Can you imagine a world without cameras, pictures, videos, or any sort of evidence, because we sure can’t. No one has a perfect memory, not me, not you or anyone. Photographs are essential in our day-to-day lives. Whether it is to remember our past, to send an important document, or even to calm ourselves down. Photographs are a vital part of our lives, on that note, we interviewed two of GMA’s brightest photographers, Nafees Ahamed 9G and Gurubaani Sachdeva 9A, you might have seen them clicking pictures in the hallway or at events in school.
What fuelled your interest in photography?
Both of them did not have a particular interest in photography till they picked up their dad’s cameras lying around the house. It was when their curiosity got the best of them when they played around with the camera and realized, this was their newfound passion.
Gurubaani had particularly mentioned the following photographers who had played a major role in her journey of photography till today. They are 7th.era, northboders, and Hayden Pedersen.
Nafees mentioned that he has no particular role models and follows his own lead.
Would you want to pursue it?
Gurubaani had said that she would want to pursue it in the future but would first like to get her degree and choose a more sturdy path. But if the opportunity presents itself, she would definitely take it
Nafees had said that it is a hobby for now but would love to take it up as a career in the future and if an opportunity were to present itself, he would definitely take it.
How did this collaboration start?
It all started when Nafees was asked to take pictures for the yearbook. He knew that Gurubaani was also into photography and asked her to join him, and this was how the collaboration had started. They had also mentioned that it is not an exclusive club, it was just that at the time they only knew of each other who could handle a professional camera properly and take phenomenal pictures.
How do the two of you manage your time, considering sports and studies?
Gurubaani said that her time for sports and photography does not clash but does find managing her time for studies a little hard.
Nafees had said that it is hard for him to balance studies sports and photography, but doing things for schools has its perks snd that he would not turn down any opportunity given to him in school. He also mentioned that his love of sports, as well as photography, enables him to take pictures of his sport in his perspective, which makes it so much more special.
What do u like most about being a photographer?
Gurubaani said that photography lets her express herself, and shows her perspective of things, her point of view.
Nafees said that he likes photography because he is the storyteller of his own picture. He feels that he can add more story to the pictures he clicks rather than a plain photo. He feels satisfied when he gets a good end product?
What is the most difficult part of being a photographer for you?
They both said, in unison, that it would definitely be time management as they both are 9th graders who have to juggle other activities but it will all work out eventually. They had also mentioned that they miss out on studies and that it gets tiring but they enjoy it at the same time. Gurubaani also has a hard time trying to get the people to pose properly and to actually listen to her. She feels that coordination is something she struggles with. Nafees had also added that especially with sports, you have to take a very accurate and precise shot and that even being a second late, would produce a totally different product.
Among your works which do you like best?
Gurubaani said that one of her favorite pictures are the ones she took in the desert because it has more of a story than the others.
Nafees likes to it simple with the classic sunset because he can capture the last few moments of a day spent well!
What does photography mean to you?
Gurubaani said that it is something she does to feel herself and feel free and where she gets here peace of mind, no rules, it is a calm space for her.
Nafees said that Most of his free time he does something related to photography, he takes a lot of pride in it, and it means a lot to him.
Bonus Question:
What do you want to tell aspiring photographers?
Both of them said to do what you want and not let anyone stop you from achieving your goal. Just be you and show your side of it.
-By Nyaish (9B) and Sahana (9H)