A specialist of beauty, fashion and celebrity portraits, Israr Qureshi is known for his strong, emotive and sharp photographs. After spending more than fifteen years in this industry and working with the biggest names, he confesses he is yet to experience the most difficult shoot of his life and he looks forward to it. Mr. Qureshi is also among the few professional photographers who have truly mastered the art of balancing their commercial interests and their passion for Fine Art photography. 

What does photography mean to you?
Photography means a lot to me. I connect emotionally and spiritually when I shoot; it is a kind of meditation for me. I am at my best when creating images. I communicate through photography; it’s a medium which helps me to remain in touch with people on different levels. To me, photography is not just about creating images, it goes beyond that and so it is not easy to define.

What does 2009 have in store for you?
The year 2009 is very important for me. I am in the process of planning my Fine Art photography schedule and may be a few exhibitions in the year 2010.

One very important thing he (Dayaram Chawda) taught me was to remain self motivated and to enjoy your work.

What do you think is the key for shooting a successful ad campaign?
There is no set formula for shooting a successful ad campaign. Every individual has a different approach and I would like to share my approach. I try to understand the agency brief a hundred percent and I do my homework, planning and lighting strategy according to what the campaign demands. I check all the details, remain focussed on the job and give my hundred percent.

What was it that attracted to you to Fine Art photography?
I am not very sure but I think it has a certain kind of mystery, human touch, sensitivity and something which cannot be explained in words and which can only be felt. These are a few qualities which attract me towards Fine Art photography.

In your early years, you worked with leading fashion photographer, Dayaram Chawda for three years. What did you learn under him?
I spent almost three years with my Guru (Dayaram Chawda) and I definitely learnt photography from him. One very important thing he taught me was to remain self motivated and to enjoy your work.

You were the first Indian to be featured in the Photographer’s Forum magazine, the award winning quarterly publication very early in your photography career. Can you elaborate some more on that experience?
Hasselblad, the camera company prints a quarterly magazine (FORUM) in which they feature photographers from different part of the world. It’s a very prestigious magazine for professional photographers. They featured my Fine Art images in that magazine and I think it’s a big compliment for any photographer.

I must confess that I have never had any difficulty shooting with any celebrity.

Which was the most difficult shoot of your over 15 year long career?
To be honest, I am waiting for the one.

You have worked with numerous celebrities from the fashion, film and sports industry. Which were the easiest to work with?
I must confess that I have never had any difficulty shooting with any celebrity. All of them were very professional in their approach. I have worked with Big B (Amitabh Bachchan), Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Kajol, Ranbir Kapoor, Nita Ambani, M.S. Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and more. I cannot mention all the names but I had a very good experience working with all of them.

How often do you use film in this world of Digital Photography?
I use film very rarely these days. I use them occasionally for my personal projects.

What printing equipment do you use?
I don’t do in-house printing.

Which stream of photography do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy Fashion & Beauty and of course Fine Art photography.

What suggestions do you have for upcoming photographers?
The new generation is very smart, they know what they want. My only suggestion is to remain self- motivated.

	Quick Five: Your Favourite Camera - Hasselblad and Leica. Your Favourite Printer - I don’t do in-house printing. Your Favourite Shoot - Waiting for one. Your Preferred Location - London Your Ideal Day - Updating myself with newer technology.

Photos by Israr Qureshi | Fotosocial