Name: Fatima
Baqi
Nickname: Fatima
D.O.B: 31
May
Favorite dish: Lamb
roast, mixed vegetables, Nihari.
Favorite quote: "Be nice to people on your way up
because you meet them on your way down".
Give us a brief introduction about yourself.
I am a self taught, first female professional studio
photographer of Peshawar, NWFP (2000-2010).Currently residing and
working in London as a wedding photographer. I am a warm person by nature who loves travelling, gadgets,
music, cars, cinema, Bollywood movies and poetry. Believe in hard work and
humbleness.
Study/professional background?
Did MSc Psychology from Peshawar University and chose
photography as a profession. Being only female photographer in the field
was beneficial and a tough job at the same time. At that time there was
no institute to learn and I chose “learning by doing” method. I have done thousands of bridal and couple shoots during
these years and this journey have never stopped. Currently I am loving my
experience of working with best wedding photographers of London. Member
of “Society of wedding & portrait photographers”. It feels good to
have a chance to learn new skills by attending photography seminars with
world’s recognized photographer.
How did you got into photography stuff?
when I was a child, I saw a portrait shot of someone, it was
taken with an SLR camera, it suddenly got my attention and unlike me, I asked
them if I can keep it. I was always curious why it is different than
other pictures taken by normal cameras. My curiosity developed my
interest in photography. National Geographic magazine was an early
inspiration. Eventually it became my hobby and during studies, I was
frequently approached by students to do their photo shoots. That led me
to be a professional photographer.
What type of photography attracts you the most?
Bridal shoots, landscape, travel and macro photography are
my main interests.
Would you like to have interns with you?
Unlike Pakistan, while working in Europe, I have realized
that people are open about sharing knowledge and I have started believing that
teaching others is learning twice. I would be pleased to guide interns
whenever I visit Pakistan and share my experience and knowledge. I will
keep on updating my Facebook page about such plans.
Who is that one person you would like to do or dying to do
photo-shoot of?
It will not be a person I am sure. I want to photograph
Tibetan Monasteries, Palaces of Udaipur, Flying Chinese paper lanterns,
Santorini Island in Greece, Ariel view of Himalaya, Northern Lights
in Norway, Petra in Jordan, Antoni Gaudi’s structures in Spain, White tigers,
Polar bears and much more. I just realized I must join National
Geographic :)
Was photography your passion?
Yes, it has always been. I am kind of obsessed with
camera and taking pictures.
You were the first female professional photographer in NWFP,
what made you go for photography?
I never thought it will become a profession when I used to
do it as a hobby in College and University life. I must say my clients
and friends encouraged me to adopt it as a profession. People always tell
me, “You make us look beautiful”. They loved my work and I became the
most busiest photographer in town. I really miss working in Peshawar.
I dream of going back some day and enjoy the same warmth in the
atmosphere. This time I am looking forward to expand my boundaries to
Lahore & Islamabad.
What kind of shoots do you do most?
Mostly wedding and travel photography.
Let’s get a bit technical which cameras and editing
software’s do you use? And it would be really great if you give a short review
about it too.
Mark ii 5D,
24-70mm f2.8
24-105mm f4
70-200mm f2.8
100mm f2.8
50mm
Diffuse it
Adobe Lightroom 4
I mainly use 24-70 for wedding coverage, I love its
functionality. Lightroom is best for organizing , handling and editing
file. Occasional manipulations with Adobe Photoshop are additional charm.
Who has been most supportive while you were becoming a
Photographer from your family?
Unfortunately no one, because in our society it was
not acceptable for a female to choose it as career. My dad wanted
me to join Civil Services, but I feel fortunate to choose my hobby as
profession. Some one said “Choose what you love doing, and you will never
work a day in your life”. I remember my brother saying “You are always on
Holidays” and that's because I never had a boss.
Any one you would like to say thank to?
First of all I am thankful to Allah because without his
blessings, I could never achieve whatever I have today.
I am thankful to my father who bought me my first SLR
camera, my friends who were always there to support and encourage me.
Best event you have covered till now?
I had few interesting experiences while covering foreign
weddings. Like in a Nigerian wedding, I saw groom’s family bowing in
front of bride’s family and Tea tradition in Chinese wedding, where bride &
groom serves Tea to almost every guest, eating from same Thaali in Bengali
weddings, 7 Phairay in Hindu weddings are not actually that short how they look
on Tv, Sikh wedding rituals and someone asking me to cover my head following
“Sat Sri Akal” in Gravesden Temple while shooting, English wedding shoot at
Hedsor House, Arab’s way of greeting the bride & groom by making a specific
sound called Ululation.
One embarrassing /funny moment while you were on your work?
When someone asks with a surprised face, “ Are YOU Fatima
Baqi”? I kind of find it funny and embarrassing at the same time.
Your hobbies?
I am a gadget freak. Love poetry, Urdu literature and fond
of cats.
What are the other goals you have?
Film making.
Advise for beginners?
Hard work and dedication always pay off. There is no
short cut to success. Always share your knowledge, it grows when you
share it. Client’s satisfaction is more valuable than the money they pay.
If you love photography, go out and take loads of photos, do experiment,
check photography websites regularly, listen to relevant podcast. If you
have any question regarding photography, you are welcome to ask me on my
Facebook page.
Where do you see yourself in next few years?
I see myself as an internationally recognized female
photographer from Pakistan.
Any message for your fans?
Keep appreciating good work and efforts as appreciation
nourishes growth. Dream big and follow your dream. Nothing is
impossible when you are determined.
Photography is form of art and an artist is nothing without
recognition. I am really thankful for all your love and trust you had in
me over the years. Your encouragement and confidence in me kept me growing.
Thoughts on Le spectra.
There have always been a need of a platform where talent can
be promoted and I am pleased to say Lespectra is doing a very good job in
representing Pakistani talent.
I wish Lespectra success and global recognition.