In Conversation With Photographer Muhammad Husnain Mahmood
Photography is an industry that is on the rise in Pakistan. With every passing year, we have fresh blood hitting the market with their unique skill sets. Not only that, fashion photography is a leading category in the industry these days. We already have well-established names like Abdullah Harris, Tapu Javeri, Ashna Khan, Azeem Sani and more who have made their mark and garnered appreciation from the fans.
Muhammad Husnain Mahmood of MHM Photography is another name who has made his way through the industry after pursuing his passion in 2007 as a freelance photographer and then launching his brand ‘MHM Photography’ in 2017. From working with Guddu Shani, a leading fashion photography house in Pakistan to bagging a Hum Style Award in 2017 and being nominated for the Lux Style Awards in 2018, it is safe to say that MHM has made his mark.
GLOSS chat with the man himself to know more about his work and the creative process that is involved in clicking the masterpieces.
What is your background and how did you become involved with photography?
I did not have a fashion or art background, photography was merely out of passion. In fact, my educational background is in Film, TV and Communication Design.
Which artists or photographers have most influenced your work? Who have you learned the most from?
I have definitely learned a lot from my mentors, Guddu Shani. Whereas, I am majorly inspired by Gregory Crewdson, Paolo Roversi and Tarun Khiwal.
What are some things you do to push your creativity?
For starters, I go through the work of the artists that inspire me. Moreover, I travel to explore and try experimenting with art shoots.
What could you have done differently to get to where you are now sooner?
First of all, it is all Allah’s blessing and I wouldn’t have done anything differently. However, I do feel that the main reason behind a successful career is the passion and struggle to do my best. Moreover, not deviating from the goals is also key.
How much time do you spend taking photos, versus retouching photos?
I am not much of a retouching photos kind of person, I prefer working on the before-shoot process. The only thing I like to add in my shoots is the colour tone to make the shots look more alive.
A unique perspective can go further than just showing people how you see a picture.
Where do you prefer to shoot – in a studio, or on location, and why?
Both, indoor sets and locations play a vital role in creating the mood and theme for the shoot.
What’s the best thing about being a photographer?
Being a photographer is very challenging. You are always learning something new and have different directions to follow and explore every time. This is a pursuit that you’ll never get bored of.
When someone looks at your photography, what do you want them to know about you?
In my opinion, a unique perspective can go further than just showing people how you see a picture. A glance at a powerful image can make people stop and look at it no matter what.
What can we see from you in 2019?
I am trying new techniques and exploring more things this year.
Any words of wisdom you would like to share?
For anyone trying to pursue photography or any career path for that matter should learn to experiment with different things and take risks. Further, learn from others and their experiences, because every great thing takes time.
Photography for me is a feeling of its own. If you can’t feel what you are looking at, then you are never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your work.
