daniel asater: travel, sublimated

daniel asater is an eternal seeker of beauty. through his travels, he aims to capture cinematic scenes that he witnesses and aims to transcribe. influenced by his upbringing in a mediterranean country, and his complicated relationship with his roots, asater uses photography to escape into his own world. a world where charm, idyllic landscapes, and sensuality are the components of a perfect life. 

hi daniel, before photography, you worked as a graphic designer. how did you make the switch? 

my curiosity for photography was sparked during my graphic design studies, where i completed two photography courses as part of the curriculum. i quickly became captivated by the medium, incorporating it into all my other classes. simultaneously, while working for beyond production, i had the opportunity to be part of photoshoots for the inaugural issue of plastik magazine! eager to delve deeper, i began taking on freelance projects for emerging brands, capturing their lookbooks.

during my time in paris pursuing my master's in art direction, i interned at l’oréal paris, immersing myself in the work of renowned international photographers and witnessing their creative process firsthand. i distinctly remember being deeply moved by the work of one photographer; it gave me chills and since that day i knew that photography was my true calling.

what were some of your earliest creative influences?

my earliest influences were my mother's quintessential french magazines from the 90’s (femme actuelle, voici, and maison deco). i would gaze at the captivating photos of beautiful homes and gardens, mesmerized by the realization that such beauty truly existed. it was during this time that i began to shape my own aesthetic visual dream. as the internet became more accessible, i was undoubtedly drawn to the works of iconic photographers like david lachapelle, helmut newton, and mario sorrenti, representing the vibrant styles of the '80s and '90s. however, my most profound admiration was and continues to be for camilla akrans.

you grew up in lebanon, which is now going through difficult times. how is your relationship with your homeland and how does it affect your work?

my relationship with my country remains a complex matter for me. while i'm still navigating my feelings towards it till this day, i can trace the stages i've experienced, many of which were challenging. i left lebanon over a decade ago as an escape plan, aiming to protect my dreams from being stifled in an environment where i struggled to envision a future. to give a bit more context, lebanon can be a volatile environment due to all the political instability in the region. as a creative, the overwhelming sense of unsafety really affected me. i needed to stay away from it. obviously, not everyone feels the same and a lot of people are thriving in beirut, no matter the circumstances. beirut taught me patience, perseverance, and passion, especially when faced with failure or unexpected outcomes. it has empowered me to channel my frustrations creatively and to believe in my own power. 

a recurring theme in your photographs is the mediterranean is that your way of exploring your roots? are you working on a lebanon series?

the mediterranean came into my focus during my travels to italy, spain, and greece. the more i visited these countries, the more i recognized the similarities and the differences that define this region. these experiences offered me a fascinating perspective on the area, emphasizing how fortunate we are to be part of this geographical marvel. it's not just the stunning natural landscapes, but also the rich cultural heritage that has shaped our identities and influences. as a travel photographer, embracing the role of an explorer is inherent. it draws me closer to the historical treasures we've only read about in books. it was an exhilarating journey that deepened my understanding of my roots. i feel like i'm finally ready to photograph lebanon and showcase its beauty to the world. i’ll be working on a series this coming summer hopefully.

we love your photos at plastik. there’s something about them that makes us feel like we’re on vacation. what does traveling mean to you?

plastik was my starting point, and receiving this recognition feels like a full circle moment. my love for travel started when i met my partner; for a couple of years, we traveled to see each other, and i used to get butterflies in my stomach. it wasn't just the joy of reuniting with someone special, but also the thrill of exploring new places together. traveling has expanded my visual repertoire, transforming me both personally and artistically. whether in my fashion photography or stills, it has enriched my artistic perspective and evolved my creative mindset.

as a traveling photographer, what’s your process, and what are you looking to portray in the different places you go to?

before traveling to a destination, i often research lesser-known spots to visit and consult travel publishers for their recommendations. occasionally, i collaborate with agencies to include models, typically local ones. when packing, my lenses and camera are my top priorities, along with lightweight light modifiers or props that i can use on the go. in general, i enjoy immersing myself in new environments, and letting my lens adapt and improvise as i explore. i'm particularly drawn to cinematic scenes, whether it's the people, the lighting conditions, unique subjects, or movements. i usually wake up around sunrise to capture a city/village’s tranquility - the beautiful colors of dawn as locals open their stores and prepare for the day. i love capturing people in these quiet instances. additionally, i hope to discover interesting fashion inspirations, whether in the simplicity of everyday outfits or traditional local attire.

in your series "then and now," you delve into how indigenous people in touristic areas such as the greek islands navigate capitalism. what were your observations on this during your recurring travels?

