Saudi filmmaker Ali Kalthami, Kuwaiti photographer Abdullah Alshayji give iPhone photography workshop in Riyadh

Updated 52 sec ago

Rahaf Jambi

March 06, 2026 16:21

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RIYADH: Photography enthusiasts in Riyadh had the opportunity to refine their skills at an exclusive iPhone photography workshop on March 5 at Sima Creative Space.

The event, organized in celebration of Ramadan, featured renowned Kuwaiti photographer Abdullah Alshayji and acclaimed Saudi film director Ali Kalthami, offering attendees a unique learning experience.

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A post shared by Abdullah Alshayji (@shaijieee)

The workshop explored the advanced features of iPhone photography, equipping participants with innovative techniques to enhance their social media content. The event fostered a dynamic and collaborative environment, bringing together creatives eager to develop their visual storytelling skills.

One of the highlights of the workshop was Kalthami’s talk on his recent experience filming an iPhone advertisement. Speaking to Arab News, he recalled his initial surprise when tasked with directing the project using an iPhone 16 Pro instead of traditional camera equipment.

Kalthami said: “When I was assigned to create the iPhone ad I asked about the camera lenses, and they told me I would be using the iPhone 16 Pro instead.”

He noted that the smartphone’s compact size helped create a more relaxed atmosphere on set, adding: “The actors acted naturally, which made the filming process enjoyable.”

Kalthami — known for his film “Mandoob” and as the co-founder of Telfaz11 — expressed enthusiasm for integrating iPhone technology into future projects, particularly those requiring a raw, immersive feel.

He said: “Using the iPhone is much more convenient than heavy camera equipment as it can be easily placed anywhere. Some projects benefit from an organic feel, which the iPhone can deliver.”

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A post shared by Abdullah Alshayji (@shaijieee)

He also shared insights into the preproduction process, revealing that the ad was filmed in the desert during the golden hour to achieve a cinematic aesthetic. To maximize the capabilities of the iPhone, he incorporated professional filmmaking tools such as a large monitor and stabilizer, proving that smartphone technology can deliver high-quality results.

Alshayji led hands-on demonstrations, showcasing the iPhone camera’s features and sharing expert tips on capturing high-quality images. Using models and objects, he guided participants through techniques to elevate their photography skills, ensuring they left the workshop with practical knowledge to apply to their creative pursuits.