Of Lenses And Love

Fondly known as #followmeto couple, they have been setting trends for quite a few years now. We have read much as to how did they came up with the concept, their idyll of romance, their location propositions and of course, their unexceptional love for travel. But there has not been much about their individual life and neither photography has been discussed with them in detail. We question, what is that driving force that takes Murad forward? How is photography just not about capturing? We ask, Murad answers. We dig deep.

So, we all have a fair idea about your love for photography but was it always your first choice?

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Actually, no. I was always a big fan of mathematics and I went to UK to study in this field. Initially, I was studying in college and then applying for the degree of Civil Engineering, which I have finished at Imperial College in London. Funny enough, I tried then to apply to London School of Fashion for the Fashion Photography (a hobby, which I’ve developed when I failed my first year at the university while preparing for exams to continue my education) and I was rejected, because I guess they thought it was a strange move from the Civil Engineering to Photography. I later learnt that they had some lectures on our project when it became popular :)

Do you think photography is something that helps with calming our nerves down?

Not really calming the nerves - but it gives me some sort of creative drive that fills me with the energy, which allows me to do a lot of things and transform this energy into my vision

What is that one important aspect of travel photography that you most enjoy?

I guess - it is the discovery of new places and meeting new amazing people. No matter where we go - we see open hearted people even in the craziest places.

Do you think people today adopt to travel photography as a means of escapism?

Not really, but on the other hand - I consider myself as an outgoing introvert and travelling sometimes gives me an opportunity to escape from the routine and opens me to new discoveries

Photography is a form of art and by looking at the pictures that cover picturesque locations, it does make a feel-good impact. So, how do you think travel photography relates to the wellness of a being?

I think there is also a level of responsibility here - when taking pictures of the picturesque locations, one has to be fully aware that drawing attention to the places like that also has its drawbacks. People have to really respect nature and not only have one priority of taking a photo

Is there any other form of photography that you think also acts as a stress buster?

I think that shooting on a film and then developing it yourself and seeing the image appearing on a piece of paper almost out of nowhere is amazing and definitely acts as a stress buster.

It is easier for people to relate when anything is visually represented so what is that one important thing that you would want to share with the readers that helps a person relate to photography?

I think that, first of all, photography is a way to transform your own vision on a medium. So, no matter what your equipment is - I would suggest everyone to develop primarily their vision and taste. It is like being in a state of meditation and having those images already in your head. Even when you are at a beautiful location you should stop for a while and to pause yourself and calm your mind. Your inner vision will suggest you the right way.