Ali is showcasing the people of Belfast through a different lens
06:30, 25 May 2026
A Portadown taxi driver is spreading positivity across Belfast by stopping strangers in the street to photograph them and “capture life’s unscripted beauty.”
Ali Syed, 39, regularly approaches members of the public to ask if he can take their portrait, usually choosing people who are not rushing off somewhere or listening to music.
One candid interaction with a police officer on St Patrick’s Day last year brought him online fame, with a video of the encounter now viewed millions of times on social media. Despite his growing popularity online, Ali still admits approaching strangers still pushes him outside his comfort zone..
Originally from Pakistan, he moved to Northern Ireland over a decade ago and struggled with English when he first arrived. He has been working in photography for more than ten years after first specialising in weddings, but became inspired to try street portraits after watching photographers online in other countries.
Ali said: “I thought why not do it in Belfast?
“But starting it, to be honest, was not easy. I’m not from here, I am not from here, and my English wasn’t very good when I first arrived. I always been shy talking to people as well.
“After a few attempts though, I became more confident and I started my social media pages around two years ago. Since then, I’ve had lots of messages from people all over the world and some really positive feedback. I think every person has a story to tell and photography is a great way to showcase these tales.”
Ali said the experience has helped him build confidence and connect with people in ways he never expected.
“If I approach ten people in a day, I probably get eight yeses,” he said.
“I have made friendships with people from all over the world. I’ve had offers from people in America saying I could stay in their homes while I photograph in their cities. I’ve also met photographers from other countries, including one in Prague that I am hoping to visit soon. The experiences of me doing street photography seem to stay with people as much as they stay with me.”
However, one recent message had a lasting impact on him.
“A few days ago, I received a message from the family of a man I photographed last summer who has passed away,” he said.
“I want my photography to make people happy and give them memories through my lens. That news made me very sad.”
Belfast Live spent several hours walking around the city centre with Ali as he approached people from all walks of life, always respecting those who declined to take part.
Watching him work, it quickly became clear how easily he puts people at ease. Several people said being stopped for a portrait had brightened their day, while others beamed as he showed them the finished photographs on his camera.
Ali said Belfast had become one of his favourite cities in the world because of the warmth of its people.
“The people here are amazing,” he said.
“Everyone says hello. Belfast is the best place I’ve been for street photography because people are so welcoming, Northern Ireland feels like home to me now.”
Through his social media pages, Ali often asks the people he photographs about their lives and outlook on the world, using photography as a way to connect with strangers and learn their stories.
He encourages others to pursue their passions, even if it means stepping outside their comfort zone.
“If I could go up to complete strangers and take photographs with very little English when I first came here, then I am sure other people can follow their dreams too,” he said.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
