Laouadi Mohamed: Algerian street photographer capturing the interplay of light, shadows, and architecture in Algiers

Mohamed Laouadi is an Algerian street photographer based in Algiers, also known as Ciudad Explorer. His photography focuses on everyday urban scenes, architecture, and the relationship between light and shadow.

He began taking photographs in 2021 after discovering the camera capabilities of his Xiaomi K20 smartphone. Since then, he has developed an interest in composition, architectural details, and the changing appearance of familiar spaces throughout the day.

Working with a Google Pixel 7a, Laouadi photographs the streets of Algiers, drawing inspiration from his daily journeys and surroundings. His project Light as Architecture reflects his interest in the shapes, shadows, and visual patterns created when sunlight meets the built environment.

How did you get started in photography?

My photography journey began with editing photographs of cars. I have always been interested in supercars and sports cars, so I used to collect photographs of my favourite models and edit them for fun.

In 2021, I bought a Xiaomi K20 smartphone. While testing its camera, I was impressed by the image quality and started photographing sunsets, sunrises, flowers, and landscapes.

Since then, I have continued practising and developing my photography, working towards creating a visual style that people can recognise as mine.

How would you describe yourself?

I'm a private person, and I find it difficult to describe myself. I prefer to let people get to know me and form their own impressions.

I feel the same way about my photographs. I want people to interpret them from their own perspectives and find their own meaning in what they see.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

My photography is inspired by my daily routine and the emotions I experience throughout the day. Sometimes I feel inspired while travelling to university or walking with friends.

The way I feel at a particular moment often influences what I choose to photograph.Connecting with people through my photographs is still something I find challenging because I am introverted.

Sharing my work on social media has made those connections easier and more natural. People can discover my photographs and approach me through them.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

Recently, I participated in a photography workshop called La photographie dans le temps at the Institut français d'Alger, led by photographer Fethi Sahraoui.

One of my photographs was selected for the announcement of the workshop's final presentation, which made me very happy.

During the exhibition, some visitors recognised the photograph from the social media announcement. They would stop in front of it and say, “Ah, this is the one we saw online!” Receiving that kind of feedback was a memorable experience for me.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer?

Going through a period when I felt disconnected from my photographs.

I was still taking pictures as usual, but whenever I sat down to edit them, I felt completely stuck. I would look at an image without knowing where to begin. I kept questioning how to edit it, which style to use, and how to crop it. All those questions created a distance between me and my work.

One evening, I decided to start editing and ignore the questions that had been holding me back. Since then, I have not experienced that same difficulty. The lesson I took from it was simple: don't think, just do.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

I specialise in street photography. My daily routine and the architecture of Algiers naturally drew me towards it, particularly the way light changes the appearance of the city.

As I learned more about composition and lighting, I began seeing ordinary walls, staircases, and buildings differently.

I have taken many photographs where the main subjects are simply walls, stairs, shadows, and light.

This interest led me to create a project called Light as Architecture, documenting the relationship between light and architectural forms.