Name:
-Muhammad Babar Swaleheen
Nickname:
-Big B!
DOB :
-Dec 09th, 1975
Favorite dish:
-Usually Kabab and meat ball type stuff, but channay ke daal all time fav.
Give us a brief introduction about yourself?
-Right after the university i was fortunate enough to get the job in Telecom Sector and select as a 05th member Engineering team for the Pakistan First CDMA cellular network (the rest of the four were from NED i was only from SSUET). Then served 3 year in my first company which was TeleCard. Later i moved to Motorola Pakistan for "their first" CDMA network, 02nd in Pakistan. After serving 1 year in Motorola i moved to Dubai in 2006 and working here since then in a local telecom operator.
Study background?
-I did my Associate Diploma of Electronics from Aligarh Institute of Technology followed by my graduation from Sir Syed University. Besides, I am WiMAX certified Planning specialist.
Photography as a passion or just a hobby?
-I started as a hobby but now its serious Passion …..
How did you got into photography stuff?
-I never thought in my wildest dream 2.5 years back that i will do photography at some point of my life. I bought my first DSLR 3-4 years back when i was head to USA. But Jan-2011 i planned to pay a visit back home and thought to give my brother and family member a special gift (not materialistic) something that remain there forever…. so i just to take some of his images in different poses and give him as a gift. That was the day i started taking Photography seriously ….
Who are your inspirations?
-Joe Mcnally & Karl Taylor
What else are your hobbies except photography?
-I am die hard crazy fan of WWE Wrestling. And love to watch Action, Sci-Fi movies.
Would you like to have interns with you?
-Like Batman …. i prefer to work alone …. but now as my work requires a lot of logistics so i am seeking support often now from friends and family members.
Who is the one person you would like to do or dying to do photo-shoot of?
-One is Francoise Pascal and there is one model Tamara King.
Was photography your passion?
-Passion of Photography is a sweet accident which i never thought gonna have it .
In which kind of Photography section do you focus/ have more fun like fashion photo-shoots, outdoor shoots or wedding photo-shoots etc.?
-I prefer to have people’s portfolio from daily life (not model). Capturing people from daily life bring their real life drama into the image which ultimately turn image into art. I love to take landscape and candid shot. Sky , stars, milky way galaxy, I am dir hard crazy fan of Black and White Photography and thats my strongest hand as well. And i hate doing wedding photography because i believe its the most non-creative domain where you are asking and repeating the same set of poses to all couple ….. though its highly paid but still no creativity.
You got an opportunity to do photo shoot for many magazines and known people in this glamorous industry how was your experience working with them?
-So far No. But my multiple images are published in UAE and UK newspapers. Multiple images are being “Explored” over flickr.
What is important?
1. Good camera
2. Editing skills
3. Good face
- …. 4. Good Eye (to capture image before camera click)
Let’s get a bit technical which cameras do you use? And it would be really great if you give a short review about it too?
- I have 3 camera bodies with all range of lenses. 1. Nikon D800E which is full frame 36 MP camera. Followed by Nikon D700 which is full frame 12MP camera and fantastic in low light performance. And 03rd camera is Nikon D7100 which is 24MP one-in-all camera for daily clicks. but i would like to add here which is, most important are the lenses. Because lenses are the game changer … not camera body.
Who has been most supportive while you were becoming a Photographer mum or dad?
- This sound little different but my wife and my brother are the biggest support so far for my photography. My parents never encourage this activity
Which,when,where were the best/interesting events you have covered till now?
- Best is yet to come …. but for the sake to answer the question, Aug-Sep 2012 i went to UK/Scotland with family and that was the best trip i ever had to cover.
One embarrassing and funny moment while you were on your work?
- Alhumdolillah not any one i remember ….
What are the other goals you have?
- I am family guy so family is my goal at the first place. But in general I never set my goals (just like i never thought to be Photographer) …. my goals are set by my mighty ALLAH. And alhumdolillah so far his planning is the best.
Where do you see yourself in next few years?
-I don’t plan things. But I believe if i am good with others then i will be in good shape/place in coming years.
Any message for your fans?
- Never take photography as your main profession. You cannot run your kitchen and pay children school fee using photography because now every tom dick and harry has a DSLR and competition is very tough. In order to survive, your need must be enough elevated in compared to others that customer has no choice left other then to give you work which requires extreme dedicated and in-depth knowledge in photography.
Views about IsloTimes:
-Honestly, this is the first time i am getting know you guys. But so far, impression is real good … keep up the great work guys.