Today we’d like to introduce you to Aishah Subedar.
Aishah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began taking pictures when I was around 11 years old with the family camera. We had a small Canon point – and – shoot, and I was the photographer for family trips. When I was about 12 years old, a family friend, who I consider another grandmother, bought me a mini waterproof Polaroid camera from Walmart. That camera went with me everywhere, and it was my “best friend” for a long time. When I was 15, Aunty Yolanda, the family friend, told me she wanted me to take the pictures at her sons’ wedding in Florida. I had just moved to Texas after living in Florida my entire life. I knew I needed a better camera, so my Nani (mom’s mom) and my dad bought me a larger Canon point – and – shoot. It was the SX 530 HS, and I loved it.
In May of 2019, the same year I got the Canon, I decided to start my Instagram account. My close friend, Huda Mustafa, who modeled for my first photoshoot, helped me set it up. I would freak out when I got 3, 4, or even better, 10 likes! I was so happy, and I never meant for it to be a business, rather I wanted it to be a portfolio. After that, during September, a friend at school told me he wanted to do a photo shoot. He was going to pay me, and that’s when I realized I could make something out of this. By then, I had a couple of hundred followers. Later, I was booked to do a group’s Homecoming photos. And that’s when my so-called “business” officially began. During Thanksgiving break, the family friend came to visit again, and she bought me a Sony a6000, my dream camera. I had never been happier, and I began doing photoshoots with my friends. I began shooting in only Manual mode, and I haven’t gone back to Auto mode!
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been an easy ride. At times I would give up because I didn’t know what I was doing wrong. I only had a few followers. Sometimes I don’t want to even look at my camera because I don’t feel like a good photographer.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I specialize in portrait, landscape, and senior photography, I have a certain theme I stick to, which consists of natural lighting and soft colors. I always include greenery and nature, and love florals. I’m most proud of the diversity in my photography. My models are from all backgrounds and religions.
Most of my models are Muslim, which is most likely because I am one, so a lot of hijabs, or headscarves, are seen on my Instagram. I’ve taken pictures of Latinos, African Americans, and South Asians, and I plan on keeping the diversity present in my photos. Unlike other photographers, I am only 16, so I’m still learning new things every day. I understand the current trends in photography, so I’m sure to fit those into my photos. I know how kids/teens/young adults work, so I’m able to work with them better than older photographers.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Dallas is full of amazing, diverse people. It has beautiful photography locations, Not only in Downtown but in smaller towns as well. The food is amazing, and the people are friendly. It’s a clean city compared to others, and the schools are amazing! The only thing I dislike is the number of things to do here; we need more museums and theme parks! [remember, this is coming from a kid who lived in Florida, a.k.a theme park center of the world, most of her life.]
Pricing:
- Grad Session: $250 – $350 (varies by package) I will be starting a senior spokesmodel program for 2021 high school graduates!
- Family Photos / Couple Photos: $200 – $250 (varies by package)
- Individual Portraits: $100 an hour
Contact Info:
- Email: capturedbyaishah@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedbyaishah/
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
