Instagrammer Of The Week: Azlif Mohamed

Where are you based?

I’m based in Maldives, a tiny island nation in the Indian ocean.

How did you get into photography?
I have always been interested in the arts. I got into photography as a serious hobby while working on my first design job, getting my hands on digital SLR cameras and later discovering Lomography film cameras.
What inspires you?
My surroundings, whether it is a city or an island. I’m inspired by the people who fill their environment like objects on a blank canvas, giving it contextual meaning. It’s always challenging to find those subtle nuances in everyday life and capture it as a form of art.

Has Instagram changed the way you photograph?
It definitely has. Every day is a creative endeavor through Instagram. The easiness of exploring the world of photography at your fingertips inspires me to create constantly.

Whose work influences you?
It’s hard to name as it constantly changes with new discoveries almost every day.
What do you want to say with your photographs? What message do you want to convey?
I try to be as authentic as possible while creating my own impression of the given subject. My approach to photography has always been very design oriented as I’m a designer, so I focus a lot on perfecting compositions and framing while trying to convey an authentic reality.

What motivates you to continue taking photographs?
The constant supply of amazing work by other creators and the easiness of discovering them.
How do you find subjects that you want to photograph? For example, do you travel to locations you know you’ll find appealing or take pictures as you experience life?
I try to capture life around me, which is more challenging than to travel to a photogenic place just to shoot. But it’s always great when you get to a new place and discover things with fresh eyes. Traveling is amazing in that sense that you discover things in new places and come home to find home in a new perspective too. So, it’s always great to take breaks and get away as often as possible.
Interview by Remy Millar