Chit Chat with Uzair Aziz

1. How was it to grow up in Bahawalpur, and on becoming a photographer, was that well-received by your family?

Ans. I belong to a medical background, being a photographer was not much appreciated. I did my bachelors from GIK. Did a job for a year, then I chose photography as a full-time career. Parents seemed a little hesitant, for the first two years. It is my life, and I am responsible for it so gradually I made peace with it.

2. Since, you have a vast experience in photography. What type of photography feels like home to you?

Ans. There are many variations to my photography, that is true. But I keep learning. I don’t want to confine myself to a single category only. I experience one, and when I get bored of it, I switch to another. I like to experience and witness things in a new and different way, and the cycle goes on! Changes are good.

3. When in crowded areas, how do you deal with the crowd?

Ans. Back in 2014-15, I used to be very hesitant, and so I got uncomfortable very easily. You face some challenges when you are not in your comfort zone, but then I realized, it doesn’t matter. Gradually, I overcame my fear of people, and told myself that I’m here to work. At the most, someone might approach, and ask “kia kar rahay hou?” (what are you doing) and I would reply with, “tasveer kheench rahay hain” (taking pictures) [laughs]. Life gets easier once you get out of your comfort zone.

4. What is the mantra for a photographer, if they want a better reach?

Ans. If you just want to reach the people, taking pictures would be enough, but if you want to connect, you should interact with the audience. People should also know who is behind the camera. It’s necessary, if the people can relate and connect with the pictures as well as with the photographer as well. Which is why, a storyline is important, getting into details helps in connecting with the people, and ultimately helps in a better reach.

5. How is it to be a traveler in Pakistan?

Ans. Whoever I am today, is because of traveling. It lets you discover more; you get to meet different people from different areas. Overall people in Pakistan are very welcoming, and nice too, you get to learn a lot. Traveling is a wholesome experience as it evolves you into a better person and makes you humble as well and makes you grateful for whatever you’re blessed with.

6. What struck you as culture shock to you while traveling?

When you travel, you experience different situations at different places. For instance: in many areas, the people still do not have access to a drinking-water source, even the internet will not work. Many remote areas lack proper infrastructure; roads are still unpaved, resources are very limited and again, there’s no internet coverage. I wonder how people will get to know about things. There are no basic facilities in most of the remote areas, and it shocks me.

7. Tell us about your passion with Jeep Rallies.

Ans. In the start, I was very passionate about Jeep Rallies. I had a thing for action: cars jumping, dust settling slowly. I’ve done a few projects all over Pakistan including, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan. I covered some 20-30 events in some five-six years. With time, I got bored of it, you know… the jeeps are the same, dust is the same, and so were the people, nothing seemed new anymore.

8. How paid promotions work in the photography business?

Ans. I’ve never sent an email or a message to anyone. Different companies and products approach me for PR and promotions. Products like clothing, electronic devices, photography gear. I think brands are aware, and they strategize their marketing policies accordingly and keep an eye on people: in the context of “who’d prove to be a better option for their product’s promotion”.

9. What would you suggest to the aspiring photographers, on the question “how to sustain in the market as a photographer?”

Ans. We are all the same, but everyone is different: everyone’s approach to life, or in terms of work ethic, is also different. It’s the method or criteria, and to be unique in one’s own way, which makes a person standout. Some people try to imitate other’s way. I believe, to be passionate is very important in any field. Just be sure, that your passion is your passion, only then you can survive. To the youth, just be sure, don’t get double minded, live your passion, keep on experimenting, learn and discover new things, and don’t waste time!