Amera Elnaal, documentary photographer based in Tripoli, Libya

Amera Elnaal is a Libyan documentary photographer and journalist whose work centers on social justice, disability rights, and environmental change. She has documented the lives of blind communities, coastal environmental degradation, and the intersection of culture and memory in Libya.

Selected for prestigious fellowships such as AFAC ADPP and the Climate Journalism Fellowship, Amera combines photography, audio, and archival materials to create immersive, empathetic narratives that highlight underrepresented voices in North Africa.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I’m Amera Elnaal, a Libyan documentary photographer and journalist fascinated by the stories that often go unheard. I explore themes of social justice, disability rights, and environmental change, blending photography with audio and personal archives to create immersive narratives.

A fun fact about me: I’ve spent years documenting the lives of my blind parents, which has deeply shaped the way I see the world-and the way I teach myself and others to ‘see’ beyond vision.

How did you first get into photography? Was there a specific moment, person, or inspiration that sparked your passion for capturing images?

I first got into photography as a way to document the world around me and the stories that often go unnoticed. Growing up, I was deeply inspired by my surroundings in Libya: the people, the landscapes, and the daily life that carried so much history and emotion.

A pivotal moment was observing how my blind parents experienced the world: I wanted to capture not just what we see, but the feelings, textures, and stories behind every scene. Photography became my tool to give voice to these experiences, turning observation into empathy and storytelling.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche? How has your style evolved over time?

I specialise in documentary photography, focusing on social justice, disability rights, and environmental issues. I chose this niche because I want to tell stories that are often overlooked, whether it’s the lives of blind communities, the impact of climate change on Libya’s coastline, or the personal histories that shape our collective memory.

My style has evolved from straightforward documentation to a more immersive and intimate approach, blending photography with personal archives, audio, and visual storytelling techniques. Over time, I’ve learned to focus not just on capturing images, but on creating narratives that evoke empathy, curiosity, and reflection

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography? How do you use your images to connect with others?

The underlying themes that drive my photography are memory, identity, social justice, and the unseen experiences of marginalised communities. I’m drawn to stories that explore how people live, adapt, and navigate challenges, whether it’s my blind parents’ daily life, environmental changes along Libya’s coastline, or overlooked social realities.

I use my images to create empathy and connection, inviting viewers to engage with perspectives they might not encounter otherwise. By blending personal archives, intimate portraits, and documentary storytelling, I transform ordinary moments into visual narratives that spark reflection and understanding

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

One of the moments I’m most proud of in my photography career was being selected for the AFAC Arab Documentary Photography Program (ADPP) 2024. This recognition validated my work documenting the lives of marginalized communities, including my projects on blindness and environmental change in Libya.

It wasn’t just a personal milestone, it gave me a platform to share stories that are often invisible, and connected me with a community of photographers who inspire and challenge me to grow.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it? What did you learn from that experience?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a photographer is navigating accessibility and representation while documenting the lives of blind communities, including my own parents.

Capturing experiences that cannot be seen visually required me to rethink how I approach storytelling—focusing on sound, texture, memory, and emotion. I overcame this by experimenting with multimedia elements, including audio recordings and personal archives, to complement my images.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

I would love to collaborate with Cristina de Middel, because her work blurs the lines between documentary and conceptual photography in ways that challenge traditional storytelling.

Her ability to mix fact and fiction, while exploring cultural and social narratives, resonates deeply with my own approach to telling stories about marginalised communities and overlooked experiences.

Collaborating with her would be an incredible opportunity to learn, experiment, and push the boundaries of how I communicate complex realities visually.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I find 54Ruum to be an invaluable platform that amplifies African voices and narratives. Its commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives aligns with my own mission to highlight underrepresented communities and social issues.

Being part of such a community not only offers exposure but also fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among creatives across the continent.

How's the photography and art space in your country: how has it evolved in recent years?

Libya's art scene is undergoing a renaissance, with artists reclaiming their voices and using their work to reflect on the nation's past and envision its future. While challenges remain, the growing number of exhibitions and the emergence of new talent signal a vibrant and evolving cultural landscape.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

My advice would be: practice consistently and stay curious. Don’t wait for the perfect camera or the ideal conditions, start with what you have and explore your surroundings. Pay attention to stories, emotions, and details that others might overlook.