"Working with the X2D was full of joy. I had this impeccable camera in my hand and had the opportunity to make these new images on a completely different level. I didn’t miss a shot on the streets."
Hasselblad Master Ali Rajabi sees the world as a black canvas he can paint his stories on with light. Capturing snapshots with careful planning, he walks through the streets of New York with the X2D 100C, freezing the bustling city in quiet moments of bold light and shadow.
© Ali Rajabi, X2D 100C + XCD 2,5/55V
© Ali Rajabi, X2D 100C + XCD 3,5-4,5/35-75
Ali starts his creative process by walking, scouting locations, taking notes, and writing stories to plan out the images. He often visits the same location multiple times at the same time of day to get an idea of lighting composition and bring his ideas to life.
"There is an undeniable tension between darkness and light, which allows me to discover balance, silence, solitude, and hope."
“This scene was exactly what I was looking for. It shows just how powerful the X2D is at capturing details in highlights and shadows.”
© Ali Rajabi, X2D 100C + XCD 3,5-4,5/35-75
Street photography is a careful balance of circumstance and careful planning. For Ali, "the streets of New York are like one giant studio filled with infinite photographic opportunities. You can find anything on the streets. You can look at different forms, colours, and people. These are the elements I'm trying to make a good photograph from."
© Ali Rajabi, X2D 100C + XCD 2,8/135
"I had planned to visit this specific spot for a concept. The weather was supposed to be clear and sunny, but this is New York. By the time I had arrived, the sky was overcast and heavy construction was underway. It was almost impossible to take a good shot. I wanted to leave, but one thing I learned over the past years, the key to making strong images on the streets, is patience. So, I decided to wait. I knew even one ray of light could dramatically change the scene and colours. The patience worked, and I had only 10 minutes of light to capture this moment."
On the fast-paced streets of New York, there may only be a moment where lighting, framing, and subject all align. The photographer must be ready to capture fleeting moments with their camera in hand.
© Ali Rajabi, X2D 100C + XCD 3,5-4,5/35-75
© Ali Rajabi, X2D 100C + XCD 3,5-4,5/35-75
"The speed of the autofocus is amazing. I didn't miss a shot on the streets or have to think about taking pictures again. The IBIS system is very helpful when shooting in urban environments for taking low-light, low shutter speed shots, handheld."
© Ali Rajabi, X2D 100C + XCD 3,5-4,5/35-75
1.0s f/11 ISO100
© Ali Rajabi, X2D 100C + XCD 2,5/55V
"The new 55mm lens is so fast, sharp, handy, and small. The low aperture in this focal length was exactly what I was looking for. And I enjoy the way you can switch from manual focus to autofocus by simply pushing/pulling on the lens."
© Ali Rajabi, X2D 100C + XCD 3,5-4,5/35-75
© Ali Rajabi, X2D 100C + XCD 3,5-4,5/35-75
"Every photographer knows about the Hasselblad brand, whether they're an amateur, enthusiast, or professional because the history of photography is on the shoulders of Hasselblad. For me, it's an investment in my career, to move to the next level. It's always important to have the right tools in the right moments to make great photographs."
Ali Rajabi
© Marymor Photography
About Ali Rajabi
Rajabi has been photographing for over 17 years. He fell in love with the visual world through gaming and cinema, and his love of imagery continued to photography. Ali is a Hasselblad Master based in New York City. He won his Hasselblad Master in 2016 in the Urban Street category. His work has been exhibited and featured in magazines worldwide. He has also collaborated with Ogilvy & Mather, and brands such as IKEA, Motorola, and Profoto. See more of his work here.