Complexion Or Condemnation?

• Photographer
  Farida Alam
• Prizes
  Silver in People/Portrait

What does it take to be deemed beautiful? Is it the never-ending list of stereotypically perfect features, or the rigorous effort to hide under thick layers of powder and paint? Does the trick really lie in society’s perspective of how a human being should look? No. Happiness does not linger in other people’s acceptance of one’s appearance. Did a pointed nose or fair skin ever give another person a reason to smile or shower them with love? It is the light that lies underneath which defines a person and clings on to them throughout a lifetime.

My inspiration for photography comes from the people and my surroundings. I love to experience other cultures, meet different people from diverse communities.  I believe in immersion photography and spend months listening, observing and talking with my subjects over the course of a project. Photography has become a part of my identity - a force that makes me think, feel and understand human being and the human condition.