By: Menna Mohamed Hagan

EMCCU Today had the opportunity to interview Mr. Magdy Ibrahim, Head of the Photographers Division at the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate…

Why did you choose the journalism field?

I chose this field because of my great passion for photography during my childhood, it was like a hobby for me. I used to take photos of everyone and everything around me. Since then, I have started to receive wonderful compliments on my photos, even though it is not my studies or my profession. During this era, I was working as an employee in a company, but I felt that I did not belong to this place. But somehow, I was a lucky person because my sister`s husband was head of the photojournalism in Al-Ahrar Newspaper. He saw the photos that I took at his daughter’s wedding, and he liked them a lot. After that, he offered me to work with him on the newspaper. At that time, I was preparing my papers to travel abroad. Once he told me that offer, I accepted but on one condition, that he never told anyone we are relatives. From this point, my career started and received a lot of prizes after that.

We talked about journalist ethics; I want to know your opinion about Funeral photography that happens today and if there is a law or protocol that can change this?

This topic caused a lot of problems for us as journalists, and we always try to find a solution to solve this problem. For sure I am against the prohibition. I consider it as a sign of weakness, not a strength. In my opinion, filming funerals is a kind of chronicling. I am in favor of filming funerals. For instance, at the funeral of “Om Kalthom”, “Anwar Al-Sadat”, and “Mohamed Mutawalli Sharawi” you will see the extent of the love, value, and popularity of these people to the public. So, if someone underestimates these people, with funeral photos, you can prove the opposite of what they claim and show how popular they are.In this case, Shooting the funeral is a kind of chronicling, but I must know what will be useful in chronicling. Filming the deceased while he is going down to his grave is not allowed and is illegal. The journalist`s role in the funeral is to chronicle, not to harass or stir up feelings. This is considered an honor for the profession. I say that because the people who went to the funeral shooting and make problems are not journalists. They are bloggers or citizens who want to make a trend or increase their followers’ numbers. This problem can only be solved through law enforcement. The law knows what is permissible and what is not allowed, it can punish and reward. The law, as it obliges me to do duties, I have rights as well. It does not equalize between me and the person who impersonates the title, because this harms us, and the act he does returns to us as journalists. So, without laws, this problem will continue.

From your point of view, what are the qualifications that must be in anyone who wants to join the journalism department?

I’ve always talked about this topic. Everyone who wants to join this department. First of all, you must work on yourself because nothing comes easy as the profession is now very difficult for professional, economic, and societal reasons. • You should educate yourself. • Take courses that will improve you and your career. • Practical training not just theoretical. • Try to do any task at the university in the best way, because this makes you develop yourself and makes you more prepared for the labor market. • Listening to positive and negative comments on your work. • Using social media for your own good, whether you learn from someone who takes good photos or anything else.