Making Real the World We Wish to live in – The Launch of a Unframed New series

I created Unframed when I was 17 years old. My website began with the purpose of a place to share my photos. When I thought of a name to call my website, “Unframed” came to me.

I wanted to tell stories.  I wanted to tell stories that were unique or "out of the box". For me “unframed” meant out of the scope of the ordinary. As I realized that photography was the career I wanted to pursue,  I began pouring my energy into the craft more and more.

I transitioned from experimenting with photography as a hobby to exploring it as a full-time career.  I found myself chasing notoriety as if it were equivalent to my worth as an artist. To no avail, that has not been a success. With every no or unnoticed Instagram post or rejection from a job, I noticed myself truly believing that there was no room for me in this space.  I needed to step away for a moment. I had to go back to the love that I found at 17 when I started exploring photography more. When it was as simple as wanting to tell important stories and capture the essence of time. What did “Unframed” even mean to me at this point? 

With every person I have photographed, I realize I see an extension of myself. As my images continuously evolve, so do I. Unframed is a story of my journey, the people I encounter, and the stories I wish to tell.  Whether they be bold or safe, quiet or loud, colorful or black and white… I want the photographs I take to reflect the people I meet and the paths they take.  This is the space where I believe my work belongs, with people who desire to tell their story no matter what it looks like.  A story that inspires others to keep going on their path, whatever that looks like for them.

That being said, throughout my years working as a photographer, I've met many phenomenal people who embody the Unframed mission.

Unframed stands for breaking the narrative, and paving your own path. Taking all of the knowledge you have gained, and all the obstacles you have faced, deconstructing them, and recreating them in a way that works best for you. This is who we are. Whether it is your story to be chaotic or bold, whether you move in silence or decide not to move at all. Tell a story that is yours.

For some time, I've wanted to create an Unframed series that showcases the amazing people I encounter day to day. An opportunity to not only capture inspiration through a photo but also through conversation.

Ramla and I briefly met when I was selling art at a Brooklyn winter craft fair. Our meeting was quite brief. We connected and then followed one another on Instagram. I was in awe of her work. Her photos were vibrant, crisp, and full of culture. I feel like in the art world you really can meet a colleague once and then there is an understanding of support and showing up for one another.

I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Ramla and assisting her on the Photos for Palestine project – a fundraiser to help provide aid to those affected by the genocide in Palestine.

While working with Ramla, I realized it was the perfect place to kick off this series. I was so inspired by the way she orchestrated her resources and gift of photography to create with impact. Artists like Ramla remind me that art is a necessary vessel and tool that we must use to amplify voices and foster connection.

Meet Ramla Hussain

 @ramlahussain

photographed by Ashli Owens

Ramla Hussain is a Brooklyn-born south-Asian photographer and editor, who enjoys photographing people and working on unique concepts with her clients. She combines creative principles from both cultures and always strives to deliver memorable visuals.  ramlahussain.com

work photographed by Ramla Hussain

What is Photos for Palestine?

Photos for Palestine is a fundraiser I started to help out families and individuals impacted by the genocide in Palestine. As I connected with many wonderful people in Gaza, I decided to use my time and skills to help raise funds for those impacted. With limited resources myself, using my art was the best way to help, bring awareness to the issue, and in turn, provide portraits for those participating.  

I'd like to use this opportunity to highlight two female photographers from Gaza; Asil Kabariti (@asil_kabariti) and Fatma Hassona (@fatma_hasson2). They still need our help with funds to evacuate family members and/or to survive while still currently being in Gaza. I only see myself as a vessel that forwarded funds and conveyed the stories of several families impacted by this genocide, please continue to follow and support Palestinian voices. 

Photos for Palestine photographed by Ramla Hussain

Meet Asil AlKabariti

@asil_kabariti

My name is Asil AlKabariti, and I am a street photographer deeply inspired by the vibrant energy and diverse tapestry of my hometown, Gaza. Through my lens, I strive to capture the essence of this place I call home, exploring its streets with an unwavering curiosity and a keen eye for detail.

My photography is a reflection of my intimate relationship with Gaza, a city teeming with life, contradictions, and beauty. From the vibrant markets to the quiet alleyways, every corner tells a story, and it is my mission to preserve these moments in time.

I believe in the power of unfiltered storytelling, and thus, my work remains lightly edited to preserve the authenticity of the scenes I encounter. Through my photographs, I aim to offer viewers a window into the soul of Gaza, allowing them to experience its complexities and contradictions firsthand.

Beyond mere documentation, my photography serves as a means of connection and communication with the world around me. It is my hope that by sharing my perspective, I can offer a fresh interpretation of Gaza and its people.

Ultimately, my intention as an artist is to provide an alternative narrative of my city—one that celebrates its resilience, diversity, and humanity. Through my lens, I invite viewers to join me on a journey of discovery, as we explore the rich tapestry of Gaza together.

Instagram: @asil_kabariti

Meet Fatma Hasson

@fatmahassona2

Fatma is a writer and photographer from Gaza; her bio reads: "a brave woman chasing the light looking for astonishment." Click the images below to experience more of her beautiful work.

---

We must continue working towards creating the world we wish to live in. Continue following, reading, and sharing Palestinian voices. Continue supporting artists and continue to support one another.