Today we’d like to introduce you to Yusuf Hafiz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Yusuf. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Yusuf a self-taught photographer started my career in Philadelphia, PA. I’m a graduate and Certified Instructor from Tracey Warner School of Fashion Technology and also a License Cosmetology Instructor. I received my Degree from Gordon Phillips School of Cosmetology.
I was inspired to start my own manufacturing company which was well known under the label of “Hafizdesigns” which also gave me my first start at becoming a professional photographer. After relocating to Arlington, TX. I joined several photography groups which were called “Meetup Groups” By doing so it forwarded me the opportunity to meet and work with professional models as well as those that were trying to become apart of an elite agency. After several years with the industry, I turned my back on conventional picture taking, choosing instead to force my way into commercial photography.
I therefore along with my wife Parris where we reside in Arlington, TX, decided to open our in house Fashion and Photography Business. My specialty is photographing elite fashion, glamour models as well as commercial photography. I’m constantly asked why just portrait, fashion and glamour photography? My feelings of photography is that a portrait is an artistic representation of a person in which the face and its expression is predominant. But it also goes beyond that. The deeper purpose is to display the likeness, personality and even the mood of the client.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
“First may I start by saying I don’t consider my road to success a struggle but more so a challenge”. Portrait photography is challenging primarily because every human face, body (and personality) is unique. What works well with one person (in terms of lighting, angle and lens) won’t always work with another. This variety makes it challenging, but also endlessly interesting. Portrait photography requires a solid understanding of camera, lens and lighting equipment. It requires thoughtful approach based on understanding of posing and how the human body moves. All of these can be taught and refined over time.
Additionally, it requires one to have extraordinary interpersonal skills build trust and connect with them in a relatively short period of time. It is at times, especially with inexperience models to obtain the comfort level of your subject which is the most important aspect in portrait photography. Sometimes I don’t have the opportunity to meet my subject prior to a photoshoot. I firmly believe and from experience the more I know about a client prior to our shoot the better opportunity I have with figuring out what I may say or am able to do before our session begins. This will also allow us ample time to rehearse discussion points with more confidence. Now in closing this question, I must state my biggest challenge is getting better at my craft of photography as well as maintaining enthusiasm for it when financial incentive is not there as a mobilizing factor.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I primarily specialize in Portrait photography. Prior to relocating to Arlington, Texas with my wife Parris, we both were dedicated to our “Hafiz Hair and Fashion Salon in Philadelphia” My wife also has a degree in Fashion Technology. When we both decided to renew our craft in Arlington TX it started with me picking up my camera and lens, contacting models, makeup artists and hairstylist. We redesigned a bedroom, turned it into a makeup and fitting room and our main living room became my shooting area. I primarily would only schedule shoots on the weekends and at times did location shoots for special clients. I must say that weddings are off-limits and as stated, my full concentration is on portraits and fashion and glamour shots. I am most proud of my success giving the short time it took me to be recognized as a professional and extremely proud of the artists that I have met since I’ve been in Texas. What sets me apart from others is the talents of my wife Parris who designs and creates ALL of the unique clothing for the models. They are all one of a kind and are of the finest quality.
Contact Info:
- Website: YusufHafizPhotography.com
- Phone: 214-728-4609
- Email: HAFIZDESIGNS@GMAIL.COM
- Instagram: Yusuf_Hafiz
Image Credit:
Designs by Parris Hafiz; Makeup Artists: Janet Artist, Paige Wulliams, Rosie’s Artistry, Sukee Suwal, Natalie Greager; Models: Natasha Synelnykova, Brook Keaton, Niloo Soltani, Katerin Meza, Mamoona Khan, Deng Deng, Sviatlana, Leily Bairamova
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