Yasser Alaa Mobarak specializes in a range of photo genres, from architecture to travel photography, street photography and street portraiture. He keeps his kit simple, using two Nikon DSLRs along with a standard lens.
"I like the 18-55mm because I can shoot architecture, environmental portraits and street photography all in one lens. I like the 50mm focal length for my portrait photography," he explains.
For his more posed portraiture work, he would love to use higher-resolution models, namely the Hasselblad medium format system. For his street photography, Leica mirrorless cameras are on his wishlist.
"The Leica SL2 is smaller and provides great quality. People on the street think you are a casual photographer or tourist user rather than a serious enthusiast or pro. This helps with candid shooting."
Yasser highlights the difference in cultural reactions to street photography and, working in his native Egypt, he says the smaller camera body is better for working inconspicuously.
"Using a Leica is much easier in Egypt than a larger DSLR. With the SL2 or a similar camera, I will be able to access more places to shoot images discreetly."
Specialisms: Travel, street, architecture, street portraiture
Years active: 15
Location: Alexandria, Egypt
Yasser's current kit
1) Nikon D5600
Time used: 5 years
This is a reliable enthusiast-level camera that is small enough to go unnoticed when shooting on the go.
2) Nikon D3100
Time used: 8 years
As an entry-level DSLR the D3100 is easy to use, with a stripped-back control layout and feature set that is intuitive to operate.
3) Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED II
Time used: 13 years
It has limited features but a handy focal range.
4) Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8GL
Time used: 13 years
A favorite lens for many, the 50mm offers a natural perspective and bright maximum aperture.
5) National Geographic Africa bag
Time used: 5 years
This Manfrotto-branded bag is spacious and nicely constructed.
Yasser's dream kit
1) Leica SL2
MPB says:
"Pairing sophistication with flexible imaging capabilities, the SL2 features a 47.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor and Maestro III image processor."
2) Hasselblad X2D 100C
MPB says:
"An unrivaled merge of form and function, the X2D 100C establishes itself as Hasselblad's flagship mirrorless medium format camera."
3) Leica 24-70MM Vario-Elmarit-SL f/2.8 Asph
MPB says:
"With its universal focal range and consistently high aperture, this lens is suitable for video and still photography applications."
4) Hasselblad XCD 55MM f/2.5
MPB says:
"An equivalent full-frame 43mm focal length makes this lens an outstanding option for full or half-length portraits, and ideal for documentary and still life photography."
5) Manfrotto 190XPro3 tripod
MPB says:
"This tripod can be swung round horizontally without removing the head, so switching between framing is more convenient than ever."
Yasser's trade-in options
MPB suggests an extra dream kit item, and how Yasser might trade-in to get it…
Lee Filters Big Stopper
This is a high-quality 10-stop neutral density (ND) filter designed for long-exposure photography. This filter can drastically reduce the amount of light entering the lens, enabling the capture of stunning, ethereal images with smooth motion effects in water, clouds and other moving elements. It is renowned for its precision and minimal color cast, making it an essential tool for landscape and architectural photographers. Yasser’s dream kit, which includes high-resolution cameras and versatile lenses, would greatly benefit from the creative possibilities offered by this ND filter, enhancing his ability to create dynamic and atmospheric images.
Why this item?
MPB chose the Lee Filters Big Stopper because it complements Yasser's Leica SL2 and Hasselblad X2D 100C cameras, enabling him to experiment with long-exposure photography. This filter is particularly useful for his architectural and travel photography, enabling him to capture unique, high-quality images with striking visual effects. The Big Stopper's reputation for reliability and precision aligns perfectly with Yasser’s professional standards.
Trade-in Option
Yasser could potentially trade in his Nikon D3100 camera and Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm lens to acquire the Lee Filters Big Stopper.
