AMA ( Ask Me Anything)
I Know how overwhelming it can be when you're running your own business and specially when you just started. I know I have been there. There is so much to learn and do. I still feel the same after 10 years. There is no stopping so I decided to share my experience and knowledge with you in hopes of making this path easier and more fun for you. Click on the link below and ask me any questions . Also there are questions already answered so make sure you read them too.
Stay Inspired,
Shadi
How did you start out as a professional photographer?
I started in 2010. My friend which is a photographer took me on a photoshoot with her and taught me how to shoot manually with her camera for fun. After we were done shooting, she looked at my images and had tears in her eyes. I thought I've done something wrong. She looked at me and said do you know how much I pushed myself to do what you just did? You have a very creative eye for photography. From that moment on the camera became part of my body and my life. I have spent uncounting hours learning my own craft and style. Learning and growing was so much more fun for me than going out and having fun. It still is. When you find your passion and calling you will be unstoppable. If you are more interested in my story click on the link below and watch my youtube video about how I started :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3GuKQNzzUE
Are there any contemporary photographer you look up to or admire?
Yes. Sue Bryce. She is my inspiration, my menotor. She is not only a true and talented photographer but also an amazing person. I am so grateful I found her. She helped me find my niche and my style.
What is the key to making a great photograph?
Great question! I am glad you asked. A great photograph is the one you capture in the right moment. It's real. Doesn't look fake. Doesn't look ordinary. the one that tells you a story and makes you go wow! You have to be able to take the shot when the person is at their best facial and body expression, the smile is genuine, the eyes are talking to the camera and conected. I sometimes capture a photo when my client is not even aware I'm going to take the shot and that is when the magic happens. When I'm behind the camera, I don't just snap pictures and then later go through hundreds of images that look the same and choose the best one. I really imagine how would a beautiful portrait look like. Like I am a painter of a piece of art.
Do you enjoy other types of photography? And if so, which ones and why?
yes I also enjoy architectural photography and product photography. Because I believe you really need to be creative and have a strong eye in photography in order to make something simple look so amazing that people would want to buy it. It's challenging for me and I love to be challenged and creative.
What are the ingredients for success with photography?
That is a very good question. I am so glad you asked!
Practice, Persistence and Passion. You have to have all 3.
Lots of practice, not giving up or letting anything get in your way or stop you and you really have to love it with everything in you.
What advice can you share to everyone who wants to improve their skills on taking photos?
Find a photographer that you love her/his work and follow as as Inspiration for your style and poses. Set up photo shoots and practice. Ask your friends to be your model. Always try to learn something everyday to improve your photography.
How do you get to capture and bring out the personality and beauty of your clients? How do you get them to relax and be comfortable?
First I start with connecting with my client and making them relax in front of the camera. I talk to them, I make them laugh, I take a couple warm up shots and show it to them. When they see their photos suddenly they feel excited and will open up and relax to take more beautiful photos. Most people think they are not photogenic and they don't like their picture taken but when I show them what I am capable to do with my talent then suddenly they feel comfortable and will have fun with it.
As a photographer what does your usual kit look like? Any piece of gear you absolutely couldn't live without?
My kit includes my Camera ( Canon 5D Mark III ) and 4 lenses. 70-200mm, 50mm, 100mm Macro and 17-40mm wide. But I Shoot mostly inside my studio and I have 2 favorite lenses which I use most of the time . My 100mm Macro which is amazing for portrait and beauty photography and my 50mm for wider shots and when I have more than one person to photograph. I can't live without them.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring photographers who are trying to find their voice or market themselves, what would it be?
Find your niche first. Find out what type of photographer you want to be. Don't just shoot whatever comes your way. Find a job so you don't have to worry about money and then start building a strong folio around what you love to do. After you have a great folio, then get out there and believe in yourself. Believe in your value because if you don't believe in yourself you cannot sell yourself. You cannot book clients and make money. Work on self value, come up with your pricing and start selling your amazing product because you're worth it.