When asked about her first interest in photography, local Kuwaiti photographer Muneera AlKhulaifi would respond with a whimsical “since forever!” Actually, she had to resort to her mother to fully remember, and she was told that she used to sneakily ‘borrow’ her mother’s camera whenever she had the chance to do so. She adds, “I knew then that the spark has been lit inside me. My mother has been a great support to me as she bought me my first camera when I turned 16 and that’s when the magic happened. I felt a great desire to explore my possibilities as a photographer and wanted to improve my skills to be the photographer I always dreamed of becoming.”
Muneera’s passion for photography most definitely runs in the family, as her mother is an avid documenter of the family’s trips and main events. Her father always dabbled in drawing, and lucky for Muneera, she inherited her parent’s artistic genes. Muneera is always on the lookout for tips and tricks to improve her skills, and she never stops until she captures the image that she has in mind. Lucky for us here at bazaar, Muneera has joined our network of incredible photographers to bring our written stories to life through her lens, so watch out for her work in our pages!
During her days as a student at the American University in Kuwait, Muneera used to walk around the campus, taking random pictures of students here and there, and then posting them to an Instagram account that she created just for this purpose. She also started the photography club at the University, and then approached by Amer Al Asaad from the university office to officially cover all of the university’s events and activities. As AUK’s official photographer, Muneera came into her own, and considers this as one of the best learning experiences to date, going on to compete and win several prizes for her work.
According to Muneera, being a photographer means creating memories. She says, “That requires a lot of attention to my surroundings. Every picture I take has a story to be told.”
She’s always preferred natural photography, and she never quite related to staged photography, although she believes that it could be really artistic. Muneera is also ever so fascinated with taking pictures of little creatures. She adds, “It’s for the love of details and colorfulness. They basically represent a challenge to me, as they are fast and constantly on the move, and they’re so little that people don’t usually notice them. I like to follow them around to show them how fast I am!”
Besides being in a constant state of trigger happiness, Muneera also enjoys reading, writing, beach walking, hiking, biking and traveling. She wishes to further her education, and study to teach others about her what she loves the most.
How would your mother describe you in one word?
The Wanderer. Bonus answer: The helper.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Superwoman.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
When are you going to quit coffee? (As if I was addicted!)
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Last summer, I took my phone to the Apple store in LA, in a couple of hours I went back to pick it up, to my surprise they told me that they burned my phone! I started crying like a baby In the middle of the crowd.
What is your theme song?
Keisza, “Hideaway”.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Success.
Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?
A hidden place in Utah! (If I say it out laud, my secret would be out!)
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step –Lao Tzu.
What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?
A Dog (Specifically, a Siberian Husky just like the one I own).
What do you miss about your childhood?
Simplicity.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
I love my name because it means bright and shiny.
How would you describe your handshake in one word?
Coy.
What is the toughest part of your character?
Handling unexpected situations in ways I couldn’t imagine myself handling.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
What in the world do you least desire?
Gossiping.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place?
Peaceful smiles and innocence.
Why do you think most girls/guys like you?
I actually asked my friends and they answered saying that When they need me they usually find me and that I always focus on the good side of them.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”
A cup of coffee in the early morning.
Follow Muneera’s work on Instagram @i9ora, and email her at memorana@live.com for enquiries.
