#alfenn

Photography for me is something I do on the side. Although I love it, I don't want to feel the pressure to photograph as a job, so I try to use it as my relief from work and school. Because of this, my parents are only supportive of me pursuing my passion.

4. What are some obstacles that you faced in your journey, and how did you deal/have you dealt with them?

Even if you don't consider yourself to be artistic, just go for it. I could never imagine myself as a photographer or an artist of any sorts. For example, I used to never be able to show anyone what I captured. I was just too embarrassed because I didn't think any of it was good. And you know, at first it wasn't any good. But by practicing and getting criticism with others, I've been able to improve exponentially and take pride in what I do. I still don't consider myself a decent photographer, but I'm getting there, slowly but surely. Nobody can define what art is, that's up to the individual artist. 

a compilation of Huda's work. more can be found at her facebook page.

5. Did you rely on your Muslim community when you first began? did you ever rely on them? if so, did you gain support? and if you didn’t, why didn’t you?

I first began photography as a personal endeavor. Something about being able to capture my thoughts on certain issues or framing emotions that I see enraptured me. The Boston Muslim community was great; I photographed various events for the Boston community and that allowed me to work on my style and add more photos to my portfolio. It was on a MAS Boston retreat that I was able to take a picture of a gorgeous sunset, which was one of the first few photos I really felt accomplished about.

6. What inspires you - and do you use that inspiration directly to create a project or do you channel towards something you are already working on?

Different things inspire different reactions. I'm currently toying with an idea supporting the Syrian Revolution, since, being Syrian, it is close to my heart. I'm also brainstorming different ideas for surrealist photographs to portray emotional positions that people might feel themselves in. I try not to start too many projects at a time, instead saving them in a journal for whenever I want to start something new. 7. In the spirit of being random, what's your favorite book?