Fayyaz Ahmed is a self-taught photographer, making waves with his creativity in the media circles of Pakistan. He has photographed numerous celebrities as well as some very interesting personalities that are a part of the social mosaic in Pakistan, for example Heejras.

Fayyaz considers himself, very aptly, an artist more than an artisan and we agree. Fayyaz is not just good with his camera, he's got a really good eye for creating pictures that aren't just glamorous, but also unique and aesthetic in a very painter-like way. His information technology background gives him a further edge to experiment with digital effects.

All in all, this is one guy who has taken portrait and scenic photography to a new level and will definitely outshine many of his peers in the coming years. We look forward to seeing Fayyaz's work in the future and hope that in him, we can find a Pakistani Ansel Adams!

 How would you introduce yourself to our readers, both as a person as well as a professional?

I am very positive and passionate both as a person and as a professional. Whatever I do, I put my heart and soul into it. As a photographer I started in 2006 and eventually quit my monotonous IT job in 2007 to pursue photography fulltime. I’m primarily working in the photography genres like portraits, fashion and advertising. I enjoy occasional street photography as well.

 You are a computer engineer, a guitarist, and a photographer.  Tell us about how the three mesh up to make you   who you are?

Even though photography is foremost an art form and the technicalities are secondary, but we can’t deny that this is the new millennium and photography today is as much about technology as it is about art. I have always been around computers since my childhood and I feel that the analytical skills I gained from my engineering degree are a boon for me as a photographer too. About being guitarist, I’d say that since music and photography both are art forms so inclination in one art form definitely helps in the other. I think photography itself can be described as music played with light and colors.

 Let’s focus on your photography – what would you say are your unique traits as a photographer, or what sets you apart from other professional photographers?

My passionate and creative nature, and a desire to come up with a new visual every time I shoot. I despise doing formula photography. I like changing things every time, trying and experimenting with new and challenging ideas. My technical capabilities are also one of my unique traits.

 What are some of your shoots you are especially proud of?

I put my heart into whatever I shoot so it’s hard to name just one… but perhaps I can mention a shoot I did in the very start of my career in 2006, where I shot portraits of hijras. That was a very interesting and unique shoot.

Have you formally studied or trained in photography or it a natural interest and talent?

I am self taught and nature gifted me with a good eye probably. I have learnt on my own from books, magazines and of course from the best resource there is i.e. internet.

For our readers interested in photography, what are some of the tricks you can share for making people pose without looking stiff or just plain weird?

Having a warm smile on your face helps and so does a little chit chat with your subjects, which can do wonders to divert their attention from camera and help them get relaxed. Showing them their photo on your camera LCD can also lighten them up.

Are there many opportunities in Pakistan for pursuing photography as a career?  Or do you feel that there are too many photographers out there already?

There are many photographers yes, but good photographers can be counted on fingertips so the country surely needs more good photographers. We need more photographers who are artists rather than just artisans.

If someone wants to engage you for a commercial shoot, how should they go about it?

They can contact me via email on fayyaz.ahmed AT gmail.com and they can also visit me on www.flickr.com/photos/fayyaz

Now, let’s switch to music – you are a guitarist.  Is that a hobby or do you play professionally, either solo or with a band?

I am not playing professionally, but I love my guitars and it’s a hobby very close to my heart. Recently my guitars have been resting mostly as I have become busier in my photo shoots.

What would you say to our readers about living and working in today’s Pakistan, both in typical fields like management or information technology, versus creative fields like professional photography?

Today's Pakistan is changing every second. The economy is growing and education is opening new doors for people. Personally having worked in a field like IT and now in a creative field like photography, I can say that in today' s Pakistan, good rewards await competitive professionals in almost every field.

The good thing about working in a creative field is that you never have to detest going to work : -). To me, it doesn’t even feel like work. But at the same time it can be hard to establish career in a creative field like photography as usually there is no guidance, there is no proper system and you have to do everything on your own. And on top of that, your society, family and relatives usually neither understand it nor do they consider it a serious career so you have to be really motivated from the inside not to be discouraged.

Anything else you would like to add about yourself or share with our readers?

Do whatever you want, but make sure you are really passionate about it. If you are passionate about it, you will eventually find a way or make one.