Abdul Rehman / Abdullah is Photographer from Pakistan. He gave us his precious time to talk and shared his photography life and personal experience. It was very kind of him to do a small question and answer session with us at Pak101.com.
Q: Do you like to talk about yourself or your pictures? If yes, about what aspects of photography? If no, why?
A: Yes, I do like talking about my work with my friends and loved ones.
I basically talk about the technical aspects as I find many people even myself at times lack knowledge in it.
Q: When did you decide to become a photographer?
A: Honestly, I never decided to become one. I’ve always been fascinated with the brave and adventurous photographers behind Nat Geo and Animal Planet. So with the pace of time, resources and commitment I finally started polishing my talent.
Q: What does photography mean to you?
A: Photography to me is that very passion to express and display those very moments that we cherish, ignore or even fail to see. It’s a never-ending journey to me as there is so much to gain in so little time.
Q: Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?
A: As far as I can recall, I was standing in my balcony and watching a few people lighting up some firecrackers and rockets. I grabbed my camera, put on my new prime lens and took 3 spot on pictures. Honestly, that was the first photo after some 15,000 pictures that made me go wow thrice.
Q: Do you have any formal training regarding photography?
A: No, I never had any. Although prior to my university course, I did practice on my friends’ DSLR. It took me two years to finally consider of owning one myself.
Q: How technical is your photography?
A: Umm, good question. It depends. At times, its has been “grab the camera, no moments to lose” and at times “You have all the time, just make it worth it.”
In short, technicalities depend on the scenario you’re currently in.
Q: How do you feel about cropping?
A: During my initial stage, I was quite dependent. I questioned myself at times that what’s the use of going further when you’re too dependent on cropping. Although, perfection in composition through camera is yet a dream to be achieve.
Q: Where is your favorite place to live and work as a photographer in the World and why?
A: Photographers have this dream of roaming around the world and capturing the beauty of life everywhere they set foot. So living and working in a single place is boundary, which I don’t like and neither would anyone else.
Q: Define the word "beauty"!
A: It’s an essence of life that enables us to witness everything around us. Without it, life would be meaningless.
Q: What equipment is in your camera bag? What piece of equipment will be added to the collection next?
A: Currently, I have a Nikon D90 with its standard 18-105mm lens. Other than that I own 70-200mm f2.8, 35mm f1.8, 105mm f2.8 micro, sb900, 2 PocketWizards, a 28in Westcott softbox, a Manfrotto lightstand and monopod.
As for later, time will tell.
Q: How does your personality change when you look through the camera?
A: Honestly, personality has nothing to do with me looking through the camera. You’re just active and ready to capture that moment.
Q: How do you feel about missed shots that cannot be recreated?
A: One word, disappointed.
Q: Ever concerned about failure?
A: Absolutely! Failures are the reason you move forward. I find it hard that people are least considered about it.
“There is no point in learning from your failures when you can’t learn from other’s.”
Q: Who are your influences?
A: Currently, a handful I must say. Ismail Ibrahim, Fayyaz Ahmed, Zagham Islam, Ahmed W. Khan, Chase Jarvis, Joey Lawrence and Zack Arias.
Q: What is your favorite image, either your own or someone else's or both? Describe its creation or meaning to you?
A: Teddy and Lily
This image means a lot to me. Photographing animals can be a tough job. Patience and a finger on the trigger is a must. I’ve always loved cats and capturing their moves is just fascinating.
Q: Describe a day in your personal or professional life.
A: Everyday holds a different challenge. I can’t describe any specifics. All I can say is that it’s packed with hidden mysteries.
Q: What are the biggest personal or professional challenges you face on a daily basis?
A: Dealing with illiterate clients, idiots and aimless youngsters.
Q: What has been the single biggest obstacle against growing as a photographer in whole?
A: Location restriction.
Q: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
A: Animals, wildlife and everything that matters.
Q: Have you ever thought about or actually stopped doing photography? What were the circumstances?
A: Yes, I certainly did. I was spending more on my gear and less time using it.
That certainly made me worry that one day I’d surely leave it if I don’t take time out for it.
Q: What types of assignments are you attracted most?
A: Conceptual.
Q: Describe what black and white photography means to you?
A: It means quite a lot to me. Through it I’ve achieved depth and essence, which I haven’t achieved from color.
Q: Do you think of yourself as an artist and what do you think of the word artist?
A: Yes, I certainly do. The word artist represents a person who holds command in a specific medium of art or even multiple mediums.
Q: How do you describe your photographic style?
A: A blend of instincts, precision, patience and bokeh.
Q: What has been the most surprising or most predictable reaction to your photographs?
A: The only predictable and surprising I can think of are “How did you do that?” “Wow! What did you do to get this picture” “Please teach me!”
Q: Tell a little secret about yourself that no-one knows ...
A: Secrets should remain secrets.
Q: Who or what would you love to shoot that you haven't already?
A: Wildlife of all sorts.
Q: How do you feel about digital manipulation and to what extent do you utilize it?
A: Digital manipulation has its own importance in photography. There are people who use it to its basic extent while others go quite beyond.
As far as I’m concerned, I prefer well-seasoned images rather than over seasoned ones. I utilize it to an extent of color correction, exposure and other basic tools. Over processing only destroys the nature and essence of the picture.
Q: What other thoughts would you like to share?
A: I wouldn’t like to be rude or anything. But these are my thoughts that I think must be understood from a wider perspective. People should understand that photography is not an easy job neither is it an easy earning. As far as I’ve walked up till now, everyone wants to be a photographer. This shouldn’t be happening. The reason is quite simple. Not all of you have what it takes to be a photographer. Photography is not about itchy trigger fingers. It’s about understanding the world around you and securing it in an image. Follow your dreams, not others. In short, answer those questions only of which you know the correct answer.
Some of his work...