In our popular series "In the Spotlight" , we bring you another inspiring interview with Nishat Rehman. Without saying much, let's hear about her in her own words...
1. About you: Tell us about the place, where you were born; your education, and profession.
I was born in Moradabad, UP where my parents are from. I did my schooling in various parts of UP and later in Delhi where we moved 20 years ago. I went to Aligarh Muslim University for my graduation and did Bachelor of Fine Art in painting. After coming back to Delhi I worked in corporate sector for a few years and also pursued a diploma in 3D animation and visual effects before completing my Masters at College of Art- Delhi University. I work all across India as a freelance visual artist with wall murals and travel photography being my forte.
2. Your photography experience: Tell us since when you've been taking pictures. When did you start taking photography seriously?
I remember handling my father’s canon film camera as a child on family events & outings. Later on he presented me with a Kodak kb10 which became my most prized possession and a luxury that I indulged in taking mostly personal pictures. I started doing serious photography in 2009-10 with a point & shoot camera and a year later graduated to my first DSLR. There has not been any looking back since then.
3. What are your key areas of photography - travel/street/landscape/
wildlife/wedding/portraits/commercial? What makes you click?? What camera/lenses do you use and why?
I am a visual artist and I love travelling so what attracts me naturally is the culture, history, landscapes and people along with their environment. Photography to me is an extended medium of my expression and a mean to capture the fleeting moment as I live it. I also like to portray the everyday struggle of Indian women and the tremendous amount of positivity and strength they posses that I have observed everywhere across the country. I use a canon 6D along with 24-70 or 50 mm lens as it covers the maximum range of travel photography. I am planning to add a wide angle lens to my kit soon to enhance my architectural and landscape photography.
4. What have been your biggest achievements so far?
Travelling has become a way of life for me and it is the biggest reward I have got in pursuit of Photography. Apart from that there have been plenty of awards and accolades that I have received over the years. From being mentioned as notable alumni on my Alma meter’s website to being featured in many of the leading national newspapers there have been quite a few moments of pride. The most recent one being the national photography award and exhibition by All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society, New Delhi.
5. What is so special about your city/country and its life/culture? Has photography changed your outlook/vision about your surroundings? How do you approach people for their pictures?
India has been my muse ever since I started painting or clicking pictures. I am in awe of my country that is no less than a continent. The geographical and cultural diversity, the vibrancy, colours and the spirit of its people makes it so special that one can never have enough of it. Photography has definitely given more dimensions to my perspective as an artist, as a traveller and as a human being. The details start telling you much more when you look through a viewfinder. Also it has given me more confidence travelling solo across the country. Eight years back I was so sceptical about travelling alone in a train and now I can take a 40-50 hrs long solo train ride any day. Camera plays a good ice-breaker while talking to people and capturing their stories during the journey or otherwise. I mostly talk to them to make them feel comfortable before taking their portraits. One also needs to respect if someone is not willing to be clicked, however smile works wonders and can change their mind.
6. What are your sources of inspirations? Do you have some favourite photographers? How do you keep yourself motivated?
I don’t have any favourites in particular but I have always admired the work of Steve Mccurry and Raghu Rai. I find my inspiration from the struggle, spirit and colours of life around me. Unseen places and untold stories fascinate me and fuel my passion for photography.
7. What piece of advice do you wish to give to aspiring/budding photographers, fans, and readers of the post?
I would just say that pursue Photography by all means only if that is what you want to do, not because everybody else is doing it and it’s cool to flaunt a camera. Don’t pick it up because it looks easy coz it is not.
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