An Interview with a Photographer

Mubarak Hamza

For this issue, we reached out to one of our members. His name is Mubarak Hamza (IG: @X_plorre), a student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

What follows is our interview about his photography journey. Come along!

Q1: How did you get started with photography?

Mubarak:I got into photography when I stumbled upon the amazing photography features of a Redmi phone back in 2019. It was the Redmi Note 6 that caught my attention. A few months later, I upgraded to the Redmi Note 7. At that time, I didn't know much about photography, so I mainly took random shots of myself and my friends. I was pretty happy with the photos straight out of the phone, no editing needed.

But things changed when I had to go up north for my studies. I remember taking a picture of this stunning white flower that I had never seen before. It was like a whole new world opened up before my eyes. I started noticing all these different plants and landscapes, and it fascinated me. I wanted to capture those moments and share them with my friends who might not have had the chance to see them.

Q2: Who are the photographers that have influenced your journey, and how have they impacted you?

Mubarak: Nigel Danson has been a significant influence on my photography journey. As a professional landscape photographer, his passion for nature and travel inspires me. I find his YouTube channel particularly inspiring, as he shares valuable tips on how to improve photography skills. Learning from his experiences and techniques has greatly impacted my own approach to landscape photography.

Q3: What do you think the most important element to capture in a photograph is?

Mubarak: The most important element to capture in a photograph is the emotion or story behind the subject.

Q4: What inspires you when you take photographs?

Mubarak: The beauty of nature and the small moments often overlooked inspire me to capture meaningful photographs.

Q5: What are the difficulties you've experienced in your photography journey and how have you coped with or maneuvered these difficulties?

Mubarak: Difficulties I've faced include establishing a social media presence and achieving high-quality images with my smartphone. To cope with these challenges, I've conducted extensive online research to find tips on growing my social media following and increasing engagement. Additionally, I've sought out tutorials specifically tailored to my smartphone model to better understand its camera capabilities and maximize image quality. While I'm still working on these aspects, continuous learning and implementation have been my approach to overcome these difficulties.

Q6: What do you do when you don't know what to photograph?

Mubarak: When I find myself unsure of what to photograph, I take a step back and seek inspiration from my surroundings. Exploring new locations, finding ways to improve my previously edited photo or even revisiting familiar places with a fresh perspective helps me find new creative opportunities.

Q7: Have you ever thought of selling your photographs?

Mubarak: Yes, I have considered selling my photographs. It's an exciting way to share my work and potentially turn my passion into a source of income. However, I am still exploring various avenues.

Q8: Can you describe your creative process from conceptualisation to the final product?

Mubarak: Sure! My creative process from conceptualization to the final product can vary depending on the situation. In most cases, when I come across things that often go unnoticed, I rely on my creative eye to spot those hidden gems. These moments are usually unplanned but spur-of-the-moment captures. I make sure my camera settings are in order, find interesting compositions, and capture the shot. It's about being present and observant in the moment.

On other occasions, when I have a specific concept or location in mind, I take a more deliberate approach. I invest time in scouting the area beforehand, not necessarily with the intention of capturing images immediately, but to familiarize myself with the surroundings. During this process, I take some shots to help me envision how the scene would look during different lighting conditions, like sunrise or sunset. It allows me to imagine the potential of the location and plan for a future shoot.

However, the weather doesn't always cooperate, and there are days when I don't get the ideal conditions or the desired shots to share. It's a natural part of the creative process, and I've learned to embrace it.

When it comes to editing, I prefer not to rush into it right after capturing the image unless it's urgent. Instead, I take the time to evaluate my shots and then dive into the editing process. I typically start by cropping the image, which helps me refine the composition and ensure it's framed properly. Then, I move on to adjusting the curves, primarily focusing on the exposure curve to achieve the desired level of brightness and contrast. Additionally, I work on color correction and color grading to enhance the overall mood and tone of the image.

It's important to note that each image and its editing requirements are unique. So, my approach may vary depending on the specific characteristics and goals of each photograph. Sometimes, I save my edits and revisit them later to ensure I achieve the desired minimalistic and polished look.

Overall, my creative process involves a combination of impulsiveness, careful planning, and thoughtful editing. It's about capturing the essence of a moment and bringing out its full potential through post-processing.

Q9: Do you think gear matters? Does it matter more than skill? What influence do you think gear has on image capturing? Should it be prioritized over skill?

Mubarak: While gear plays a role in image quality, skill and creativity are more important. Gear can enhance the capturing process, but skill is crucial in bringing out the true potential of a photograph. Skill should always be prioritized over gear.

Q10: How did you build up capital to purchase your gadgets?

Mubarak: I managed to build up capital for purchasing my gadgets by making the most of affordable deals and using a portion of my income earned as a video editor. 

Q11: You seem to have specialized in nature/landscape photography. How did you choose your niche?

Mubarak:  Being in an environment rich with captivating landscapes naturally drew me to this genre. Additionally, watching travel videos by photographers like Nigel Danson further fueled my fascination with nature and landscapes, ultimately guiding me towards this niche.

Q12: What would you advise aspiring photographers to prioritize between inspiration/motivation and consistency?

Mubarak: I would advise aspiring photographers to prioritize consistency. While inspiration and motivation are important, true progress and improvement come through consistent practice and dedication. Embracing the journey of capturing and learning consistently is key to becoming a better photographer. As Henri Cartier-Bresson famously said, "Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst," highlighting the significance of practice and perseverance in the pursuit of excellence.

Q13: What's one thing you wish you knew when you started taking pictures?

Mubarak: Looking back, I wish I had a deeper understanding of my camera's features and how to utilize its pro mode settings. Knowing how these settings contribute to image quality and creative control would have allowed me to capture better shots from the beginning.

Q14: What do you think sets your work apart from other photographers in your field?

Mubarak: I believe what sets my work apart is my unique perspective and attention to detail. I strive to capture not only the beauty of the subject but also the emotions and stories behind them. 

Q15: What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?

Mubarak: My advice to aspiring photographers would be to embrace the journey of learning and practicing consistently. Seek inspiration from various sources, study the work of professional photographers, and develop your own style. Don't be afraid to experiment and push your creative boundaries. Lastly, remember that passion and perseverance are key ingredients for success.