Youssef Tayeh: A Journey Through Frames, Back to Cinematography

From Luxor to the Limelight

At just 12 years old, during a family trip to Luxor, Youssef Tayeh was handed an analog camera by his father. The pride his father showed in those early photographs ignited a lifelong passion. That camera became more than a tool; it was Youssef’s window to the world, allowing him to observe and connect with life around him.

Transitioning from Stills to Motion

Youssef’s journey began with still photography, mastering the nuances of light, composition, and framing. A pivotal moment came when he collaborated with Hani Eskander on the documentary “Drifters.” Witnessing Eskander manage the entire film solo demystified the filmmaking process for Youssef, making it feel accessible and achievable. This experience propelled him into the world of cinematography, where he found a new avenue to express his vision.

Building a Creative Family

While Youssef has an impressive portfolio, he considers his greatest achievement to be the team he’s built. In an industry where colleagues often become like family, finding individuals who share your rhythm and passion is invaluable. These relationships have been the cornerstone of his career, providing both support and inspiration.

Navigating the Professional Landscape

Youssef’s early professional years were diverse, encompassing corporate, fashion, and interior photography. Despite gaining recognition in beauty and celebrity photography, he felt a creative void. This led him back to studying cinematography, where he took on roles such as lighting script and camera assistant on TV series. Although these roles didn’t fully satisfy his creative urges, they offered invaluable insights into large-scale productions. His breakthrough came with the Simply Marassi project for Emaar, marking his first commissioned advertisement as both cinematographer and director. Following this milestone, Youssef carved out a niche in luxury lifestyle advertising, working as a cinematographer and director for high-end real estate brands, hotels, and luxury beauty and cosmetics labels.

Refocusing on Cinematography

After years of wearing many hats—photographer, director, cinematographer—Youssef has chosen to return fully to cinematography, where he feels most at home. While this path once blurred his professional identity, it gave him a deeper understanding of filmmaking, making him a stronger, more collaborative cinematographer today.

Redefining Success

In the early stages of his career, success for Youssef was about gaining recognition. Over time, his definition has evolved to focus on connection and collaboration. For him, success now means building meaningful relationships and creating work that resonates on a deeper level.

Words of Wisdom

Looking back, Youssef advises his younger self—and aspiring creatives—not to be afraid to seek help. He emphasizes that people are approachable, and isolation only adds to the challenges of an already demanding industry.

A Lasting Legacy

Youssef hopes to be remembered as someone who remained true to his vision, continually learned, and brought energy and honesty to every set. He aspires to leave a legacy of authenticity and collaboration, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions with dedication and integrity.