I’m Shehab Qayati, a Director of Photography and cinematographer with 15 years of experience across film, television, documentaries, commercials, broadcast, and digital content throughout the Middle East. I focus on turning creative concepts into strong visual storytelling—through thoughtful lensing, disciplined camera operation, and lighting that supports the mood and narrative on both studio sets and real-world locations. Alongside my production work, I also teach cinematography and cinematic production technology as a lecturer, and I enjoy mentoring teams and students from shot design through field training. My background includes broadcast and documentary collaborations such as CBC, Sky News Arabia, Rotana TV, Al Jadeed TV, Warner Bros. Discovery productions, and Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, and I’m also advancing my research and practice in applied visual technologies—now expanding into generative AI for creative filmmaking and visual storytelling.…

Shehab Qayati

I’m Shehab Qayati, a Director of Photography and cinematographer with 15 years of experience across film, television, documentaries, commercials, broadcast, and digital content throughout the Middle East. I focus on turning creative concepts into strong visual storytelling—through thoughtful lensing, disciplined camera operation, and lighting that supports the mood and narrative on both studio sets and real-world locations. Alongside my production work, I also teach cinematography and cinematic production technology as a lecturer, and I enjoy mentoring teams and students from shot design through field training. My background includes broadcast and documentary collaborations such as CBC, Sky News Arabia, Rotana TV, Al Jadeed TV, Warner Bros. Discovery productions, and Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, and I’m also advancing my research and practice in applied visual technologies—now expanding into generative AI for creative filmmaking and visual storytelling.…

Available to hire

I’m Shehab Qayati, a Director of Photography and cinematographer with 15 years of experience across film, television, documentaries, commercials, broadcast, and digital content throughout the Middle East. I focus on turning creative concepts into strong visual storytelling—through thoughtful lensing, disciplined camera operation, and lighting that supports the mood and narrative on both studio sets and real-world locations.

Alongside my production work, I also teach cinematography and cinematic production technology as a lecturer, and I enjoy mentoring teams and students from shot design through field training. My background includes broadcast and documentary collaborations such as CBC, Sky News Arabia, Rotana TV, Al Jadeed TV, Warner Bros. Discovery productions, and Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, and I’m also advancing my research and practice in applied visual technologies—now expanding into generative AI for creative filmmaking and visual storytelling.

