Omar Saleem Birmingham-Based Creative Writer & Photographer Specialising in Lifestyle & Portraits
Storytelling through a lens and a pen. Providing artistic lifestyle and portrait photography with bespoke creative writing in Birmingham, the West Midlands and across the UK.
About Omar Saleem – Birmingham Lifestyle & Portrait Photographer
About
I was born in Birmingham in October 1986, and I’m still proud to call this city my home today. I’ve been a photographer for nearly 15 years now, and over time, I’ve come to believe that everything in life happens for a reason. It is often the smallest, seemingly quietest moments, the “little things”, that ultimately shape who we become.
I’ve always found it difficult to express myself through words alone; my images became a stage where I could finally share the art and vision I held deep inside. To me, a photograph carries messages and emotions long after the time has passed.
The Journey: From Library Shelves to Self-Taught Photography & Design
My journey started back in the 1990s - some of the best years to grow up, in my opinion. While my peers were focused on the curriculum, I often found myself disinterested and unchallenged in classrooms. I’d frequently slip away or skip out on lessons, seeking a “safe haven” in the school library. It was there that I took charge of my own education, spending hours reading books on Science, Technology and Photography. I would read photography books cover to cover to learn about composition and different styles.
It was during this same period that I also discovered a passion for web design. Back then, internet access was a luxury and my time on a computer was strictly limited. To make the most of it, I would teach myself what I could and then spend hours writing out lines of code by hand using a pen and paper. When I finally got back onto a PC, I would frantically type up everything I’d written and test to see if it worked.
I made plenty of mistakes and published a lot of sites over the years; some became popular with fellow classmates and students at school — like a site that provided download links for game console emulators and ROMs. A Pirate Bay of sorts before Pirate Bay. Unfortunately it was short-lived and was ultimately shut down. Those early experiments taught me the fundamentals of coding and design. I designed and built this website using everything I had learnt since those early days, and from knowledge gained working as a web developer for a short period of time. I’m incredibly proud of it, though I’m always learning and adapting as I go.
I am a firm believer in working with purpose and putting my heart into everything I create. I set the highest standards for myself because, ultimately, it’s about more than just delivering a project - it’s about publishing work that I can be genuinely proud to stand behind and put my name against.
Qualifications & Recognition
My dad was a huge inspiration during my early steps into Photography; he would spend his break times at work cutting out photography competitions from newspapers to bring home and encourage me to enter. This fueled the fire he knew was already burning. That early encouragement led me to Sandwell College, where I studied under the mentorship of published photographic artist Helen Sweeting, earned my HNC, and eventually became a member of the Royal Photographic Society with a Licentiate (LRPS) qualification.
Since then, I’ve had the honour of being a runner-up in the ILFORD “Power of Motion” competition and seeing my work exhibited in Sandwell Library as part of the Jubilee Arts Archive Project.
My Philosophy: Authentic Lifestyle Photography
I believe that lifestyle photography should be a reflection of real life, not a staged version of it. My goal isn’t to capture a “perfect” pose, but to find the quiet, honest moments that tell your true story. I look for the light hitting a room just right, a genuine laugh, or the small details that define a personality. I want your photos to feel like a collection of memories that are as warm and familiar as a favourite song.
The Experience: Relaxed & Intentional
If you’re worried about being “bad” in front of the camera, don’t be. My sessions are effortless and conversational. I prefer gentle direction over stiff posing, ensuring the process is as enjoyable as the final images. On the technical side, I work with both digital and film. I love the precision of my Canon DSLR, but I have a massive soft spot for the feel of a 35mm lens and also medium format, with my Rolleiflex being my favourite camera. For peace of mind, I always use dual memory cards and carry backup bodies. Your memories are too important to leave to chance.
Beyond the Lens
I find inspiration in the simplest things: the smell of tea, the sweetness of a Caramel Latte, or the tradition of fish and chips on a Friday. I’m a creative writer and a poet who loves the tactile things in life — the sound of rain, vintage Casio watches, old Nokia phones, and the classic Gameboy. I’m the kind of person who enjoys a long walk alone, stops to watch birds in mid-flight, and finds beauty in a sunset.. and a sunrise.
Work With Me: Omar Saleem Photography
I’m based in the city of Birmingham within the West Midlands, but I travel nationally. Whether it’s Lifestyle Photography, Portrait Photography, or a creative project, I specialise in capturing the details that others may miss.
Please contact me for a custom quote for all photography bookings, project commissions, and freelance writing inquiries.
