Today we’d like to introduce you to photographer Zahra Haider.
Hi Zahra, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a first-generation immigrant who grew up in Dallas from age 5. Like many immigrants, my parents worked hard but still struggled with finances. I always hoped to be able to use their sacrifices to create a more secure life for myself. After I graduated from Trinity High School, I was admitted to a top journalism program in the country at Northwestern University. I studied multimedia, film, and politics and launched my career in documentary journalism. I met my husband and we decided to settle down in Dallas, where both our families had roots. While I found a career in journalism, I missed my passion for art and photography. I realized I finally had an opportunity to create something beautiful in Dallas and work with people again outside of news stories. So, my partner and I founded Black Iris Photography, a production company that specializes in moody, dramatic photography and film that draws an audience and captivates the viewer. I saw a lot of similarity in other photographers approaching their art with the same bright and airy vibe, but I wanted to go for something darker and more edgy — an artistic quality I grew to love in my documentary work. Now, I work with new people every weekend as I grow my client base and build long-term relationships with creators, families, and couples all around the metroplex.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the past 8 years, I have lived in so many places. I spent 3 years in Chicago, 6 months in Paris, 4 months in South Africa, 3 months in New York City, and 3 years in Washington D.C. Having moved around so much has been a challenge because you’ve got to pick up your entire life and start over somewhere new. Building new relationships from scratch can be disheartening, but I’ve also made invaluable friends along the way. Now that I am back in Dallas, my challenge is getting my name out to others in the metroplex so they can learn about me and the work I do. It’s a lot of work to become known in a city, even if that city was once my hometown 🙂
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Black Iris Photography?
Black Iris Photography is a photo and video business based in Dallas with a moody and edgy aesthetic. At a time when most photographers create similar bright and airy visuals in their shoots, Black Iris aims for something more: compelling photographs that draw an audience.
We provide a wide array of services, including for photography for portraits, families, maternity, weddings, graduations, influencers, and special events. We also have experience in and a passion for travel photography and film productions.
Our background as Pakistani Muslims lends us to support diverse audiences when it comes to cultural events and traditions, such as desi weddings, and a range of other inclusive services. Please reach out with any inquiries via blackirisphotos.com.
Contact Info:
- Email: book@blackirisphotos.com
- Website: https://www.blackirisphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black.iris.photos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/black.iris.photo
Image Credits
Black Iris Photography
