple international media sources in the Middle East. Many of her narratives focus on women living in Saudi Arabia documenting important events, such as the first election where women were allowed to vote. She portrays fierce women who challenge stereotypes, exploring non-traditional paths to fulfill their dreams and desires.

Tasneem is a member of Rawiya, the first all-female photographic collective in the Middle East and her work is published in international journals including, National Geographic, The New York Times, Amnesty International, Spiegel, the Washington Post, and others.

Read more: www.arabnews.com/node/1398701/saudi-arabia

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Suggested Articles

Saudi Arabia: Feeling the Shift

Saudi Arabia: Feeling the Shift

Artists like Loulwa Al-Sharif, a Saudi jazz singer (read her story in the link below), who seize opportunities and create something meaningful, are a joy to witness. While their success might seem normal and natural, to us it’s a novelty.

The History of Al Kiswa

The History of Al Kiswa

The annual replacement of the Kiswa, the covering of the Kaaba, is a significant event in the Islamic calendar which takes place during the month of Hajj. In this post, I will talk about history and details of this process.

Understanding Population: A Shift in Saudi Perspective

Understanding Population: A Shift in Saudi Perspective

Last week, the Saudi government released precise population figures for the first time in 12 years. In a country where such disclosure was previously met with societal resistance, what has changed to transform people’s mindset about population counting?

Saudi Film Industry on Cannes’ Red Carpet

Saudi Film Industry on Cannes’ Red Carpet

Saudi Arabia’s presence at this year’s Cannes Festival has been remarkable, with well-known actresses and influencers from the Kingdom gracing the red carpet. This is a significant step signalling expansion of the country’s involvement in the industry, including film production.

Women moving forward in the Gulf

Women moving forward in the Gulf

I came across this article by Sinem Cengiz, on the journey of Gulf women in breaking into traditionally male-dominated sectors unfolds. From gradual progress to persistent challenges, she explores the current landscape, shedding light on the crucial role played by government initiatives in promoting their successful inclusion.

Unveiling Saudi Women’s Abilities: Driving Gender Equality

Unveiling Saudi Women’s Abilities: Driving Gender Equality

Saudi Arabia’s first space mission is scheduled to launch on May 21, with Saudi Arabia’s first ever astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab Muslim female astronaut, and Ali al-Qarni on board. Rayyanah is the latest in series of Saudi development process for women. In recent years, Saudi women have been making great strides in the country’s workforce.

Western journalist dispels Saudi cliches in video

Western journalist dispels Saudi cliches in video

Cliches about Saudi Arabia have persisted for a long time and still exist today. Despite efforts by the Saudi government and many Saudis to change this perception, prejudice against the country and its people can still be felt, particularly in areas such as women’s...

How Saudis Observe Ramadan

How Saudis Observe Ramadan

In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan is a month of religious significance and community. From the announcement of the start of the holy month to the completion of the reading of the Quran, Saudis come together in faith and devotion. This article explores the traditions and practices observed during Ramadan, including the importance of Iftar and Taraweeh prayers.