Interview | BollyInstyle

bollyINSIDE with: IRENE MAHMUD

January 20, 2010

This is one interview I’ve eagerly awaited, and for good reason. Irene Mahmud is a fashion photographer that I became aware of through Sapna Magazine. Her photographs are one thing, but it was Irene’s story that really resonated with me. From a very young age, she experimented with different mediums and pushed her way into various jobs learning the trade of photography in spite of disapproving support. At 22, she finally plunged into photography and has stayed true to her passion, leading her to be THE up and coming photographer to watch!

Irene has an eye catching style, and a devotion to her craft which helps to distinguish and promote her unique talent. The very reason why I sought this bollyINSIDE Interview.

Tell us a little about your background?
Well, I am first generation Bangladeshi-American, my parents always suppressed my artistic endeavors & interests and have always stressed education, my mom used to tell me that I’m only allowed to draw during summer vacation haha. Even though I grew up feeling somewhat resentful, now as an adult I understand why they raised us that way, and I have learned to be more appreciative. It took them an immense amount of hard work to get to this country and my father would not have been able to come here completely on his own without education, and neither of them would have been as successful now without it. I feel SO incredibly blessed that I now have both of my parents’ unconditional support with my new, budding career. I can’t even begin to describe how incredible it feels to know that they finally believe in me and they 100% have my back… I knew they’d come around one day .

What inspires your photography style?
I’m still unsure about what my style really is since I am still developing. The one thing that really inspires me is…. beauty! Photography isn’t necessarily what I am passionate about, I am passionate about CREATING — I hope to one day be a Troy Jensen or Maya Guez and do it all, hair, makeup, styling, & photography. I am obsessed with beauty. I don’t even know if this makes any sense but I am sick of seeing models that all look the same with their blonde hair and blue eyes (not hating, I love blonde hair) & based on all of the feedback I’ve been getting, what people seem to enjoy most about my work and my “eye” are the exotic models! I love shooting models that make you look and think “hmmm”… you can’t quite put your finger on where they are from, it makes you want to know her, and leaves you wondering what her “story” is.

Did you go to school to study photography?
Nope! I am completely self taught and still have a long way to go. I was on the pre-med route my first four years of undergrad before realizing that I have too many creative projects I want to do that simply would not be possible if I dedicated that many years to school, so I switched to business last year and I will have my accounting degree this upcoming May.

Besides photography, can you talk about the things that inspire you, that feed your art and your eye?
Positive, creative people! It is so important to surround yourself with people that feed you positive energy and inspire you. I am so blessed to be working with such a talented team who are also amazing friends, we’re constantly bouncing ideas off each other and keeping each other sane in this highly competitive industry. I love love love you guys, you inspire me to become so much more and provide me with all the love and support I need to get there. xoxo

Choose one favorite picture you’ve taken over the years and tell us why it’s your favorite?

Firstly, there is no “over the years” I’ve only been shooting for one year!

I’m surprised that this is still my hands down favorite photo I’ve ever taken. Surprised only because everything about it is so simple, the lighting, wardrobe, makeup, hair, even the camera is a low end model. But everything about this photo is SO beautiful to me, I can’t even explain what it is — her expression is so calm and comfortable, everything is so simplistic. I guess it really shows that you don’t need all the extra FLUFF to be sexy and beautiful, just a strong sense of confidence. It applies to the technical side too, you don’t need an expensive camera to take a photo that means something — the camera I was using at the time is 1/6th the cost of the camera I am using now and that photo to me still puts all my new stuff to shame. It’s not the equipment, it’s how you use it!

What are three suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?
1. Forget about whatever pressures are put on you and follow your dreams! The naysayers will eventually come around if they truly love you.. and believe me that the haters and the indifferent will all come out of the woodwork and want a piece of the pie when you are doing what you love haha so remember to remain true to yourself and stay as humble as possible.

2. Tying into #1.. Although I believe that anything is possible if you really set your mind to it, use more logic than emotion when setting your sights out on a dream. I knew right from the beginning that my career choice is a risky one, it takes a lot of hard work and time to get out of “starving artist” status. I stayed in school and I have a backup plan, as I stated earlier my parents heavily stressed the value of education and I cannot thank them enough.

3. Be picky about the people you surround yourself with (personally and professionally), success & happiness is so much easier to reach with a strong support team. You will 100% become your company, surround yourself with quality over quantity and you will find your way towards to top of whatever you’re pursuing with great people by your side that want nothing but the best for you!

Is there anybody or anything you would love to photograph?
Most of my portfolio is unknown faces (unknown in the Michigan industry), and that’s what people notice about my work.. I find the girls that people haven’t seen and weren’t looking for. I want to continue doing this when I am able to travel with my business and scope out the hidden, untouched gems of the world

…and then obviously I’d love to have women like Kim Kardashian, Aishwariya Rai, Adriana Lima & Doutzen Kroes (believe me the list goes on and on…) in front of my lens. Who would EVER turn down perfect faces like those??

Something you’re still learning?
Everything! I’m learning to become a better photographer, business woman, person, daughter, sister, friend… seriously everything! Every day is a learning experience and every day I hope to make better than the last.

I am a brand new photographer, so I still have so much to learn about the tricks of the trade. Art and science expands and grows daily, so I don’t think anyone can truly say that they aren’t still learning.

Where will we find you on a Friday night at 9 p.m.?
Either at home retouching photos or at a friend’s house watching a movie….. Really, those are the only two options haha.

Thank you Irene for sharing some of your time and talking to us about your photography. BE INSPIRED…view Irene’s work here.