Photo by Migratory Birds Team

Life looks different through a lens

It was towards the end of 2016 when some of us Afghan girls living in the refugee camp at Schisto decided to produce our own newspaper. Each one of us undertook a specific job such as article writing, editing etc. We then decided that each article should be illustrated with photographs to add clarity to the subject matter. There was one condition: the photographs had to be taken by us.  Because I have a particular love of photography and pictures, that was the task assigned to me. And that’s how those happy days began.  In my opinion, photography has a magical aspect and an orderly approach that can even save lives. It certainly did in my case.

Before joining the team, even before arriving in Greece, I was barred from taking part in such pursuits. Photography was a beginning, the spark that lit the way to additional activities, because it brought me into contact with people and society. With the publication of the first issue, which featured photographs taken exclusively by me, I observed a very positive and enthusiastic response by people. Their approval encouraged me hugely.

Taking pictures and having to decide how and where to place them according to the subject matter, brought me in touch with other people in the world of photography. Some offered well-meaning advice and helped me improve both my photography and how to position my photos. A further benefit from all this is that both my Greek and my English have improved greatly.

Nowadays, in this digital age, there is no excuse to avoid communicating and illustrating our memories. Also, when I take photographs I feel my self-esteem rising to new heights. I am living in an environment where I need to stand on my own two feet and meet my obligations and responsibilities. I try to improve as much as I can, to be creative and take pride in everything I do. Naturally, the more positive the feedback, the more encouraged and responsible I feel.

Throughout this whole time, people have made many productive and practical comments, and these have helped me hugely.

I can truly say that I keep my soul alive through photography. It releases my strength and develops my thinking. And whenever we undertake pleasant activities, all our worries dissolve away and our negative thoughts disappear.

It seems that the photographs I take also portray my personality. Some people find it difficult to reveal their nature and their thoughts by describing them, so they find some other artistic means to “present” themselves to other people. I try to maintain a specific style and format in my photographs so that they stand out from the rest and are therefore more recognisable to others.

Before starting to take pictures, I never imagined that my photography would become my career path and my future, or that they would be displayed in various media.

As we all know, photography is an art, so it definitely leaves a deep imprint on a person’s thinking and imagination. Artists are always looking to create something new. All aspects of art – painting, pottery, sculpture and photography – play their part in the formation of the artists’ thought process and attention. In my case, photography is what made my brain and my eyes function and operate concurrently. You take a photo of scene, you realise how original it actually was and how many emotions and subtleties it encompasses.

Naturally, a photographer’s visual angle is different than that in other art forms.

Photos of happy moments, such as a wedding, a journey, a gathering of friends or family, even a cookery lesson, can give us much pleasure. We will still be able to appreciate them in the distant future when they will have become memories of our lives.

Some people ask why I chose photography. The answer has its roots in personality, preferences and the individual’s viewpoint. I personally chose it because I enjoyed capturing memories and also because I like the whole process: the camera, the shapes, the flashlight, even the tripod… they give me a strange feeling and put me in a good mood.

Some people think that photography is simply the pressing of a button, but that’s not true. Photography is a work of art and it requires learning several concepts, information and techniques that will gradually give us the necessary experience.

I personally try to keep my pictures simple and to allow the simplicity to grasp people’s attention. I adore black and white photography, because whereas I believe colour stimulates external emotions, black and white brings out the soul.

One thing is certain: life looks different through a lens.

Parastou Hossaini

Young Journalists

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