Fatima
After they got married, Fatima’s Egyptian Father and Moroccan Mother moved to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, because of her Father’s work.
Fatima’s Father graduated from cinema school with the option to become a film director but he eventually went on to make documentaries.
Fatima was born in 1989 and remembers life growing up in the ultra modern, hot and beautiful Abu Dhabi and while it was a lovely place to live, Fatima always felt that she would settle somewhere else.
As well as a talent for creating film, Fatima’s Father was also very musical and she fondly recalls waking up in the mornings to hear him gently playing guitar in their home.
Creativity has always been a central part of Fatima’s family and she reflects that her vocation as a creative photographer can perhaps be traced back to her Father’s talents, as well as her Grandfather, who was a makeup artist in the production of old black and white films in Egypt.
Despite her Father’s encouragement to study photography, Fatima decided to go to Business School when moved to Cairo in Egypt at the age of 18. Eventually however, Fatima did find herself pursuing her passion of photography again and she now loves working with people and running her own business as a professional photographer at www.fatimaphotography.co.uk.
Fatima and her husband pursued a long distance relationship for 8 years before they were married, and following Fatima’s move to England, they eventually settled in Basildon, Essex, where they now feel very much at home and a part of their community.
Fatima was born in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of United Arab Emirates in 1989. Photo by slleong, used under licence
When she was younger, Fatima was a huge Harry Potter fan and in a way, Harry introduced her to her husband! (listen to Fatima’s interview to find out how!)
Fatima lived and studied in Cairo, Egypt and she shares how breathtaking the Pyramids are up close. Photo by Ricardo Liberato, used under licence.
Fatima remembers how amazing her first trip to England in 2010 was, recalling her sense of excitement and being struck by how green everything was.
Photo of Northlands Park in Basildon by John Winfield
Fatima and her husband were married in 2012 after an 8 year long-distance relationship. Throughout this time Fatima lived in Egypt and her husband lived in England and while they knew they were for each other, it was also challenging to only spend time together for short periods once or twice a year.
Fatima studied at Business School for four years in Cairo, Egypt, but she eventually decided to follow her passion for photography.
Fatima always enjoyed languages and picked up English quickly at a young age.
At the age of 18, Fatima moved from Abu Dhabi to Egypt to go to University. Initially she missed home but it was helpful to have her sister living close by.
Studying business for four years gave Fatima a good foundation, and she now operates her own business as a professional photographer.
Fatima reflects on how she appreciates her local community in Basildon, Essex and that her family have established roots and feel very glad to be living here.
Fatima (right) recalls precious memories of her early years spent with her parents and older sister in Abu Dhabi.
Fatima’s warmth and joy is as present today as it was in her early years!
Fatima speaks of her Father with great warmth and affection, recalling many special times spent together over the years.
