Using 3-D photography and printing, Abdulrahman Al-Almaei aims to document significant memories for people and record the Kingdom’s rich heritage, along with important stages in culture, clothing, and cuisine. (Instagram/minimi_sa)
Photographer Abdulrahman Al-Almaei is transforming the art of capturing cherished memories in Saudi Arabia by embracing cutting-edge 3-D technology. According to Arab News, Al-Almaei aims to preserve the Kingdom's rich legacy and immortalize important details by capturing the essence of its customs, cuisine, and traditional attire.
Situated within Riyadh's Boulevard World, Al-Almaei's innovative project, Minimi, utilizes over 80 cameras and 12 flashes strategically positioned within a room. The subject is painstakingly photographed from every angle, and the resulting pictures are combined to create a smooth 3-D model that captures all the fine details offering a distinctive photo and memento experience.
While other nations were at the forefront of innovation in different domains, Al-Almaei saw an opportunity to bring this cutting-edge technology to Saudi Arabia while preserving its cultural heritage. His fascination with emerging technologies and desire to align these advancements with Saudi culture served as the inspiration for his integration of 3-D technology into photography.
Even though 3-D photography is still relatively new and expensive, Al-Almaei is committed to making this experience available to everyone in Saudi Arabia. He intends to take Minimi outside of Riyadh and encourage the next generation to investigate the potential of three-dimensional photography.
Even if using specialized equipment and labor-intensive printing procedures present difficulties, Al-Almaei is dedicated to improving this idea so that it is more broadly accessible and reasonably priced. He believes that 3-D technology holds great promise for recording Saudi Arabia's rich history, cultural heritage, traditional attire, and culinary customs in addition to capturing precious moments.
Beyond its application in printing buildings and houses, 3-D technology, as envisioned by Al-Almaei, serves as a powerful tool for documenting and preserving the Kingdom's historical wealth and cultural nuances. It offers an opportunity to bridge the gap between Saudi Arabia's rich past and dynamic present, marking a new chapter in the intersection of technology and culture.
