In a world where skylines change overnight and stars grow fainter behind city lights, Aiman al Ghazali has learned to stand still, with his camera over his shoulder, moving quietly across Oman’s mountains, coastlines and old neighbourhoods, searching not just for the perfect frame, but for the moment when a place reveals its soul.
Aiman is one of Oman’s most distinct emerging visual storytellers, celebrated for landscape, cityscape and astrophotography, yet his journey began in childhood, small hands holding a camera that belonged to his father. “My passion started when I was little”, he recalls, “My father used to take photos when we were young and that planted something in me”. Over time, this passion grew into a disciplined craft shaped by curiosity, patience and a deep bond with Oman’s geography.
Oman’s landscapes are more than backdrops, for Aiman, they are living characters guiding him from one frame to the next. “Our environment is incredibly diverse, from beaches to deserts to mountains”, he says, “Every place feels like a new discovery waiting to happen”. His images reflect this philosophy, capturing the pastel quiet of a Musandam dawn, the vast silence of Rimal Al Sharqiya, or the geometric harmony of old Muscat’s architecture, each crafted with intention.
Planning is central to his work, “Every photo begins as an idea”, he explains, “I visit the location, study possibilities, check the weather, prepare equipment and consider the terrain”. Timing is crucial, a bustling site can ruin a shot, clouds can alter a mountain viewpoint and even slight light pollution can affect astrophotography.
Astrophotography has become one of his signatures, though it comes with challenges, “Light pollution in cities like Muscat is a major challenge”, he says, “But there are nearby spots with clean dark skies if you know where to look”. Armed with specialised lenses, a tripod and sky-mapping apps, he captures celestial arcs, meteor streaks and the quiet architecture of the heavens. His solar eclipse photograph was selected by Fstoppers as one of the year’s best images, earning him recognition internationally and a discussion on their podcast.
When photographing cities, Aiman searches for authenticity, focusing on unpolished details, shadows on an archway, fishermen preparing nets, the warm glow of Muttrah streets. “I try to capture what reflects the spirit of the place”, he says. He also explores under-photographed villages and overlooked corners, believing Oman’s hidden sites can yield powerful images.
One image specifically holds special meaning to him: the apricot blossom season in Wakan Village. He returns yearly, documenting its fleeting beauty. “Every season I discover something new”, he says, “That’s why this image is so close to my heart”. Challenges are part of his journey, forgotten gear, sudden storms, or equipment failures, but he embraces them. “Almost every trip comes with surprises”, he remarks, “But that’s what makes it fun”.
Beyond the field, social media has become his gallery and classroom, connecting him with audiences in Oman and worldwide. Though he has captured much of Oman’s natural beauty, his next focus is the country’s evolving urban identity, including the Muttrah Cable Car, downtown Al Khuwair and Sultan Haitham City. These projects represent a narrative shift, Oman stepping into its future and Aiman is there, framing the story one image at a time.
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