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Language

Arabic
Fluent
English
Advanced

Work Experience

Lecturer - Photography, Cinema and Television Department at Faculty of Applied Arts, October 6 University
January 1, 2024 - Present
Teach cinematography and visual communication, commercial photography, cinematic production technology, and film analysis. Supervise graduation films and field training, supporting students with practice-led production guidance and visual execution fundamentals.
Lecturer – Photography, Cinema, and Television Department at Faculty of Applied Arts, October 6 University
January 1, 2024 - Present
Deliver undergraduate instruction in cinematography, visual communication, commercial photography, cinematic production technology, film criticism and analysis, acting direction, and television advertisement photography. Supervise graduation projects and short film productions. Mentor award-winning student film productions recognized at international festivals. Participate in curriculum development and quality assurance. Coordinate field training programs for students.
Part-Time Lecturer at Al Ahram Canadian University
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2026
Teach courses including Screenwriting, Cinematography, Advanced Cinematic Lighting, Fashion Photography, and Directing for Acting, integrating academic theory with professional production practice.
Lecturer and Director of Photography (DoP) at Faculty of Applied Arts, October 6 University
January 1, 2024 - Present
Deliver undergraduate instruction in cinematography, visual communication, commercial photography, cinematic production technology, film criticism and analysis, acting direction, and television advertisement photography. Supervise graduation projects and short film productions, mentor student productions recognized at international festivals, and support curriculum development and quality assurance activities. Coordinate field training programs for students.
Assistant Lecturer at October 6 University
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2024
Support instruction in photography, cinema, and television-related coursework, contributing to student learning and practice-led training across the department.
Assistant Lecturer at Faculty of Applied Arts, October 6 University
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2024
Assisted in delivering theoretical and practical instruction in photography and cinematography. Supported academic research and studio-based teaching, developing students’ visual storytelling and technical production skills.
Director of Photography at Middle East Productions
January 1, 2011 - Present
Director of Photography for television programs, documentaries, commercials, digital content, and media productions across the Middle East. Served as Director of Photography for Al Qabas Kuwait (“The Black Box”) and for Mojtama'a Platform; external DoP for CBC Sofra until 2025. Worked as a broadcast cameraman for Dream TV and Egyptian National Television, collaborating with Rotana TV, Sky News Arabia, Al Jadeed TV, and Warner Bros. Discovery productions. Delivered commercial campaigns for brands including BEKO, CAF, and Tempo Sport (Zamalek SC). Documentary credits include “Egypt: Land of Prophets,” “Egypt: Land of Saints,” and “Bosta Ain El Remmaneh” for Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, plus coverage for major conferences and high-profile events.
Director of Photography (DoP) | Broadcast Cameraman at Middle East Productions
January 1, 2011 - Present
Lead visual execution for television programs, documentaries, commercials, digital content, and broadcast productions across the Middle East. Handle camera operation, cinematic lighting, lensing choices, shot composition, visual continuity, and on-set problem solving. Work includes DoP responsibilities for Al Qabas Kuwait (The Black Box), Mojtama'a Platform, and external DoP work for CBC Sofra until 2025, plus broadcast cameraman experience for Dream TV, Egyptian National Television, and CBC. Collaborate with Rotana TV, Sky News Arabia, Al Jadeed TV, and Warner Bros. Discovery productions. Contribute to branded campaigns for BEKO, CAF, and Tempo Sport (Zamalek SC), and deliver documentary coverage for Al Jazeera Documentary Channel including Egypt: Land of Prophets, Egypt: Land of Saints, and Bosta Ain El Remmaneh. Also cover major conferences and high-profile events, including events associated with Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud.
Director of Photography (DoP) / Broadcast Cameraman at Dream TV / Egyptian National Television / CBC (and other production collaborations)
January 1, 2011 - Present
Worked as a broadcast cameraman for Dream TV, Egyptian National Television, and CBC. Served as DoP for television programs and commercials across the Middle East. Worked as external DoP for CBC Sofra until 2025. Produced commercial campaigns for BEKO and Tempo Sport (Zamalek SC). Contributed to documentary productions including “Egypt: Land of Prophets” and “Egypt: Land of Saints,” and worked on the Al Jazeera Documentary Channel film “Bosta Ain El Remmaneh.” Collaborated with CBC, Rotana TV, Sky News Arabia, Al Jadeed TV, and Warner Bros. Discovery productions.
Director of Photography (DoP) | Broadcast Cameraman at Dream TV / Egyptian National Television / CBC and other production partners
January 1, 2011 - Present
Work as a broadcast cameraman and DoP for television programs and commercials across the Middle East. Collaborate with major media organizations including CBC, Rotana TV, Dream TV, Alghad TV, Al Jadeed TV, Sky News Arabia, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Produce commercial campaigns for brands including BEKO and Tempo Sport (Zamalek SC). Deliver documentary work including “Egypt: Land of Prophets,” “Egypt: Land of Saints,” and “Bosta Ain El Remmaneh” for Al Jazeera Documentary Channel. External DoP for CBC Sofra until 2025.

Education

Ph.D. in Applied Arts at Helwan University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
Master’s Degree in Applied Arts at Helwan University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Arts (Photography, Cinema, and Television) at October 6 University
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2012
Ph.D. in Applied Arts at Helwan University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
Master’s Degree in Applied Arts at Helwan University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Arts (Photography, Cinema, and Television) at October 6 University
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2012
Ph.D. in Applied Arts at Helwan University
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Master's Degree in Applied Arts at Helwan University
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019
B.A. in Applied Arts - Photography, Cinema and Television at October 6 University
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2012
Ph.D. in Applied Arts (Holographic imagery integration, stage imaging and television broadcast) at Helwan University
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Master's Degree in Applied Arts (Television advertising imagery and virtual-reality display environments) at Helwan University
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019
B.A. in Applied Arts - Photography, Cinema and Television at October 6 University
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2012

Qualifications

Runway specialized training (AI assistant workflows)
January 11, 2030 - October 2, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services