Rabih Madi: Events, connections and stories
- PhotoED Magazine
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
An interview with photoED Magazine
Rabih Madi is a Canadian, award-winning, self-taught wedding photographer, who travels extensively to document special moments. He also offers workshops to share his know-how with emerging photographers with a focus on composition, flash techniques, and dynamic lighting. He returns from his international adventures to his family and a big furry dog named Pixel.
photoED: How did you get started in photography? And what keeps you motivated and inspired to keep at it?
Rabih:
I started photography influenced by my dad. He always carried around a Nikon camera, and bought me my first Nikon camera in 2010.
Passion for people and storytelling keeps me motivated to keep shooting events. Every time I shoot, there is a connection that I make with people that is extremely fulfilling. In turn, they get the same excitement and emotional connection too.
photoED: What do you love most about creating stories through photography?
Rabih:
It may be cheesy to say, but freezing a moment is what I really enjoy. I often have people telling me they remember a moment when a photo was taken and they start getting emotional.
Photographs possess a timeless quality. When we encounter images from the past, conversations spark and the stories embedded within them resurface. Essentially, histories endure through images.
I want to create that conduit for people.
photoED: Whose work has influenced yours?
Rabih:
I’m inspired by Joe McNally. I bought his book, The Hot Shoe Diaries, and have taken a class with him at WPPI Photography Expo. I liked that the class was focused on how to get great shots with minimal gear and lighting, and that you don’t need to invest your life savings to come up with something great. I like that he connects with people through amazing storytelling and that his charisma makes you want to know more about him.
photoED: What makes a good photograph?
Rabih:
The story. The story makes a good photograph. Photographers can easily learn how to take a technically good image but having a story connected to it is the challenge. I feel when you get the viewer emotionally connected to the image, you have done a great job. The story part of the image is where people start remembering the photograph. I am constantly working striving to have my images tell a great story.
photoED: How has working in photography influenced you personally?
Rabih:
My professional working background was in finance education and technology. It wasn’t until I picked up a camera that I was truly my natural self! At weddings specifically, working with a broad range of people and cultures I get to learn about traditions that span generations. I have a new appreciation for diversity thanks to photography.
photoED: What has been your favourite or most personally impactful project or adventure?
Rabih:
A trip to Abu Dhabi has been the most impactful for my career. I had just got my first full-frame Nikon camera and I photographed the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. It was the first time I really applied what I had learned in classes. Since then, I have been pushing myself to improve at every capture.
photoED: What does your dream project entail? Where do you hope photography will take you in the future?
Rabih:
I would love to develop a book about people from my travels and to get into more teaching.
photoED: Do you have any travel tips for photographers?
Rabih:
Travel light but with intention. It’s not the gear you have, it’s how you use it. If you carry too much gear, you will be very tired by the end of the day, and likely not even use most of what you carried. Understand, when travelling to different countries, that you are a visitor and their traditions differ from yours. Aim to document without interfering or judgement.
GEAR UP
What camera and equipment do you use most now? What’s your favourite lens? Tell us about your experience using Tamron lenses.
Rabih:
I use a Nikon Z8 and Z6III for my everyday photography. My favourite lens is the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD. It is a versatile lens that allows me to capture wide environmental images as well as close-up portraits, with no need to change lenses and risk dust in the sensor.
Tamron has been really amazing to work with.
Their lenses for the Z systems are high quality and sharp, and they focus fast. It’s all I need for my highly intensive weddings and events.
See more of Rabih Madi's work - HERE.
Check out Rabih Madi's fave Tamron lens - HERE!
