Maaz Safyan is a fifteen year old photographer based in Karachi, Pakistan.
Hibakidz spoke to Maaz to discover more about his passion, and here is what he has to say…
Tell us something about your interest in photography and editing. How did this idea occur to you?
My love for photography started two years ago, when I began using my mom’s cell phone camera. I loved exploring new angles to click photos. Thanks to “LiveDeen”, which offered an editing course to its volunteers, I discovered this spark, and my passion for editing took off. Then I started editing photographs on my laptop, using “Adobe Lightroom ” for developing photos. My passion intensified recently when I got my hands on a DSLR camera.
How did you train yourself?
Thanks to the pandemic and online classes, I got a chance to do an extensive online course on developing photos. Then I just practiced and improved each day. I learnt many things from “YouTube”, “Udemy”, and other similar online platforms. And to be honest, I learned a lot when I started doing things myself.
Who has been your inspiration / mentor?
My inspiration and mentors are Irfan Junejo (YouTuber) and my cousin Bilal J. Ahmed. I often hung out with the latter, and I learnt and practiced on new and advanced equipment, such as drone flying and drone photography, and that enhanced my passion.
Mention some of your noteworthy projects.
I have covered some family events, and I have been volunteering as the media head for “The Tribe”. I have covered the three-day SEM Adventures trip to Bhit Khori as their photographer. I also photographed at another event that hosted an international speaker, and I recently captured “The Tribe’s” trip to “Dreamworld”.
Are your studies adversely affected by your photography work?
Editing and developing are time-consuming jobs, because they require hard work and minute detailing, so I try to work in my free time. It would not be fair to say that it does not affect my studies adversely.
What temperament and talent do you think potential young photographers need?
Photography is doable, but it is not a piece of cake. Skill, hard work and a lot of practice is required to obtain the final image. You must be patient and persevere to succeed.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, Insha’Allah, I initially plan to focus on my studies and give them my best shot. Then I will, Insha’Allah, continue to pursue my passion for photography as a hobby, taking up small projects only. But it is one thing that I surely will not stop doing.
How do you aim to differentiate your work from current photographers?
Today, the most famous photographers in Pakistan are covering only weddings or shoots. On the other hand, I really want to unfold the beauty of Pakistan and capture its landscapes and maybe also cover events.
“HibaKidz” prays for your successful future in taking Pakistan forward in the field of photography, Insha’Allah!
Click here to check out his work:
Instagram – @kaptured_by_mk
Interview by: Amal Hanif
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