Capturing Foreigners in Doha
An interview with Baiba Jakubaite
By Brigitta Rebecca Kessel on Sep 1, 2014
Baiba Jakubaite is a photographer from Latvia who is currently capturing the life of international foreigners living in Doha, the futuristic capital of Qatar. After wandering the world and studying in Dublin and Tallinn, she married a Qatar Airways copilot and they both settled down to live in the Middle East. Since she arrived to Doha, she has been faced with plenty of cultural differences and an unfamiliar local creative industry. Her decision to focus on expats, and in particular family photography has allowed her to create a flourishing career as an artist on the coast of the Persian Gulf. We were very interested in hearing how life and work was turning out for Baiba in Doha. This is what we found out.
Hēdonē: Hey Baiba! How are you enjoying Doha?
Baiba: Hey! It's lovely. I have a lot of projects going on right now.
What do you love most about your work?
I love to meet different nationalities and see how people are. Capturing moments and happiness that will stay with people for generations is a beautiful feeling.
How would you describe your artistic style?
Natural and free.
When doing photography or film, what is your favorite choice of lens?
50mm.
All photos courtesy of Baiba Jakubaite
You have been doing a lot of family photography lately, how did you get involved in that?
A lot of people move to Qatar in their thirties and have young families, it came to me naturally. People liked my work and I kept getting new clients.
Do you rely on postproduction for your work or do you prefer to leave your photographs as they are?
I very rarely leave photos as they are. I am a bit of a perfectionist and I love to manipulate with colours and light. I guess it's kind of a trend at the moment.
As a foreigner in Doha, how hard was it to find work in the creative industry?
In Doha there are a lot of work opportunities, especially for young people but don't come here with expectations, be open-minded. It is important to learn and understand the culture over here. Living here as a woman is a bit harder than it is for men, because of religion. To find work in Doha you have to be motivated and driven.
How religious is life in Doha?
Most of the people are Muslims. Mosques are at a walking distance all around the city and the call for prayers can be heard many times during the day. Qatari women are covered with black long abayas and their hair is covered with a scarf called the hijab. Women who are more conservative wear a burqa, to cover their face. Qatari men wear a white long thawb and a traditional head piece called ghutrah.
Does religion and Muslim culture affect your work in any way?
Most families I have worked with are foreigners from Holland, England, South Africa, France, Lebanon, Kenya, Hungary, Belorussia, etc. I have worked with a few Qatari ladies and they were beautiful but they are not allowed to appear on any media platform unless their family gives express permission. It is a cultural taboo and it is not related to religion. This is the reason why Qatari women don't feel comfortable when a camera is pointed at them. This is however slowly changing and women are now getting more and more involved with the media industry.
How developed is the film and media industry in Doha compared to Europe?
I wouldn't compare Doha to any European city as it is simply so different and new. The University of Qatar teaches media studies and Doha has its own Film Institute. Every year they host the Tribeca Film Festival and Ajyal Youth Film Festival over here. We also have some good production companies and new ones keep opening.
Who would you like to work for in the creative industry?
Bruno Aveillan is my inspiration! What a talent! His style is breathtaking. The amount of work he puts into the details is what makes him so good.
What are the highs and lows of living in Qatar?
Qatar is a small country based in the Middle East. They produce oil and natural gas, making them one of the wealthiest nations on Earth. It is a place with expensive cars, designer clothes and the latest technology but there is a darker side as well in Qatar, and I would call it modern-day slavery. The migrant workers on construction sites and the problems they have are not what we have in Europe. Nevertheless, we have a lot of diversity in this small place. I live in Doha and it is a new developing city with lots of opportunities. The weather is great and people are living here from all parts of the world and if you are new here you will find friends soon.
Your husband is a copilot for Qatar Airways, so you get to travel often. What are the most inspirational places you have visited?
My favorite trip was to Bali! We rode a scooter around Bali and experienced the real Indonesian life. We saw things you don't see in Europe: people working on rice fields, young boys flying their dragon kites, dogs sleeping on the side of the road and such wild nature that you can't even imagine. It was amazing, I would recommend to travel there any time.
What is your advice for people who are just starting out their careers as a photographer or filmmaker?
Just create, experiment and believe in yourself.
Hedone is the magazine on the quest for pleasure: what is your ultimate pleasure?
Living a fulfilled creative life and having my family around me.