when you visit greece nowadays or even italy and spain, it's impossible not to notice the growing number of tourists and the new shops that seem to appear every year. my experience in greece 15 years ago was vastly different from my visit last year - the influx of new hotels, the increasing number of ferries shuttling hundreds of tourists between islands, the charming local homes now transformed into airbnb rentals, and the proliferation of commercial fashion and boutique stores on every corner. while the islands may not have changed geographically, the experience of being there certainly has. this transformation is evident on other islands like amalfi, capri, and venice as well. many locals have become seasonal entrepreneurs, converting their properties into investments, as living on these islands during the high season has become nearly impossible. when you speak to them, you can sense their satisfaction with the income they generate, but there's also a subtle hint of frustration on their faces, as they feel their land is being somewhat exploited. it seems nowhere is safe from the looming effects of capitalism. 

"many island locals have become seasonal entrepreneurs, converting their properties into investments, as living on these islands during the high season has become nearly impossible. you can sense their satisfaction with the income they generate, but there's also a subtle hint of frustration on their faces, as they feel their land is being somewhat exploited. it seems nowhere is safe from the looming effects of capitalism."

how do you not fall into clichés when photographing a village or city that you’re not necessarily familiar with?

before visiting a new destination, i delve deep into its culture, history, and local customs. this helps me gain a richer understanding of the place and its people, thus allowing me to capture more authentic and meaningful images. rather than focusing solely on the most iconic landmarks, i make an effort to explore off-the-beaten-path areas and immerse myself in the daily life of the local community. by blending into the culture and surroundings, i uncover unique and unexpected scenes to photograph. my preferred method of exploring cities is by foot. i walk a lot. i go through every street and seek out unusual paths that offer a fresh perspective on the city. this allows me to capture authentic, raw moments that resonate with my personal exploration of the place. also, i try not to overthink when taking a photo. i aim for an organic and true representation of the moment. sometimes i patiently wait for the right moment to unfold, and other times i actively pursue it.

your lens is very sensual, can you tell us about how desire and fantasies shape your practice?

thank you for the compliment. photography is a deeply personal and emotive art form. when i travel, i aim to capture not just the physical landscapes, but also the emotions and sensations they stir within me. desire and fantasies are pivotal in shaping my approach and influencing how i perceive the world around me. i believe that desire propels us to seek beauty and explore new horizons. my desire to capture the essence of a destination, to convey its mood, its allure, its unique charm, is what motivates me to pick up my camera and venture out. fantasies, on the other hand, allow me to look beyond the surface and create images that evoke a sense of wonder and imagination. whether it's the ethereal quality of a sunset over the ocean or the allure of a naked body on a beach. i strive to capture this magic. ultimately, my goal is to create images that not only document my experiences, but also inspire others to see the world through a fresh lens, to awaken their own desires and fantasies, and to encourage them to explore and discover the beauty that surrounds us.

you must take thousands of photos in the gorgeous places you visit. what’s your selection process and how do you select"the" image?

it's true that i capture thousands of photos, and the most challenging part is breathing life and justice into each shot. otherwise, they end up stored on my backup hard drives, often forgotten. i occasionally revisit these folders and view the old shots with fresh eyes. typically, i start with a pre-selection and then choose the images that evoke strong feelings or curiosity in me - photos that stand out for various reasons, whether it's the angle, the light or the colors. sometimes, i simply fall in love with a shot, then it immediately makes its way into the final selection, and gets published immediately as i cannot wait to share it with the world. 

of all the destinations you’ve photographed, which is your personal favorite? why?

i don't have a favorite destination, as each offers a unique experience. in my series "love in symmetry", i explore the sensuality of the human body and its resemblance to nature and architecture, with shots taken in puglia, noto, greece, and spain - some of my favorite destinations. moreover, the japan series was undeniably unique and introduced me to an entirely new visual world which i’m obsessed with.

what destinations are you eyeing next and what’s your ultimate subject?

as a travel photographer, i'm always on the lookout for new destinations that inspire me and offer unique opportunities for creative expression. while i've been fortunate to photograph the beauty of many places around the world, i'm eager to explore further my home country, lebanon. its coastal beaches and the stories they hold make for an interesting and deeply personal subject. i'm also drawn to mundane scenes that tell compelling stories through people and their fashion, whether it's the vibrant attire of locals enjoying coffee, the tranquil beauty of an elderly woman relaxing on a sunbed at sunset or couples strolling along the dramatic mediterranean coastline at dawn. i'm passionate about immortalizing the distinct character and spirit of special moments i encounter.

interview by philippe ghabayen