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Passionate photographer Rasha Yousif has been addicted to travelling for as long as she can remember, embarking on one adventure after the other whilst capturing cultures from around the world.
She never truly set out on any particular mission but she did promise herself that one day she would see the world and as of last week, the 38-year-old documentary and travel photographer has snapped her 100th country.
“After visiting many beautiful countries and getting exposed to new cultures, I set my mind on visiting all 195 countries of the world,” said the former senior portfolio manager who worked in banking and investment for 16 years before turning to photography full time. “Traveling has been very addictive. I don’t have a deadline and I’m letting this goal flow on its own. I see myself as a visual storyteller rather than a photographer. I like to tell stories of the people I meet on my travels, the history of the places I visit and dying traditions. Sometimes I tend to visit more than five countries in one trip and other times I take my time and just stay in one country.”
The Muharraq-born avid adventurer tends to set out on trips on her lonesome armed with her Fujifilm Xpro2 and her phone camera in hand. How does she choose where to go? By visiting destinations that are less travelled.
She has so far covered 40 per cent of the world, having seen most of Europe and Asia, almost all of north and east Africa and all of north and Central America. Her 100th country was Cape Verde which is an island country spanning an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean.
“I was really excited to reach the 100th country,” she added. “It’s a milestone and I’m halfway from achieving my dream.
“I have been to Ecuador and I want to see more of South America. I also want to see more of Africa and I would like to go to Antarctica. I love Asia, Africa and Latin America. I can’t really decide on one place. I love Kashmir because of its picturesque landscape and hospitable locals and I adore the wildlife at Galapagos Islands province of Ecuador. I’m obsessed with Japan and Kenya is one of my favourite countries too. I also love Vietnam’s colonial heritage and Guatemala’s volcanic nature.”
According to Rasha, colours and creativity are what keeps her going and every day is a battle between her left and right brain, especially since she comes from a financial background.
She said: “I was so focused on my career and education and neglected my creative soul. It was only after finishing my Master’s degree that I returned to my hobbies and found my passion in photography. I have always been interested in photography, whether through using a mobile phone, a video camera or a small point and shoot digital camera.
“I was always asked to take photos of my family or friends at social events but I didn’t think of it as a serious hobby while growing up as I was more interested in sketching and drawing.
“Now, I like to focus on snapping images of culture, architecture and traditional ways of living. Also, capturing moving objects or vibrant colours are what bring my photos to life. Colours, lights and shadows have always attracted my interest. Sometimes people refuse to have their photos taken, especially when they see a camera. That’s why I love using my phone camera. The quality is amazing and it is always with me.”
Rasha will be offering workshops on mobile photography in the future as well as a workshop on “Smart Travel” and the basics to photography and editing.
She also started Qaflh, a travel destination business in which people can go on cultural excursions around the world. The trips combine culture and art and are focused on non-touristy experiences.
She said: “I arrange cultural adventure group trips to exotic destinations. I just finished our first group trip in 2020 which was in Mauritania.”
Aside from that, Rasha’s images have been spotted in various magazines and exhibitions. She contributed to the likes of CN China, Brownbook, Alef and GOOD magazine.
Her biggest photographic achievement is being shortlisted in the National Geographic Abu Dhabi photography competition in 2012. She also won fourth place in a six episode photography reality TV programme called I’m a Nat Geo Photographer that aired on National Geographic Abu Dhabi in 2014.
Rasha participated at Alwan photography exhibition in Riyadh and Food is Culture art exhibition in Bahrain National Museum in 2016. She also exhibited Giselle at Words Bookstore Cafe, in Inside India at Bin Matar House in 2014 and at Al-Riwaq Art space’s Memories Recreated in 2014. She also was featured in Documenting Muharraq photography exhibition at the Bin Matar House in 2011.
Rasha is the founder of
@FotoBH, which she says is the biggest photography community in Bahrain and invites aspiring photographers to give the hobby a try by joining her regular photo-walks and events.
Rasha hopes that her travels and story will inspire others to chase their dreams and to never give up. Her next goal, aside from continuing her journey through her lens, is to publish a book.
“I have lots of stories to share,” she said.
For further details, visit www.RashaYousif.com, follow her on Instagram
@Rshrsho or her blog h7ps://notjustaphoto.me/
