Beshoy Selim

Behind the Lens From Cairo to LA

Since launching his photography studio in 2014, Beshoy Selim has risen to prominence as one of L.A.’s top wedding photographers, celebrated for his ability to beautifully capture the most unforgettable moments. As the official photographer for eniGma’s 11th Celebration of Arab Glamour & Success in Beverly Hills, Selim exceeded our expectations, with his breathtaking array of photographs and videos that perfectly captured the essence of our stars and guests enjoying the evening’s festivities. eniGma’s Farida Elserty had the chance to chat with the talented photographer about his passion for the craft and to uncover the inspiring journey that has led him to the top of his field.

Beshoy Selim’s journey into photography began with a serendipitous moment. During a visit from his cousin, who had brought a camera along, something clicked — literally and figuratively. The first time Selim held that camera, he felt an instant connection, a spark of inspiration that set him on a path that would take him around the world. “The moment I touched it, I felt something different,” Selim recalls.

Selim’s Egyptian heritage plays a significant role in shaping his artistic vision. He draws inspiration from these elements to capture the elegance and emotion of weddings, aiming to infuse each photograph with a sense of timeless beauty. “I want my photos to reflect the timeless charm of my heritage,” he says.

Specialising in wedding photography was a natural choice for Selim, who found joy in documenting some of the most meaningful moments in people’s lives. The emotional depth embedded in weddings captivated him. “Each wedding is a unique experience,” he explains.

To capture the emotions and special moments of a wedding day, Selim adopts a dual approach: attentiveness and unobtrusiveness. He pays close attention to the little details and genuine interactions that make each wedding unique. By building a rapport with the couple and their guests, he creates an environment where everyone feels at ease.

Nontheless, the path of a wedding photographer is not without its challenges. For Selim, the biggest hurdle lies in the constant push for self-improvement. “The job is demanding, and it’s often hard to stay motivated and push through the pressure,” he admits. Each wedding presents unique challenges, but Selim’s commitment to personal growth drives him to continuously elevate his craft. This relentless pursuit of excellence is what fuels his passion and keeps him striving to capture the most authentic and beautiful moments for every couple.

However, the rewards of his profession far outweigh the challenges. For Selim, the most gratifying aspect is knowing that he has played a part in preserving the joy and love of a couple’s special day. “Seeing the happiness on a client’s face when they view their photos is very gratifying,” he shares.

Selim’s photography style is centered around creating art that makes a strong impact. He aims to capture visually striking images that evoke a “WOW” response, turning each moment into a unique piece of art.

To capture the best moments during a wedding, Selim combines careful planning with adaptability. He discusses key moments with the couple beforehand and remains attentive yet unobtrusive on the day itself, blending into the background to capture genuine, spontaneous moments.

One of the most memorable experiences of Selim’s career was a surprise proposal shoot in Lake Como, Italy. The client hired him to capture the moment he proposed to his fiancé, keeping it a secret until the last minute. The surprise, combined with the stunning backdrop of Lake Como, made it an unforgettable experience.

Living and working in Los Angeles has greatly influenced Selim’s photography. From beaches and parks to deserts and mountains, the city’s vibrant culture and diverse landscapes provide endless inspiration. The varied settings available in LA allow him to explore different styles and to capture unique, creative images. “I feel fortunate to be in a city with such a rich variety of options,” he says.

Pasadena City Hall, Caltech University, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Vasquez Rocks are among his favourite locations for photo shoots. Each offers a distinct backdrop, from stunning architecture to dramatic natural settings.

Looking ahead, Selim plans to continue pushing the boundaries of his artistic vision, exploring new techniques, and expanding his reach globally. He also hopes to mentor aspiring photographers, sharing his experiences to inspire the next generation of artists. His goal is to keep evolving his style, embracing new challenges, and consistently delivering extraordinary and memorable images for his clients.

Selim considers his connection with eniGma Magazine to be a highlight of his career. “I’ve known eniGma Magazine for years, and I love its team a lot,” he says, reflecting on his experience with the publication. “Being part of their celebrations and meeting successful Arabs in different fields has been an exciting and rewarding experience, further enriching my journey behind the lens,” he adds.