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Lens/Camera Information
Lens series: Cooke S8/i FF
Camera: Arri Alexa Mini LF
Format: Digital
Production information:
Director of Photography: Mohamed Osama
DOP instagram: @mohamed_osama_rashed
Rental company: Butterfly Equipment
For this project, filmed in the sacred Rawdah and surrounding areas of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, I wanted to approach the visuals with reverence, sensitivity, and cinematic depth. The Cooke S8/i Full Frame lenses were my first choice for their ability to bring a rich, organic warmth to the image — a quality I felt was essential in conveying the spiritual and historical significance of the space.
We shot on the ARRI Alexa Mini LF, which, combined with the S8/i lenses, gave us a beautifully immersive full-frame look with delicate fall-off and striking detail, especially in the intricate architectural textures and natural light transitions within the mosque.
I relied heavily on the 32mm and 75mm focal lengths. The 32mm allowed us to embrace the grandeur and symmetry of the architecture, while the 75mm helped isolate smaller, more emotional details — from the subtle play of light on carved stone to the serene movement of worshippers.
The lenses performed exceptionally well in low-light environments, especially in interior spaces where we had to work with existing light. The T1.4 aperture was a significant advantage, allowing us to shoot wide open while maintaining sharpness and beautiful separation.
Overall, the S8/i series helped us translate the spiritual atmosphere of the Rawdah into an image that feels intimate, respectful, and timeless. The visual tone is not only cinematic — it’s contemplative, which was at the heart of the creative vision.
