When you hear the name Rami Dibo, chances are you’ve seen one of his jaw-dropping shots online, like the viral image of the sun perfectly framed through Ain Dubai’s Ferris wheel. That moment, which racked up more than 34 million views on social media, is not just a random stroke of luck. It’s the result of years of dedication, technical mastery, and an unwavering artistic vision.
Rami’s journey began far from the world of viral photography. In 2008, at the peak of the global financial crisis, he moved to Dubai to begin a new chapter in life. His early days were not about cameras or tripods; they were rooted in his background in engineering, a discipline that honed his precision, patience, and eye for detail. But behind that technical mindset lived a deeply creative soul, one that had been nurtured since childhood through painting, drawing, and artistic exploration.
From Childhood Artist to Self-Made Photographer
Rami Dibo recalls being recognized for his art from a young age. Teachers and family saw his creative potential early, but like many, he followed a practical career path in engineering. Yet, the artist inside never disappeared. Travel and photography became his escape, a way to see the world differently and freeze moments in time.
By 2015, what began as a casual hobby took a sharp turn into a serious pursuit. Rami immersed himself in the craft, dedicating time, resources, and relentless energy to mastering photography. This wasn’t an overnight transformation, it was a slow burn, fueled by trial, error, and curiosity.
Unlike many photographers who learn through mentorship or formal apprenticeships, Rami’s start was solitary. He had no guidebook, no seasoned professional showing him the ropes. Instead, he pieced together his education through self-research, online courses, and countless hours of practice.
Along the way, chance encounters with professionals inspired him, sparking the ambition to refine his own style and set himself apart in the competitive photography world.
Chasing the Moon and the Sun
If there’s one chapter of Rami’s journey that defines his creative identity, it’s his venture into moon and solar photography. For most photographers, the Moon and Sun are beautiful but distant subjects, captured as they are, suspended in the sky. But for Rami, that wasn’t enough.
He wanted to merge celestial wonders with earthly landmarks, creating rare, almost surreal compositions that make viewers question reality. To achieve this, he needed not only artistic vision but also mathematical precision, calculating positions, angles, and timing down to the second.
One of his most ambitious undertakings has been in solar imaging. Using a specialized Hydrogen Alpha filter, he captures the Sun’s chromosphere, a fiery layer invisible to the naked eye and most standard cameras. This highly technical process, often used by astronomers, allows him to present the Sun in staggering detail, showing sunspots, flares, and textures, then align it perfectly with iconic structures.
The viral Ain Dubai Sun alignment is the perfect example. In that shot, the massive Ferris wheel appears to cradle the Sun in its frame, a scene so perfectly executed that many viewers insisted it must be Photoshopped. But it wasn’t. Rami’s commitment to capturing real moments in real time is central to his art.
If It Was Easy, Anyone Could Do It
Rami often repeats this mantra, and it’s easy to see why. His work requires meticulous planning, sometimes months in advance. He scouts locations, studies celestial maps, and rehearses shots.
And even with preparation, there are failures, miscalculations, unexpected weather, and equipment glitches. But Rami sees these not as setbacks, but as necessary steps toward success. As he puts it, “The sooner you take the first step, the sooner you climb the second. Failure is part of the process.”
That mindset is why his work stands out. He’s not chasing quick wins or easy shots, he’s aiming for the impossible and making it happen.
Recognition and Media Spotlight
Rami’s work hasn’t just been popular with social media audiences. His photographs and videos have caught the attention of global and regional media outlets, including CNN Arabia, Dubai Media Office, Al Jadeed TV, and several photography magazines.
In 2024, The Sandy Times featured him as Dubai’s “Moon Man,” highlighting his ability to seamlessly align the Moon with iconic city structures like the Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future, and Ain Dubai.
Fujifilm Middle East also spotlighted him in their X-Story series, recognizing his role in pushing the boundaries of creative and technical photography. In a photography world where AI-generated visuals are becoming increasingly common, Rami takes pride in keeping his work authentic: “No AI. All posts are captured with my camera.”
Building a Photography Community
While his personal achievements are impressive, Rami is equally passionate about inspiring others. Through his Instagram, @pixtarami, he shares not only his final images but also behind-the-scenes glimpses, tips, and encouragement for photographers who want to explore advanced celestial work.
He’s vocal about the importance of community and collaboration, believing that sharing knowledge elevates the entire field. He hopes to build a space, both online and offline, where passionate creators can connect, learn, and experiment together.
Life Behind the Lens
Beyond the technical wizardry, Rami’s lifestyle is deeply connected to his craft. He spends early mornings and late evenings scouting for the perfect light, often traveling long distances to reach unique vantage points.
Photography is not just a job for him, it’s a way of seeing the world. Whether it’s a bustling city skyline, a serene desert, or a fleeting astronomical event, Rami approaches each subject with the same blend of precision and wonder.
Life as a full-time photographer comes with its unique set of challenges. From the physical demands of long shoots to the financial investment in high-end gear, and the constant need to keep creative energy alive in a world overflowing with images—each test becomes part of the journey that shapes Rami’s artistry.
Yet, Rami embraces these challenges as part of the journey. For him, photography is not a destination, but an ongoing evolution, one where each achievement sets the stage for the next big leap.
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Rami shows no signs of slowing down. His current projects include expanding his moon and solar series to feature more landmarks across the UAE and beyond. He’s also exploring new techniques in high-resolution lunar imaging, aiming to bring the Moon’s surface into even sharper focus for audiences who have never seen it that way before.
Rami’s ultimate vision is simple but profound, to make people see the familiar in unfamiliar ways, to transform a regular sunset, a busy skyline, or a glowing moon into something unforgettable.
Why His Story Matters
In an era where filters and AI can conjure surreal images in seconds, Rami’s work is a reminder of the magic that comes from patience, planning, and human vision. He’s proof that you don’t need shortcuts to create something extraordinary, you need persistence, skill, and the courage to dream big.
His story resonates because it’s not just about photography, it’s about reinvention, resilience, and redefining success on your own terms. From an engineering graduate in the middle of a global crisis to a celebrated photographer with a worldwide audience, Rami has shown that following your passion can literally change the way you see the world.
And for those who follow his journey, one thing is certain: whether it’s the Sun, the Moon, or the city lights, Rami Dibo will keep capturing the extraordinary—moments so rare and fleeting that they remind us just how real and magical our world truly is.
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