Irfan Ahson (Interview)

Name: Irfan
Nickname: Iffy
Favorite dish: Keep changing but biryani these days
Tell us a bit about yourself ?
I am a Board certified and US trained Civil Engr. Hold and MS in Transportation engineering but now doing photography full time.
Who inspired you to start this journey of photography?
Our college photographer at Aitchison. Bhatti sab was a very dynamic and energetic personality. He was there at every event…ready with his gear.
At what age did you started photography? 
I seriously took up photography at age 32…kinda late.
How did you got into photography stuff?
Typical answer…bachpan say hee shoq tha.
Which was you first professional camera, which model? And can you recommend any good camera for beginners?
Nikon N80
How does it feel to be this famous?
It feels flattering and humbling
How long did it take to reach where he you are now. It is a long road. People think I am an overnight success but I have to toil hard from Khi to Pshwr to get the name and work out.

What else are your hobbies except photography?
Reading, sports and outdoors
What type of photography attracts you the most ?
Portraits, catching people in their special moments
Some photographers say along with good lens good camera is also important and some people say good camera isn’t that much important as a good lens. What would you like to say about it?
Both are equally important nowadays. The shooter should have a good eyesight and the gun should be properly trained at the target as well. No fun if either is sub par.
One thing that always grabs your attention and makes you takes a picture of it? 
Children playing and enjoying themselves
List of the cameras you’ve used and which ones do you recommend the most to other photographers?
It is a long list…pls lets not go there but current full frame gear is: canon 5d Mk3, Mk2, 6D, Nikon D800, D700, D600
Best thing a fan ever said to you and it made your day? 
Can I have a picture with you!
Worst thing a hater ever said to you and pissed you off to max?
You must own a very expensive camera!
How pro are you at editing pictures? 
I am quite adept at it but have ceased doing it…my team does it now. Have trained them

What do you think is there any scope for photography in Pakistan? 
There is a huge potential. I mean look at me…a civil engineer with an MS doing it full time. There must have been scope and potential, else I would be designing roads and bridges.
Tell us a bit about your family, children and who was most supportive while you were becoming a photographer? I have two kids, a boy and a girl Mashallah. My wife was supportive in US but discouraged me here in Pak due to the stereotyped thinking of the masses.
Ever faced any downfalls after your took photography as a profession and how did you overcome those downfalls? 
There have been a few incidents but no downfalls as such Alhamdolillah
What do you think is photography a risky profession? Why? 
I don’t think so if you have a complete double back up.
Best event you’ve covered outside of Pakistan?
It was a corporate shoot for a hospital in a remote picturesque island.
Any moment when you felt that “yes I am the best photographer of Pakistan”.
I don’t think like that…among the best…yes, maybe!
What are your thoughts on the teens getting a Dslr or Slr and thinking as if they are the king of Photography? 
More power to them. Let them carve out their future themselves. Engineering has not giving me so much honor and respect as photography has…not to mention money!
One embarrassing /funny moment while you were on your work? Normally happens when one is busy having dinner at an event and a fan wants a pic with you.
Else than being a photographer did you had any other dream? My dream job was always a “Fashion photographer”
Any message for your fans?
 Believe in your dreams and let no one tell you “It can’t be done!”