Edited by Seema Iqbal
My father was a filmmaker which is, perhaps, the reason why I’ve always felt a natural affinity towards the camera lens. I grew up watching movies and developed a keen sense of appreciation for art and literature at a very young age. I’ve always found a strong inclination towards my cultural heritage which, I reckon, is rooted deeply within my soul. In this technological era where the young generation, in particular, is focused on documenting every highlight and lowlight of their own lives, I feel it is important for us to look around us and view the world with a fresh perspective. This world, with all its chaos and unrest, still offers respite to the soul… but one has to make a sincere effort to personally get in touch with sights and imagery that can genuinely stir our feelings and center our spirits.
At one point, I briefly entertained the idea of pursuing a career in filmmaking. My father was of the opinion that it was not a respectable profession. Our movies did not accurately capture and portray our cultural heritage. As I came of age, I also came to realize that the Pakistani film industry was facing a decline. The educated, intellectual middle-class that drove the golden era of PTV and Lollywood was no longer at the helm. Stories became, more or less, run of the mill and acting and directing skills left much to be desired for. A lot also had to do with the lack of knowledgeable technicians, proper infrastructure and state of the art equipment required to make and market a decent film. People, like myself, did not belong there. I ended up becoming a journalist, instead.
As a student, back in 1992, I started working for the Frontier Post. Upon graduation, I accepted the position of a print media reporter. My professional experience also includes a stint at newspapers such as The Nation, The Daily Times, and The Post. In 2009, I assumed the role of a documentary producer for a private television channel. During my time at Samaa TV, colleagues noticed my keen eye for photography and encouraged me to pursue it further.
When I was younger, I relied heavily on a simple camera and took delight in photographing my family. But once I had access to professional camera equipment, I experimented with creating small projects for my work. I enjoyed going for long walks around my city and photographing whatever caught my eye. I began to notice a heightened sense of sight, believe it or not. I think the camera lens does that to you!
I’ve made numerous photo contributions to publications such as Dawn, Pakistan’s leading daily paper. I did realize very quickly that it is far easier to make money as a fashion or wedding photographer. Promoting and selling street and landscape photos is not as fruitful. I do, however, am more than happy to take pictures at weddings that I’m invited to and gift framed images to the bride and groom after the ceremony.
My photo galleries reflect Pakistan exactly the way it is. I’m not conflicted about the sort of image I want to show the world. Our country has its fair share of beauty as well as challenges. Our heritage deserves to be talked about and discussed. I try to shoot everything. I believe viewers are intelligent enough to understand that a society cannot live in a vacuum; there will always be room for the hero as well as the arch nemesis. No matter where you travel in this wide world, you will find serenity as well as calamity. My objective is to capture both and let the audience develop appreciation for both conditions. That being said, I’ve also done projects that serve to promote our tourism industry as well as our heritage, and focus on the softer image of Pakistan.
Most of my photographs reflect the amazing architecture that is situated all over my city, Lahore. The photographs tell stories. For instance, I might present a shot that shows a mosque, a temple, and a church all located on the same street. Anyone viewing the image will immediately understand that peaceful coexistence really is possible. It is all about perspectives. For a journalist, it is hard to deny that the camera is a tool for storytelling. Yet, as I write this, I must admit that photography is a whole medium in itself. The remarkable thing is my whole viewpoint has changed ever since I’ve relied more on my camera rather than the written world. Before, my stories existed in words. Now, they are all visual. The camera has taken the notion of brevity of words to a whole new level. Storytelling initially led me to photography but now photography does all the storytelling.
My photographs also capture people in their work environment. The official heritage page, somehow, does not show the sort of imagery I strive to capture… I never understood why. I enjoy getting to know the folks I photograph. My feelings do get in the way, often overwhelmingly. You see, it is one thing to hear about someone’s life and struggles; it’s quite another to actually share a moment of that struggle and see how people cope. It helps me be more grateful for all I have been blessed with. In the beginning, it was a little difficult to come away from the interaction without feeling this unexplainable void. However, I’ve come to accept the fact that this is the entire reason I take photographs. Isn’t the whole point of taking pictures the need to capture and fairly portray the human condition?Heritage is a living, breathing phenomenon, after all.
I have never really had an issue asking someone to be in a picture. They are usually very friendly and I cannot stress enough that approaching someone politely and winning their confidence does wonders. I find I always learn something from them, even if they quietly go about their work. Human interaction is simple, yet complex. It doesn’t take much to get a smile out of someone. In the same token, their silent commitment to the task at hand speaks volumes.
I have always considered my work as nothing more than a hobby, hence, I didn’t really take it as seriously as I should’ve. I use different themes and techniques because I’m constantly experimenting with this medium. So, if you were to judge my work, you might say that there is no uniformity of style. I think everybody faces that challenge when they first embark on their photographic journey. Ever since I’ve accepted this fact I’ve been devoting more time to fine-tuning my skills. Slowly, but surely, I’m beginning to see a theme emerging… now that I’m viewing photography as something that has the potential to be more than just a hobby.
You may reach Sarmad Saeedy on Instagram @lahoreheritage.
Jennifer Corter says
The photographs you took are just breathtaking!
Sarmad Saeedy says
Thank you!
Michele Renee says
Beautiful photos! I love your perspective on life, and honestly, you need to be doing this professionally! You are an amazing photographer, with a wonderful story to tell, and ability to tell other peoples’ stories as well.
Sarmad Saeedy says
Thank you so much for such reassuring comments. I’ll definitely take photography more seriously now.
Caitlin says
Beautiful photos and I love your true-to-life approach of showing both the positive and negative aspects of the country, trusting the viewer to appreciate the complexity. Just gorgeous!
Sarmad Saeedy says
Thank you!
Julie says
This is very interesting and you have great photos. Thanks for sharing!
Sarmad Saeedy says
Thank you!
Patty Hancock says
Such an interesting story and great read!
Lindsey says
I think you can consider your photography more than just a hobby. I was mesmerized with the first photo in the post. It was so full of minute detail of patterns and textures. Just beautiful!
Sarmad Saeedy says
Thank you so much! It’s really encouraging.
Emma @ Muddy Boots and Diamonds says
Your photographs are beautiful! I admire street photographers. I haven’t mastered the confidence in asking people if I can photograph them. You’ve reminded me that I need to get into my town one day and take photos.
Sarmad Saeedy says
Thank you! Your words really mean a lot. And yes it can be tricky shooting strangers. I find going in groups really helpful.