Tag Archives | Photography

Taking photos in Beirut now needs a special permission

By on August 31, 2012 in Lebanon

Group photography and big photo gear seem to frighten the government!

According to this article from SK Eyes, a group of photographers were approached by police officers at Ain El-Mrayseh few days ago, and were forced to stop taking photos because they did not have a permission to do so from the authorities! One of the officers later explained that the governor of Beirut has forbidden taking photos in the area of Ain El-Mrayseh because big photo gear can frighten people.

Burning tires and kidnapping people in broad daylight on the other hand don’t seem like they worry people that much for the governor of police officers to take any action about them…

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Mount Lebanon time lapse video

By on August 2, 2012 in Photography

I spent some time searching for time lapse videos shot in Lebanon but only found this one worth sharing, even though we have some really cool scenes around the country to experiment with. I actually thought I would find more with the number of photographers I have on my twitter and facebook timelines…

If you’re interested to make your own time lapse video, you can download one of the available applications to your mobile device and start experimenting with it. An application I’m currently toying with on my iPad is this one called Time Lapse Camera HD.

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Vintage photos from Studio Shehrazade in Saida

By on July 6, 2012 in Photography

Our man in Beirut shared this really cool find of vintage photos obtained from an old photography studio in Saida, dating back to the 1960s. The poses and the objects people choose to pose next to look quite funny! But that’s probably the same thing that’s going to be said about our photos in 50 years from now!

Anyway, the collection contains photos for people of all ages, including Palestinian fighters, a body-builder, and even two women french kissing. You can check them all here.

It would be really amazing is those people come across the collection and identify themselves!

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Supermoon over Lebanon

By on May 6, 2012 in Lebanon

As you may have read around the web in the last couple of days, the world witnessed the biggest and brightest full moon in 2012, also known as a Supermoon, which is the name used when referring to a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest distance to earth, and usually happens once every 412 days.

Below is a cool shot taken by Beirut Drive-By of the Supermoon over the Lebanese mountains last night.

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The many pleasures of Beirut

By on April 17, 2012 in Lebanon

Right when we got bored of the numerous articles in The New York Times and other international journals about Zaitounay Bay, Downtown Beirut and always comparing the two places to a rising phoenix, comes this slide show by Newsweek to show the real pleasures of Beirut.

Jared Moossy, a photographer and also the author of this slideshow, unusually decided to shed light on the other side of Beirut and visit areas like Basta, Bourj Hammoud, the Cornish, and the pigeons’ rock. He’s definitely not the first one to write about these places, but it’s good to let tourists be more aware of these authentic areas. I mean it’s cool to have a dinner at the Beirut marina, but trust me it’s way cooler to have some authentic Armenian food at a place like Varouj in Bourj Hammoud, which I’ll soon be posting a review about.

You may click here to check the “pleasures” chosen by Newsweek.

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Thousands of old photos of Lebanon and the middle east

By on August 12, 2011 in Lebanon

I just came across a great website called “The Fouad Debbas Collection” featuring thousands of old photos and postcards from Lebanon and the region collected by the late Fouad Debbas, who according to the website used to run the lighting business of Debbas family.

The collection is really amazing and well organized, you can browse it by country, era, period of time, photographer, and even by photo orientation. I’ve seen some old collections before, but this one is unique.

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K-Lynn’s winter fashion show 2011

By on March 14, 2011 in Events

Don’t you just love March for the lingerie shows it brings every year?

Yesterday was K-Lynn’s turn to show the best of their designs at Rikky’s in Faqra. A friend of mine got these photos from Facebook and was good enough to share them with me. Thanks S! (Images courtesy of photographer Gilbert Kahawaty)

Click here to check the rest of the photos. (190+ photos).

Click here to check the rest of the photos. (190+ photos).

Continue Reading →

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Le Montagnou Faraya – A social dining experience

By on February 4, 2011 in Reviews

A cold weather and a good company is all you need to enjoy a pierrade at Le Montagnou Faraya! The restaurant has a really beautiful scenery in daytime, and feels really cozy at night.

I had a mushroom soup as a starter with a small share of a grilled chicken fillet course, and they both tasted good.

Then came the yummi pierrade with this large pot of cholesterol melted cheese. I had to deal with some guilt afterward but it was ok! :P

… but I got a bit disappointed towards the end with the chocolate fondue, as the chocolate didn’t really taste the way it should be.

Anyway, having a friendly staff, a nice atmosphere, and good food, the place is totally recommended!

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Eau de Vie – Phoenicia Hotel

By on January 20, 2011 in Reviews

I was invited to a tasting at Eau de Vie Phoenicia last night which has been renovated and re-opened in November with a new design and exquisite menu.

I’ve never been to the place before, but I’ve been told it used to target old people prior to the renovation, and they’re now trying to attract younger people. Although I’m not really sure how many “young” people will be able to afford the prices on the menu, but I believe the overall experience of the place is worth it!

The staff was so friendly and took us on a small tour around the place to show us their new wine, whiskey, and cigar storage rooms, the new lounges and how small private areas can now be booked for groups of 50 people without really disturbing other guests, and of course their fantastic view of the Mediterranean and the mountains.

And then came the food… which was no less than awesome! We first got served some smoked salmon and a variety of salads, followed by our choice among 4 mouth watering main dishes, and finally a variety of really really REALLY GOOD desserts.

I totally recommend the place and I really hope they maintain their taste and quality of food, unlike other places in Beirut.

Oh and now that Valentine’s day is getting near, I suggest you book a table for two by the window at Eau de Vie if you’re on the look for a nice fancy place for you and your loved one, and I guarantee it’ll be your winning card ;)

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Panoramic views from Lebanon

By on January 19, 2011 in Lebanon

I came across this profile on Gigapan today by a Lebanese photographer called Karim Saad who shoots cool panoramic scenes in Lebanon and the UAE.

My favorite among his work was this huge panorama of Beirut Central District.

Double click on the photo or use your mouse wheel to zoom in. The shots are so clear that you can even see the car plates numbers.

In this Panorama you can browse and discover a lot of landmarks as well as the beautiful architecture of Beirut downtown.

http://gigapan.org/gigapans/67894/

Make sure not to miss the following:

1- Martyr’s Square and the famous Statue
2- Grand Serail also known as Government Palace
3- Al Amine Mosque
4- Hariri Burial site
5- St. Georges Church
6- Beirut Ports
7- Holiday Inn Hotel
8- UN Headquarters
9- Burj el Murr, Starco, An Nahar, Virgin, Burj Al Ghazal, UFA buildings and many others…

Also on the far right, you will see a big part of the Lebanese coast including:

1- La Marina Joseph Khoury
2- Zouk Power Plant
3- Rimal, Holiday Beach, Aquamarina, Tabarja…
4- Notre Dame du Liban also know as Harissa
5- Casino du Liban

If you can’t find them on the map, they are all snapshot. All you have to do is to hover the mouse over the image a check the name. Good hunting!

Make sure to also check other panoramas he did of Kesrawan and Sannine Mountain, the Cedars, and Jounieh Bay.

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