tographers’ websites. I also follow both- renowned and emerging photographers on Facebook and Instagram and sign up with their blogs. When it comes to my own shoots, I look to find inspiration amongst the masters that I look up to. I look through works of Avedon, Guy Bourdin, Lee Miller, Cecil Beaton, Man Ray, Steven Meisel, Arnold Newman, Jan Saudek, to name a few, and dissect what makes each of their images great. From there I go back to my planning and think how I can tackle this shoot differently than I have before, and what would result in an image that speaks volumes. Do you consider photography an art form or a craft, or both? Why? I believe the answer to that lies in the definition of the word ‘art’ and ‘craft’. An artist, e.g. a painter, would create a unique piece of work while a craftsman, e.g. a chairbler, would create a piece that could or could not be replicated When did you know a career in photography was for you? It was the day I developed my first black and white print in college. As the image appeared on the paper, I knew there was no turning back. What is your background and train- least that is what I try to bring out in over and over again.Working with these ing? How did you learn the art? the work I create, whether strongly or definitions, I believe photography is I was exposed to photography at a very subtly. Wherever I can execute a certain both an art and a craft; the craft being young age, as my parents were amount of conceptual freedom I try to the technical know-how of the field, extremely fond of cameras and gadgets. create images that are beyond a specific while the art would be to create an I was the girl with the camera/handy- moment, as if they have no beginning image that is unique to the photogra- camin school, taking portraits and or an end. It is a representation of what pher and his/her way of perceiving. videos of everyone and at every occa- I feel our role is in this world; that we sion. I graduated from high school with are born in the middle of this great con- Do you have a mentor in the indus- a strong background in art, mathemat- versation of life, we interrupt, explore, try? Have you been a mentor for ics, psychology (the very 3 disciplines make our mark and leave, and the con- anyone else? that I discovered and adore most about versation continues on. Farah Mahbub, at the Indus Valley photography) and went on to study As cliché as it may sound, I find School of Art and Architecture, intro- communication design with a minor in my inspiration anywhere and every- duced me to the art of photography and photography at the Indus Valley School where. Inspiration knows no bounds, has been my mentor ever since. Even of Art & Architecture. After graduation I and the more you involve yourself in though our styles of work and taste in worked at an advertising agency for a doing a variety of things the more your photography differ greatly, she has been year, assisted in running the mind expands. And that is extremely someone I can look up to in terms of Postgraduate Photography program at crucial to creative development. I have keeping up with new techniques, experi- IVS for 3 years and joined18% grey made it a habit to try something new at ments in the field and bouncing off photo agency for a year as well. least once every 2 weeks, be it reading ideas. As for me, I think it’s too early for up on a scientific theory or listening to me to be a mentor to someone; I still What camera do you use? the latest album by an upcoming artist. have so much to learn. Currently, Canon 7D. It keeps me constantly stimulated and helps me develop to perceive differently. What should a photographer How would you sum up your style understand about the business of or philosophy and where do you What’s your research process like? photography first and foremost? find your inspiration? I like to keep myself in tune with cur- On the business front, self-presentation is I would define my philosophy asstory- rent trends in photography;my browser key. Since you are your own strategist telling or interrupted conversations. At is a shrine to bookmarks of various pho- you must have more than just a business 56 27 Oct-2 Nov, 2013 www.dailytimes.com.pk
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