Ingrained depictions of Egypt are that of a regal ancient era dating back more than 5000 years. It's a period of time that continues to live on through grand acts of memorialism set in stone by its civilians of the time long gone. The Pyramids of Giza which were built to entomb and honour the Pharaohs who ruled over the Northeastern region of Africa are part of Egypt's most iconic landmarks. As well as being one of the classic Seven Wonders of the World, it's no surprise that the monumental structures are on everyone's checklists when visiting the region, but as photographer Alexis Doyle (@alexisdoyle) ventured through the wondrous landscapes and local communities after capturing the classic tourist focal points like the Great Pyramids and cheeky camels, she quickly came to realise there was a lot more within the country to be discovered.
While Doyle's photos of stunningly obscure Egyptian scenery, towering palm trees and wind-sculpted sand dunes further carved by sunlight aim to be as artistic and awe inspiring as the subject matter themselves, she also spotlights moments of daily Egyptian life. Her appreciation, respect and fascination driven by her exposure to a new culture so different from her own allowed her to see beauty in its elements that might be mundane to others, even the locals. Her fascination is presented as images of a local man holding a platter full of juicy dates, with wrapped snacks nestled in between, to a decorated enamel teapot resting upon an engraved silver serving tray, surrounded by vibrant patterned textile. It's common within many countries for quirky superstitions and beliefs to be passed down through generations, and in Egypt it's said that accidentally spilling tea or coffee is a good omen. As coffee and red tea are the most common drinks in Egypt, the drinks are not only desired for their taste but for their supposed good luck too.
© Alexis Doyle
“My trip to Egypt was the first time I had ever visited a country that was so culturally new to me. Sharing meals and telling stories felt familiar, but so much of their routines around these things manifested differently. But, it was these differences that were most fascinating to me..."
Islam is the predominant religion followed across Egypt and is therefore the main influence on Egyptian daily life. Harmonious calls to prayer can be heard projecting from local mosques, and each year Muslim Egyptians partake in the holy month of Ramadan which is a period of routine fasting and praying from March to April. There is however a small percentage of citizens that identify as Copts - Christian followers of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The Copts are said to be the first believers of Christianity, as they descended from pre-Islamic Egyptians.
“Egypt was a significant lesson to me that beauty isn't just found in the big things, like the Pyramids. It's also in the things that animate a country and bring it to life- the patterns that cover their clothing...the contemporary practice of traditions that have persisted across millennia..."
© Alexis Doyle
When it comes to cameras, Doyle shares that her preference is to shoot analog and has remained so since she initially embarked on her journey with photography. For this trip, the camera she reached for the most was her Pentax K1000 which is described as one of the best film cameras for beginners due to its designed simplicity and built-in light meter. While she expresses her admiration for analog, she also confesses her love for a specific digital camera she packed for the trip, that being the Fujifilm XT-5, which she says allows her to emulate the look of film. It can take a seasoned photographic eye to spot the difference between an authentic film photograph and a digital one. In this case, it further adds to the beauty, wonder and curiosity of Doyle's shots. Doyle's photos are a far cry from cliche holiday snaps, as her mindful framing and composition aid in refining each and every photo.
