In this interview , our Focused Personality’ is Mutahir Showkat, who is a well know Photographer and has authored few books on Photography.
Q| IK. Who is Mutahir Showkat ?
Mutahir Showkat: I am a photographer from kashmir valley and was born on 24 August 1999. I am from Qazigund of district Anantnag. I am trying to help youth to learn photography through my books. I am producing few podcast programs as well .
Q| IK. Give us brief details about your education journey.
Mutahir Showkat: I received my early education from Hanfia public high school a local private school in Qazigund of district Anantnag, where I completed ny matriculation. I completed my senior secondary education at GHS Kadipora Anantnag. I completed my-year diploma in civil engineering from GBP Jammu and Currently Mutahir Showkat is doing Bachelor’s in engineering from LDRP ITR Gandhinagar Gujarat
Q| IK. How you developed interest in Photography ?
Mutahir Showkat: I was basically interested in Traveling. I used to travel with my family and friends before I used to trek the different high altitudes, lately found nature has lot to offer. In 2013 I developed my interest in nature photography and I loved to capture the mesmerizing views of nature ,from high altitudes to low lying meadows and then I ended up making it my profession.
Q| IK. What is the most fascinating thing about Photography or visualisation ?
Mutahir Showkat: The most fascinating thing about photography is that it freezes memories. It captures a moment in time that you’ll be able to remember and cherish forever and ever. If you look at the images which people save, usually those are the photos of their family, friends, pets, places, and items they love.
Q| IK. You have authored two books , give us detailed introduction about them .
Mutahir Showkat: The first one is “Photography tips for beginners” its is a complete guide for those who are intrested to do photography or want to make photography as thier carrier. This book helps a person to understand the basics of light and how your eyes fixes lighting. Apart from learning photography it guides a person how he can earn by doing Photography.
Another one is “Photography editing and editors”, As editing is the main thing after Capturing a photograph , to make a picture more attractive editing is must, so this book helps a person to learn how to edit the photos and It is a complete guide about different softwares used in photography editing .
Q| IK. Podcast is one the emerging communication activity , how did it influence your life ?
Mutahir Showkat: When a person has nothing to do, his mood usually swings so same sometimes when i feel low i try to keep busy my self with some work so that my mood swing will not effect my mental health , so during this free time, i like to write poetry, because since childhood i used to write, Read , Listen poetry. As i feel poetry is best meditation; it pleases the mind.I used to post my poetry verses on different writing platforms , but after that i felt like it doesn’t reach too much so i started making some short videos of my poetry verses , people loved it. Then ,i thought it will be better if i create only audio version of my poetry so that people can listen it easily , so i started doing poetry podcasts and it really worked. People can listen my podcasts anywhere while having a walk, driving a car or while sleeping.
Q| IK. Which Photography do you like the most and how do you pursue to any subject as photographer ?
Mutahir Showkat: As i’m Nature lover, Traveller so I like to click the nature photography.i like to click the enchanting view of nature, snow caped mountains, beautiful gardens ; nomad portaits and i’m more intrested in capturing the portaits of different wildlife animals .
Well you do not need any formal qualifications to become a professional photographer but a good eye, creativity and technical ability are essential to become a Photographer , You just need a camera or a phone to start practicing , Start Capturing that’s how you will become a good photographer , Yea it’s really hard to start using manual mode at first so i suggest if you want to improve your photography,I’ve written a book namely “photography tips for beginners” which basically shows a path to the beginners about photography; how is it done, essential tips and all.
Q| IK. What are your future plans ?
Mutahir Showkat: Every person has lot of dreams/plans so same i have, starting wildlife photography as a carrier is a big dream. I am planing to do cinematic series about different places of kashmir and as a author i’m currently working on a book in which i’m trying to cover the biography of different sufi saints of kashmir and more ever i will try to bring some more books about photography.
Q| IK. Do you have any special message for young people who love art?
Mutahir Showkat: Art is used to explore and deconstruct social boundaries. Art is a catalyst for change in society and yes it is a good thing. So don’t hide the talent you’ve. No matter which field you are intrested in, do it and come forward work hard . i know lot of people will demotivate you but never stop working keep working hard , You’re going to shine; its just hardwork and perseverance.
