Beyond words print collection
Artist statement
I did not plan to go to Hajj and like most Hajjis will tell you, there was a call and I answered it. This is a collection of photographs that I created during a pilgrimage shaped by reflection, intention and love.
The photographs below were created on a 35mm film camera from the 1960's. It felt right to capture such historically and spiritually significant places on an imperfect medium. AI could probably make something more aesthetically pleasing than reality but that's not why one makes Hajj. We make Hajj to get in touch with the rawness of our souls. I'll take a raw, authentic reality over a perfect imitation.
The grain of the film, the light flares and the other imperfections make each photograph unique just like our own individual connection to The Most High. Each of these elements were kept present - these photos are untouched by the artificial perfection of today. They do not explain Hajj but they share a glimpse of my experience.
Shade of the Prophet
Madina
This is one of the few images I took with a “modern” subject matter. These automatic shades would rise with the sun and were placed all around the Prophet’s Mosque. They certainly gave welcome respite from the hot Medina sun while at times got in the way of viewing the domes...
Quba the first
Madina
This was the first masjid ever built. More sections have been added to it over the centuries. The date palm trees paired with the perfectly blue sky and white minaret felt like paradise.
Knowing that the Prophet established the first...
House of Ibrahim
Mecca
Paragraph
Ibada (Worship)
Mecca
There’s as many paths to the divine as there are rivers to the sea. This idea is present even at Hajj- a strictly Islamic practice. There are a certain set of rituals that need to be done in order to "complete" your hajj, those rituals are completed on each person's own time and in their own way connecting...
House of Ibrahim
Mecca
Paragraph
Akbar Sayed is known for creating photographs that capture not only the image, but the soul of a moment. His path into photography began while in nursing school, where empathy and human connection shaped the way he learned to see.
His photography has been featured in Washingtonian, The New York Times, and numerous other publications, and he is a four-time Washingtonian Weddings Editors’ Choice recipient. He lives in Ellicott City, Maryland with his wife and three children, where love, legacy, and storytelling guide everything he creates.
Revered for his editorial, yet emotive imagery & published countless times.
Meet Akbar Sayed
Do you accept returns or exchanges?
Because each print is carefully produced and packaged to order, returns are not accepted. However, I want to ensure that every piece arrives safely and in perfect condition.
If your print arrives damaged, I will gladly arrange an exchange for the same item.
To request an exchange, please send a short video showing the package and the damaged print within 48 hours of delivery to hello@akbarsayedphotography.com. This documentation helps verify any shipping damage so I can quickly arrange a replacement.
Once the damage is confirmed, a replacement of the exact same print will be sent.
What if my print is lost in shipping?
If your order appears to be lost in transit, please contact me at hello@akbarsayedphotography.com so I can help investigate with the shipping carrier.
If the carrier confirms that the package has been lost, a replacement of the same print will be arranged.
Please note that delivery timelines are determined by the shipping carrier and may occasionally experience delays beyond my control.
What if my print arrives with minor imperfections?
Each print is carefully produced and inspected before shipping. However, very small variations can occasionally occur due to the nature of fine art printing and the materials used.
Minor variations that do not affect the overall presentation of the artwork are considered part of the natural print process and may not qualify for an exchange.
If your print arrives with significant damage or defects, please send a short video documenting the packaging and the print to hello@akbarsayedphotography.com within 48 hours of delivery so the issue can be reviewed and addressed.
What if my print arrives bent or creased?
If your print arrives bent, creased, or visibly damaged during shipping, please send a short video showing the packaging and the condition of the print to hello@akbarsayedphotography.com within 48 hours of delivery.
This documentation helps verify shipping damage so a replacement can be arranged quickly.
Once the damage is confirmed, an exchange will be issued for the same exact print.
