It doesn’t take a lot for one to start to be great. Take Faliq for an example- a man who is not driven by the labels, but the artwork he produces. Though he wasn’t a conventionally trained photographer, just like other skilled photographers in the market, Faliq takes a whole lot of shutters to harness the skills he now has to be able to produce the beautiful artworks which all are free to admire on his Instagram, @faliqfahmie.
Learn more about his train of thoughts towards photography in today’s Featured Interview!
1. Hi Faliq! Please tell us more about yourself.
Hello! My name is Faliq Fahmie, from Kuala Lumpur. I’m currently working as an International Business Development Manager in a private sales company.
2. What inspired you to get into photography?
It started as an interest when I was in high-school as I joined our school’s Photography Club and it went on and off as I grew up. Bought my first Nikon camera when I was 18 and never really actually put much effort in learning more about photography. But it all started when I joined a mobilegraphy class somewhere in 2014 by one of the most active underground photography movement back then, MyGenggua, that it triggered back my interest in photography. Started with mobilegraphy and I got active on Instagram in 2014 before I bought my Sony camera in 2016.
3. We noticed that you’re inclined towards portraiture photography – why is that?
Even when I was shooting with my phone, portraiture was one of my favourite genre, besides scenery and architecture. I guess I love the mood and emotions that can be portrayed through portraiture and they always tell a story.
4. Can you describe your photography in 3 words?
Arts are indescribable.
5. What do you enjoy most about photography?
Almost everything about it. From the planning part, the shooting part and the post-processing part. But the greatest satisfaction comes from the end results of it, when you managed to produce the artwork according to what you have planned, especially if they supersede your own expectations.
6. How do you usually get in contact with the gorgeous models on your pictures?
I started with asking my own friends to be my models first. Guess I’m that lucky to be surrounded with beautiful friends haha. Then as the times go by, I started approaching other models on Instagram to collaborate with me. It wasn’t easy at first but as you built your own portfolio on your page, most of them would agree to work together with me. There are some who approached me first so I guess it works both ways too.
7. Who are some of your favorite Malaysian photographers?
There’s too many to mention. But just to name a few, they are Hidayatullah, Abeden, Anas, Ridduan TTFGA, Sharina Shahrin, Yaman Ibrahim.
8. What makes a photo great?
I think the way it speaks to the audience. A great photo should tell a story and have the power to intrigue who ever looking at it. A photo that ticks all the boxes of good lighting, composition and subject matter.
9. There are people out there who deem you aren’t a ‘real photographer’ – what do you have to say about that?
I never claimed myself as a photographer. I see myself as an Instagrammer first, as there was where I started. I use my mobile phones to take my photos too. Plus, photography isn’t my day job as it is more of a passion and a hobby. I don’t really care much about the labels. I only care about my artwork.
10. What’s your take towards the common misconceptions towards photography statements like people don’t actually need any real talent for photography and anyone can be a photographer, etc.?
Someone once told me that “having a camera doesn’t make you a photographer” and I am also a firm believer of a statement that says “sometimes it’s not the camera, but the person behind it”. But again, just like any other forms of art, photography can be subjective. With the advancement of today’s technology and with smartphones are getting better and better to take pictures, I’d say yes, everyone can be a photographer. And I’d like to see that. The community is growing as it should be, and we should encourage more people to join in.
11. What is your go-to photography equipment?
Casually, my iPhone. But most of the times it’s my beginner’s camera, Sony A6000 with Sigma lens 30mm 1.4
12. You’ve helped organize and curate events like The Black Out Meet 2 and Pursuit of Portraits in Kuala Lumpur – can you walk us through the journey of organizing and curating them?
It was such a great honor when Super Sunday (local clothing brand) and Pursuit of Portraits team (from New York, USA) approached me to assist them in curating and organizing their photowalks, an event where photographers and models alike will gather and take photos. But they didn’t simply select any Tom, Dick and Harry to assist them for such big events. This is because I’ve done so many photowalks before, including #streemeetKL, #KLmobilegraphymeet, #MYmobilegraphymeet, World Wide Instameets (#wwim_16 and #wwim_17) to name a few. The process of planning can be a headache as we try to choose the locations that are accessible by public transportation, not to mention the selection of venues, the models, and the theme. All these factors are crucial in ensuring the event is attractive enough for people to come. And during the event itself, it’s a also challenge to control the crowd, lead them and making sure they follow our planned routes, and for them to ultimately enjoy the event. But all in all, it’s a fun thing to do, even though it can be super tiring.
13. Do you have any life motto?
Play your cards well.
14. Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
I think it doesn’t really matter what will I be in the next 2 years. But what I’d like to see in 2 years is that, this photography community in general, and Instagram community specifically, grow into new heights. I’d like to see more photowalks or Instameets in a larger scale, with sponsorship from companies, NGOs or government bodies such as KBS etc. I also hope that this community grow as a unit. To grow maturely with everyone supporting each other instead of bringing others down. I’d like to see that.
