Lebanese celebrity-enthusiasts also have their "Patriiick!" except that this one is not a singer-actor like Patrick Bruel, but one of the region's star photographers. Patrick Sawaya's camera is now one of the most sought-after in a world where the image isn't just worth a thousand words: it reigns supreme.

Wherever our "Patriiick" appears to cover a fashion show, praises and kisses abound. He is the eye that "sees" your best profile immediately, the right lighting, and the detail that will make his subject the buzz of an evening — or beyond — on social media. Beyond talent, that's called professionalism.

"I received my first camera at the age of 10," he recalls. "By 12, I was already helping my father, Pierre, a wedding videographer. Assisting him taught me a lot, but not everything. At 18, I started my own business, photographing fashion, weddings, and everything in between." And now, he's the man behind an unprecedented portrait: the "official" portrait of Neemat Aoun, wife of Lebanon's new president.

For Baabda Palace, which has always had its designated photographers — traditionally the Dalati & Nohra duo — the choice of Patrick Sawaya completes the picture of what is optimistically perceived in Lebanon as a new era.

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'Sometimes, I feel like a therapist'

"The portrait of the First Lady, Mrs. Neemat Aoun, deviates from the conventional norms of official portraits," Sawaya reflects. Instead of the portrait being shot in a studio with artificial lighting, it's set in her current environment at the presidential palace.

"The absence of a backdrop allowed for a more authentic and natural representation, with a sincere smile reflecting her true personality," says the photographer, who dreams of one day having the opportunity to photograph the iconic Fairuz.

"The First Lady wanted a portrait that reflects her essence and truly embodies the new era of Lebanon and the aspirations of many Lebanese, including myself, who hold her in high regard," he says. "This shot was particularly significant as it showcased Mrs. Neemat Aoun's sincerity, honesty, and modesty."

Sawaya says that for every photoshoot, no matter the subject, he spends quality time with his client to better understand their expectations. "Whether it's the inspiration for a collection, a designer's vision, or the tastes of future brides, I seek to define what they like and what they don't like. It's the starting point of the entire creative process."

Then, Sawaya works with his team on creating a mood board, a story board, and sometimes even a 3D model for a show or fashion campaign. Still, "no matter what's planned in advance, I'm thrown into the heat of the moment," he says. "We end up capturing wonderful things, and that's what I love most. I'm fortunate to be able to connect with the person in front of my lens. I sometimes feel like a therapist, maneuvering between physical and emotional traits to bring out the best: telling a story, conveying an emotion, capturing a moment with a photo."

Izabel Goulart, Naomi Campbell, Isabeli Fontana, Alessandra Ambrossio, and Sara Sampaio

Flying from Beirut to Dubai, Riyadh, Cairo and everywhere else his unparalleled eye is called upon, Sawaya nevertheless confesses he can't do without Lebanon: "Lebanon is the epicenter of everything I've done, everything I'm doing, everything I aspire to do. It's where I started and grew up. Lebanon was the gateway to expanding my business within the region and beyond. Even if my schedule is very busy, with all the travel, photoshoots, fashion weeks, celebrities, and all the events, I always manage to return home. That's where I find my roots."

And indeed, Lebanon is a tremendous springboard for him. The first celebrity he photographed was supermodel Izabel Goulart, who had been invited to Lebanon for the Jamaloukicon salon. "It was an incredible experience," says Sawaya. "We had only five minutes to shoot around the Le Gray hotel in downtown. I chose al-Amin Mosque and St. George Cathedral as the backdrop. The image went viral, and Izabel was amazed at how quickly I had photographed her, just moments before it started raining. This moment marked the beginning of our relationship and friendship. I traveled worldwide to photograph her. It had particular meaning for me to be chosen among all the photographers she could have met during her career and to be flown from Lebanon to the world to photograph her. It was also the beginning of many collaborations with iconic models, including Naomi Campbell, Isabeli Fontana, Alessandra Ambrossio, and Sara Sampaio."

Speed, a new criterion for success

Sawaya, who defines his personal touch as "sincere, authentic with attention to detail," would have dreamed of being photographed by... Peter Lindbergh: "His work was characterized by candid shots, with particular fidelity to the subject and viewer. He neither overdid nor underdid, mastering the exact dose of emotions, narrative elegance, and grace," he says.

And if he had had the chance to have a mentor, Sawaya would have liked it to be Annie Leibovitz: "I'd like to know how she's maintained her passion over the years, how she's remained relevant, how she's evolved her creative process and how she directs her subjects.”

Having accompanied the meteoric rise of social networks, he who knew a more organic era, Sawaya cultivates new reflexes: "I built my photography career amid the rise of social media. I had to adapt to the changes that many photographers of the previous generation, including my father and his peers, struggled to integrate."

"I learned from their mistakes and understood early on that in today's fast-paced world, speed is as important as skill," he argues. "There's little interest in capturing a fashion show, event, wedding, or collection if the images take too long to be seen. Modern photographers must not only excel in their craft but also deliver their work quickly and efficiently."

Sawaya draws his inspiration from fashion weeks, magazine editorials, emerging photographers' exhibitions, and traveling. "I ensure to remain true to my style, whether through lighting or color grading that characterizes my aesthetic."