INTERVIEWING MUZI SUFI: The Lyrical Photographer
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I have a crush on Zara Peerzada, and that’s no hidden thing. But it’s amazing how I have discovered an amazing photographer Zara worked with once and I fell in love with her photography. It’s a form of conceptual photography, that she would like to call “Metaphorical Expressionism” (she coined this term herself) and it’s so beautiful and captivating, that she’ll make you wanna keep staring at her pictures for ages.
She is Muzammil Sufi, but she goes by Muzi Sufi.
I would like to call her the next Abdullah Haris of Pakistan because she’s just soooo amazing.
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Another one of my fav edgy model: Alizeh Waqar[/caption]
She was kind enough to give me a short interview for my blog, where I got to know more about her, more than what the pictures say (The pictures say she’s awesome, creative and extremely talented).
Check out her facebook page here
And her instgram here
QnA
I am so bad at interviews, I once made a model run away before I could finish the interview.
Haha! Please, I'm so boring I don't even know what to say in this
Give us a little intro about yourself, a little background story about yourself so readers can know better who you are.
Haha! I was born in the states and grew up in Egypt. I love travelling, smart phones, shoes (still the proverbial girly girl) and taking pictures and I think that pretty much defines me now.
Ok,what was life like for you growing up, just going here and there?
Amazing. Met loads of different types of people in different types of environments
What did you graduate in at college?
Useless business degree. AND I was good at it!
So you left your job to become a photographer?
No no, I graduated with a business degree. I didn't bother looking for a related job because I already knew I was too restless to do a 9-5 job.
I admire people who do it, but I'm just not one of them
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Well I don't want to say where I want to be, cuz really I don't know yet. I'm just taking it day by day. But like I said, I want everyone to be able to relate, and when that happens I think I'll be satisfied. So many girls want to be photographed in a story, it’s flattering really.
SO you're more of a story teller?
I think by this decade things have become so transparent, we end up craving metaphors!
How long have you wanted to be a photographer?
Not long! I don't have that age-old story about how I had a camera in my hands since i was a child
I think 4 years back I picked up a camera I had lying around and since then I didn't put it down. Come to think of it actually, 4 years is a long time...
No, not that much
I wonder why you chose this path. Or are you juggling other careers too
Hmmm. I don't know. I had recently moved to Lahore after having lived outside of Pakistan my whole life. I didn't know too many people, didn't have too many friends. I guess I just needed an outlet. Chose something random and stuck with it. Only about a year back I decided I wanted to do this professionally
Not juggling other careers, just this!
How has that worked out for you?
I love it. I think it’s important to love what you do, and I love it so much. Especially the style of photography I'm into, the possibilities are endless.
And your style is...?
I like telling stories. I don't have a name for my style, it exists but I don't know what its called. Something between fine art photography and storytelling?
What would you like to call it ?
"That’s so muzisufi". Haha I'm totally joking. But I think this style evokes a sense of nostalgia, so maybe something to do with that. I want everyone to be able to relate. "Lyrical photography" I've genuinely thought about It and I came up with something that most describes it
Hahaha! So far, how have people reacted to seeing a certain photo of yours or what kinds of comments people leave that just get to your heart?
I love when my work is appreciated, who doesn't? Comments and reactions are great. A few months back I got an email with a full-fledged essay from this "fan" appreciating my work. It meant everything. This person had referenced everyyyything of mine. Felt so amazing to know I'm that person to someone. Highly elating.
That's kinda stalker-y!
Haha!
What's your favorite comment or something a fan said?
Haseeb! I'm telling you, my favorite thing was by far this email. Can’t really sum it up in a comment!
So I see you've worked with some fashion models for your shoots (Zara Peerzada, my celeb crush!!) Do you see yourself entering the fashion industry?
I have! I used to have to beg my girlfriends to pose for me (they've been so accommodating!), and most of them were great. But they're not professionals, so sometimes they'd just be laughing not knowing what to do haha. It's fun with friends though, they've been so supportive and understanding!
And then you found the models…?
Yes, depends on what the client is asking for. I don't wanna do the whole standard fashion photography thing. I want to do it my way if I do it. I feel like in Pakistan the fashion industry expects the same element in all their photographs. Perfectly visible clothing, emphasis on the clothing etc. etc. I think if I were to go into fashion I'd like the emphasis to be on the mood, the story. I think that is what sells.
So far, have you found clients who want that?
A few, yes. Will work with them eventually when I stop shuffling around.
What do you think of the photography scene in Pakistan, professionally?
I think some of them are amazing, they're work is fabulous. A lot of work looks similar but some photographers in Pakistan really stand out. It’s not the kinda stuff I do, but I admire it a lot.
Haven't worked with any photographers though, professionally.
Where do you see the photographers of Pakistan heading, specially the younger generation?
I don't know, trends fall in and out in every industry. But I think people are becoming more experimental now. Which is always a good thing
Any advice for the youngsters and upcoming photographers
Create your own style, don't go into the whole clone thing. No one wants too many of the same thing haha. Be different!
I mean every things been done before, let’s face it. But try to stand out as much as you can
Any future projects of yours you're excited about, and would like to share with us, if permitted to tell about them?
Hmmm…… no! Can't mention them at the moment, and the ones I want to, I can't because I don't even know if they're confirmed yet!
Hint on what what's coming up? Please
Well, I do plan on doing a bunch of new portfolio shoots. Even with your favorite Zara!
aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!! Don't tease me !
Hahaha
So can we now get to the fun questions?
What's your favorite boy band
Boy band? sorry, deep/tech house only. Hahah
Your favorite film, the one that moved you to depths!
Can I give two?
A clockwork orange
The English patient’
Never heard of them!
Well i think i might have just changed your life. I also love lord of the rings….
You favorite gelato flavor
Not an ice-cream person!
Froyo?
I'd rather have a Popsicle. But if I had to, cookie dough?
Man, you're a tough one! Yes, cookie dough sounds perfect
Touch screens or type pads (i'm guessing, i know the answer to this one;) )
Obviously keyboard any day. I miss my blackberry so much. Took me so long to make the switch. But alas, we have to move with the time. #iphonewoes
Selena Gomez or Miley Cyrus ?
You’re joking right? Question disqualified!
I'm 19, pop culture is my drug!!
Oh sorry, I don't mean to offend you! Just freedom of speech haha!
No problem. Ok, Bob Dylan or The Beatles? Or even better, Zedd or David Guetta?
None of the above. I had a classic rock phase in 10th grade. ACDC/GNR etc etc!
You. Are. One. Weird. Gal! But in a good way
But now its deep house!!
I’d give you some DJ's to hit up, but I have that disease where I don't share music at all. So I can't hahah!
And instrumentals. Definitely those! Life changing stuff they are!
Hermione or Ginny?
Hermioneeeee! Love harry potter
Hogsmeade or diagon alley?
Hogsmeade. Sounds prettier for pictures..
Spoken like a photographer
Thank you so much Muzi Sufi for the amazingly hilarious interview! I loved talking to you and wish you all the best for the future!
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