The camera girl

Her work speaks for itself. The images she captures speak eloquently of her fine work. I incidentally met Maryam at a high profile event, a few weeks ago, where she was taking pictures quietly but adroitly. Attracted by her charm and professionalism, my journalistic instinct induced me to speak to her. And I was delighted to meet a very bright girl.

Female photographers are seen everywhere. It is a norm now but what distinguishes Maryam Baloch from others is the fact that she is the first Baloch girl who has taken up photography as a profession. “I was born in a Balochi family. I did my schooling from Balochistan. My father got posted in different cities – Pasni, Turbat, Quetta, so I went to different schools. Then he was posted in Hyderabad and finally to Karachi. I did my graduation from Karachi.

Girls in our family get married at an early age but I was determined to do something different,” says Maryam. “However, photography wasn’t my first choice, I was more inclined towards computer but soon I realised it wasn’t my cup of tea.

Then I started doing photography since I was naturally good with taking pictures. Initially, I started it off as a hobby but gradually it turned into a full-time job,” adds Maryam who has a huge clientele including celebrities and influencers like Aiman Khan, Sidra Batol, Nimra Khan and others. In a candid interview with You! magazine, Maryam talks about her work and her passion for photography. Read on…

You! When did you first pick up a camera?

Maryam Baloch: As a young girl, I was always attracted by the camera but I actually picked it up when I was doing diploma in photography in 2016. It’s been 7 years since I have been taking pictures professionally.

You! How important is formal training for a photographer?

MB: In any creative field, natural talent is mandatory but in order to sharpen your skills it is imperative to take formal training or professional courses in your respective field. Everyone thinks that taking pictures is a piece of cake whereas reality is different. It’s not easy to take good pictures; you need a lot of skills. If that would be the case, then every Tom, Dick and Harry would be a photographer.

You! Can you tell us about your first venture with photography?

MB: My first experience was amazing. It was in Empress Market, Karachi. Though I had been to Empress Market million times before, capturing it from a camera eye was a totally different ball game altogether.

You! Among your projects, which series is your favourite?

MB: I am more into dark photography as I like to explore deep human emotions that cannot be described in words. One of my favourite series is ‘Black’.

You! Coming from a Balochi family, was it easy for you to take up photography as a profession?

MB: It wasn’t easy at all. My father was totally against me working as a photographer. According to him this field was not suitable for girls; however, my mother supported me throughout my journey. She was the one who persuaded my father to allow me to work.

You! How has Karachi affected your vision as a photographer?

MB: Karachi is a cosmopolitan city. It embraces people from different ethnic backgrounds. This is the beauty of Karachi. If you are a photographer in Karachi, you are in luck as the city presents a massive canvas. Every day I meet different people and this diversity has broadened my vision as a photographer in a big way.

You! Most female photographers are wedding photographers. What category do you fit into?

MB: Yes, a lot of female photographers are wedding photographers as they like to play it safe or the reasons best known to them. As far as I am concerned, I have ventured into almost all kind of photography - be it street photography or experimental photography or fashion or commercial photography. However, dark photography is something which is close to my heart.

You! What does photography mean to you?

MB: Growing up, I never realised that one day photography would become my passion. I have a very close bonding with camera that I cannot describe in words. Through my pictures, I talk to people. I love exploring different human emotions through photography.

You! What is it that you want to express through your photography?

MB: The things which are taboo in our society that we can’t even talk about, I want to explore that side. I want my pictures to scream loudly about those certain things like abuse assault etc.

You! Do you prefer still camera or digital camera?

MB: For me, it does not matter which camera you are using – whether it is still or digital. It’s the person behind the camera who is the master of the game. A photographer has to have a good perception and vision in order to come up with brilliant images.

You! Which cameras do you use?

MB: I am a big fan of Nikon. I am using Nikon D750.

You! Would you say photography is more liberating or restrictive than other art forms?

MB: I would say it’s more liberating than other art forms. It allows you to capture whatever fascinates you.

You! Who are your favourite photographers you are inspired by?

MB: My biggest inspiration is my teacher Talha Ghouri. He has his photography school in Karachi. I learnt a lot from him. Then I am grateful to Shehzad Mohammad Ali and Hamza Baande, who gave me the much needed support and confidence.

You! What makes a memorable photograph, in your opinion?

MB: The one which attracts a viewer. Where you don’t need to give a caption - the picture speaks itself.

You! Do you have any advice for aspiring photographers?

MB: Practice, practice, practice. As they say, practice makes a man perfect. Value your worth and never settle for less.

You! What are some of the best photo editing tools or tips?

MB: First of all, crop your images and then adjust white balance - a setting in your camera that helps you produce a natural-looking colouration in your image. It is also important to adjust exposure and contrast to get a clean image – not to forget adjusting colour vibrancy. And finally, sharpen your images with the help of editing tools. One of the best editing tools is Adobe Photoshop. It is widely used for image editing and retouching. Actually, photo editing helps you tell your story in a better way.

You! What are some of the challenges being faced by female photographers in Pakistan?

MB: Not only do female photographers earn less than their male counterparts but the opportunities offered to them are fewer and further between. In terms of commissioning, exhibition and publication of work, there is a conspicuous lack of equality in the industry.

As female photographers, we also face harassment when shooting outdoors. You have to bear the constant ogling of by passers when on outdoor locations. Then there are safety issues too.

You! Do you think it’s a viable profession for women?

MB: Yes, it is a viable profession for women; however, one needs to be bold enough to work with all kind of people. And you should not be intimidated by men. You see, it is still a male dominated field but if you are good at your work, nothing can stop you from moving forward. This profession gives you a lot of exposure and opportunities to earn good amount of money.

You! Anything you wish to change in the photography scene in Pakistan?

MB: Most people here don’t take female photographers seriously; neither they appreciate their creativity and art which is so sad. They still view them as only women. I want people to start accepting female photographers just like male photographers. There shouldn’t be any discrimination on the basis of gender.

You! What does a typical day look like for you?

MB: Since I am a freelance photographer, I have no fixed routine or schedule. Some days I am totally preoccupied with my work – photography, editing etc. Some days I just chill with my friends and family.

You! What is your biggest indulgence at home?

MB: Sleeping and fresh meals, cooked by my mother.

You! What is your most treasured possession?

MB: My collection of photographs and my pictures with my loved ones. Materialistic things can be lost or stolen but no one can take away your memories - your pictures - which always stay with you.

You! Where do you see yourself after 5 years?

MB: I want to establish myself as a credible photographer and running my own studio.

You! What is your ultimate desire?

MB: I want to travel around the world and would like to show my art through my lens.

Erum Noor Muzaffar is the editor of You! magazine. She can be reached at iram29@hotmail.com