What does it mean to be a celebrity photographer in Pakistan? Is it really all that glitz and glam it actually hypes up to be? We spoke to fashion and beauty photographer Daud Malik who has done major shoots for leading brand campaigns and models. Giving us a major sneak peek into how he got into this career and the stance of the fashion industry, Daud shared more on what it takes to how make it in this competitive field and making a mark takes persistence and passion that is steadfast. Read On:
SD: How did you get into the field of photography?
Daud: So basically I was very much fond of taking my own pictures but obviously it’s not easy to be a model in fact none of the jobs are easy and cannot be taken for granted. You have to work hard to reach a certain level , my friends in my university times used to cover different events and at that time I used to take mobile pictures and it was one day I decided to take this as my profession. What sorted as a hobby, pretty soon became my career.
SD: Considering the limitations when it comes to pursuing photography as a career – what were the major setbacks you faced?
Daud: The major setbacks I have faced were not getting paid clients. There was also the fact that I was not at all welcomed by the industry. People are different over here, they are more diplomatic than being loyal so it took time for me to adjust accordingly. It didn’t come easy- that’s for sure.
SD: How was your parents’ support for the same?
Daud: I am a single parent child, my father left me when I was 6yrs old. It is my mother who has supported me throughout my journey, so yes she has always been my rock and has been backing me through every step and decision I’ve taken till date.
SD: When did you take on your first project?
Daud: I think after three years of constant struggle, I got my first project. I used to shoot before also but I don’t consider them as my below average work so whether you work good or you stop wasting your time and the ones trusting and paying you for your job.
SD: How strong a stance do you think the fashion industry has in Pakistan? Do you feel it is finally progressing to international standards?
Daud: Our fashion industry is not at all progressing to the international standards, we are way far from the quality work they provide and as per my opinion, our industry is going down because of so much desaturation and we are still the same as we were before, just few changes have been brought to our industry but otherwise we are not at all reaching the standards.
SD: Is it true fashion campaigns involving certain models/actresses are hard to take on?
Daud: Yes it is true, if you are talking about the behavior so yes it is hard to cope up with those actresses or models, I say one thing “We don’t have stars , we have actresses, we don’t have supermodels, we only have a few good models” because being a model is a different approach internationally and we unfortunately, again don’t meet those standards.
SD: Has this year been progressing as you wanted and one thing you wish to conclude it with?
Daud: I don’t know if this year has been progressing as I wished for it , in terms of work but yes this year has taught me alot , I have spent a lot of time with myself and have learnt a lot through my mistakes.
IN A GLANCE
Your most prized possession?
I am obsessed with my gadgets.
Your Favorite brand?
I don’t have any specific, depends on my mood
The one thing that is a mood killer?
Miscommitments, i got pissed off except for some valid reason
Three things you have with you all the time?
My earbuds, my car and my mobile
Your life’s motto?
Shooting Cover for Vogue Italia
Your favorite designer?
Not any specific. I have favourite designers from different countries.
Deepest Fear?
Losing my mother
Biggest Regret?
No regrets. Have learnt alot and getting strong
Favorite model to work with?
Till now Zara Abid (RIP)
Biggest Strength
My mother
Someone you wish to meet:
Meeting and shooting Gigi and Bella
Top 3 things on your bucket list
Shooting for Vogue Italia, making my mother proud and taking her to perform Hajj
