I come to photography with a painter’s eye – Swat Kasham

Swat Kasham is a Fine Arts graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria who delved into photography. Her works are going viral for the uniqueness of their compositions and effects. The 42-year-old Southern Kaduna born, speaks to Daily Trust on Sunday about becoming an accidental photographer and her love for portraitures. How did you get […]

Swat Kasham is a Fine Arts graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria who delved into photography. Her works are going viral for the uniqueness of their compositions and effects. The 42-year-old Southern Kaduna born, speaks to Daily Trust on Sunday about becoming an accidental photographer and her love for portraitures.

How did you get into photography?

Photography actually got me. I had always loved well done images but never had an inkling that I might be able to do this as a job. My younger sister, Zanswat, stopped by my home one day with a camera. I picked it up to just try it out and the rest is history.

Most of your works are portraitures. Are these the only images you shoot? 

Yes, I shoot only portraits because I’m a natural people watcher and I love the one-on-one interaction with my clients.

Why do you  refer to your work as photoimagery and not simply photography?

Honestly, I was just trying to be cool! But later on, I’ve had a couple of people tell me that the word imagery fits with how I present my images. So, it just worked.

You were to embark on a personal project sometime ago about your heritage, culture. Please tell us about it?

Unfortunately, I have not embarked on that project yet. There are a lot of parts to it that need to be worked on properly – getting authentic props for instance and finding the right models in the town I live. It is predominantly a Hispanic population. So finding black women is hard.

What are your favourite gadgets to work with and why?

I won’t call them favorite but necessary. I work with what would help me achieve the best imagery, I guess. I shoot with a Canon 7D camera and a 50mm lens. I use one strobe light.

Who or what has had the most influence on your work? 

I find that I am attracted, on a subconscious level, to photographers from Eastern Europe for some reason. My biggest influence however has been Sue Bryce, a photographer from New Zealand who now lives in Los Angeles.

What is it about Bryce that has influenced you? 

I was drawn to her teaching style and her spirit, and her images of course. She teaches photography with soul, heart and kindness. She is also an excellent teacher of photography business. She has perfected the business of photography to almost a science. She’s an amazing speaker and educator and I hope to one day be able to teach like she does.

What’s been the challenge you have had to deal with as a photographer?

The biggest challenge is the business aspect. Creating is ‘simple.’ Making a viable source of income from your creation is a different kettle of fish. Generally, most people do not consider photography, or any form of artistic expression, a real job. They don’t want to pay what you charge and are visibly appalled that you would want “all that” money for your work.

Please tell us about your props and costumes and how you created an identity for yourself using them as you do.

When I come up with an idea in my head, this guides me towards what props and wardrobe I want to use. It always starts with a theme. I love the whimsical and ethereal, so this influences how I portray my subjects.

There is a uniqueness about the effect of your images. How do you achieve it?

It’s all in the editing. The style is called the painterly edit. I want my images to look like art because I want them to outlive me and my clients. My images are created to become family heirlooms and a legacy to be passed down from generation to generation. I therefore endeavour to make them look unique.

Do you sometimes get into an argument with your clients as to how the photo should be, especially if you have your thoughts about what you want to achieve and what would work best?

I don’t have such arguments because it is not about me, it’s about my clients. When a potential client reaches out to me for inquiries my first question is, “how would you like to be photographed?” I am only here to serve and to help her look like what she is imagining. I do not force any ideas on a client, I only suggest. We work together during consultation concerning themes and ideas.

What challenges you?

I have a deep desire to be an amazing photographer of repute. I also want to bring joy to the lives of my clients who are mostly women. I never want to be mediocre in anything I put my hands in, to achieve. I also want to show my sons how to become successful using the gifts God has given them.

Who is the one person and or image you are looking forward to photographing? 

Honestly, I haven’t got a particular person in mind that I wish to photograph. I want to photograph anyone who wants amazing images of themselves.

Who or what are your favourite subjects to photograph and why?

I love photographing people with unique beauty! You know, that person who is attractive in an unconventional sense. I’m looking forward to shooting a woman with albinism for instance; a woman with vitiligo. I tend to be attracted to subject who doesn’t possess beauty in an obvious way, if that makes sense.

Is it by coincidence that you have photographed mostly women or this is deliberate?

It is definitely deliberate. Men are not interested or fond of being photographed in an absolutely programed or staged manner. Women are more open to it and find pleasure in the process. This is why I choose to market to women because they would bring in their boyfriends, husbands and sons! I also had the vision to photograph women because this is the demographic that is most self-sacrificing, taking care of and meeting everyone else’s needs, putting themselves last. I want to give some woman a day of pampering where she can remember what it felt like to dress up and feel amazing. I also want to show women that you don’t have to be a model to look glamorous!

What did you specialize in, in Fine Arts?

I wanted to become a painter but my drawing and painting skills were not up to par. I did very well in Art History. However, painting and photography have the same basic ideas of using light and shadow to create imagery. So, I come to photography with the eye of a painter.

Do you see yourself going beyond portraits? 

As it pertains to picture taking, no I will never go beyond portraits. It is my passion. Sometimes I am truly in awe of my works and feel immensely grateful for my talents.

When you say “most people do not consider photography, or any form of artistic expression, a real job” is this something you contend with even as you now live in the US?

It is certainly better received in the US as it is a society that has evolved to a point where you can succeed in whatever you decide to do. But even here in the US, creatives have to work harder to make a great living.

I see you have a number of pictures of your sons. Are they your muse?

When I first started learning, my oldest son was my muse, I needed him to practice. Now I take pictures of them because it is important to create memories.

Is any of them taking after you?

(Laughter) They haven’t shown any interest in photography yet. Let’s see what happens are they grow older.

Have you had any formal training yet in the art or you basically teach yourself? 

I am self-taught, learning by watching tutorials on YouTube. I later joined Sue Bryce Education where I further received teaching on every aspect of photography and its business.