(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Photography, these days, it would appear has become easier thanks to smartphones; everyone is a ‘photographer' with an array of editing tools. But for a connoisseur, it takes a lot more to master the art. Patience is a prerequisite.
Aurelie Korady, 49, is a French expatriate, who has been living with her family in Qatar for the last 11 years. She has been pursuing her passion that has made her fall in love with Qatar.
Community recently caught up with the down-to-earth French lenswoman to discern more about her work and the simple yet powerful approach she employs.
Please tell us briefly about yourself.
I was born in Orleans in France and have a university degree in international trade. I had worked in telecommunication sector in France before I got married and left the job. I have three daughters and live with my husband, who works in the telecom sector in Doha.
We moved to Nigeria from France in 1997 for work. Next, we were stationed in Angola. In all, we lived in Africa for eight years. We came to Qatar in 2011.
When and how did you get attracted towards photography?
I have to thank my father for the gift. He always carried his camera and took beautiful pictures. He used to develop photos at home during the Seventies. I was only six when I started developing pictures with him. Needless to say, I fell in love with photography. It was like magic to see photos come alive on paper. I got my fist camera when I was 18. Since then I have been taking pictures wherever I go.
Have you exhibited your work anywhere?
Yes, I have in different exhibitions. Actually, I became a real professional when I came to Qatar. For the first time, I exhibited my work about the culture of Qatar at an international book fair in Doha. Last year, I also had an exhibition of my work at Katara entitled Desert to Life. I have exhibited my photos about Qatar in France as well.
Visitors really appreciated my work during an exhibition at Souq Waqif. One of my photos showing the old fish market near Corniche particularly impressed the visitors. They also appreciated the way I have presented the country's culture.
Do you enjoy photography in Qatar?
Of course! I prefer is the cultural side. I go and attend different festivals and activities such as falcon competitions.
I once got a chance to live with the locals in the desert for seven days and took a lot of photos of camels, people and children in traditional dresses. I shot rural Qatar, too.
I love portraits, particularly of people in a natural setting. I am also fascinated by architecture in Qatar like at the Corniche and West Bay. I love the old and new parts of Qatar. The diversity is pretty rich.
Have you learnt photography from anyone in particular?
Well, I have received no formal training or education. I am just following it as a passion. I learnt some basics from my father but I do not think he was my teacher.
I have done the hard yards by just practising it. My family has been great support. I have the liberty to take my husband's car to any part of Qatar to shoot. That has helped me take better pictures.
What is photography for you?
First of all, it is a memory. I like a line by Robert Doisneau, a known French photographer, who said, ‘l'imparfait do l'objectif. Loosely translated, it means that when you take a picture, you are not sure of the results. But sometimes you get wonderful pictures with your lens. You get something better in your super moments. It gives you real satisfaction. Doisneau is one of my favourites and I admire his work.
Photography, for me, is capturing natural objects, natural expressions and postures. I like taking natural photos.
What is the one thing that makes you a better photographer?
To be honest, I wasn't confident that my work would be substantial. However, people around me encouraged and appreciated my work. They probably like my work because I take natural photos.
Has photography advanced from what it used to be in the past?
Today, everybody is a photographer in some way. However, I think some people have a better eye, framing or perception for photography.
But today, people seem to be in a hurry. For a good photo or a certain moment, a photographer has to wait hours behind the lens.
Photography has become accessible for everyone. It has become easier to be a photographer today. However, the art has become difficult in how photographers have plenty of storage and can take a lot of pictures without really focusing on what they are trying to capture. Photographers, then, have to select a good photo from a heap of irrelevant photos.
What is that one piece of advice you would give budding photographers?
Practice, just practice and enjoy taking pictures. That is how I have been doing all these years.
Is photography flourishing in Qatar?
Yes, there are more and more exhibitions taking place in Qatar. But I reckon more is less; there can be more exhibitions. Katara has been doing great work.
I appreciate the cultural events taking place in Qatar and enjoy living here. I love to be in the desert. I like the country because it is very calm and safe. My young girls can go to a cinema or shopping malls alone and I am not worried. I really love the people of Qatar. They are welcoming and accommodating.
Last updated: November 17 2018 11:13 PM
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