Human interaction and connectivity have always been a fundamental aspect of my fascination. Why people travel the world to see things, experience events, etc. At the core of it after many years of learning, I realized how substantial architecture and urban design are in influencing our day-to-day lives. They are the glue that connects us all and the inspiration behind countless ideas
1. Tell us about your background and journey?
To begin, I was born in Iraq and immigrated to Canada in 1997. Growing up here I was able to do the one thing I always dreamed of, travel. I’ve always been fascinated by our world and the cities and incredible history we all share. So at a very young age, I began to discover and see things for myself. Later, my travels landed me with a passion for architecture and design.
This passion perfectly coincided with my desire to capture the places I was visiting and the experiences I was having. My dad bought me my first camera and that was the start of all this madness. I began to document my life and share it with the world. At first, I didn’t realize this was going anywhere, I was simply sharing a perspective. Turns out, a lot of people enjoyed my journey and tagged along.
After 10 years, I was able to amass a substantial following across different social platforms. I’ve had the unique opportunity to work with global brands and travel the world more times than I can count.
These experiences have changed me in ways I can’t describe and have allowed me to connect with so many wonderful people around the world. I now run my own production company, Palander Studios, and continue to work with various brands as a Creative Director and Social Influencer.
2. What inspired you to pursue photography?
Photography was and continues to be a bridge for me. A connection between my life and the amazing memories I’ve made. It allows me the opportunity to show my friends and family the incredible places I witness and acts as an outlet for my creative thoughts and ideas. I didn’t have the intention to pursue it as a career, but it definitely was the perfect fit.
3. What fascinates you the most about architecture and urban design?
Human interaction and connectivity have always been a fundamental aspect of my fascination. Why people travel the world to see things, experience events, etc. At the core of it after many years of learning, I realized how substantial architecture and urban design are in influencing our day-to-day lives. They are the glue that connects us all and the inspiration behind countless ideas.
4. According to you, what elements make the best photographs?
Emotion is the most valuable quality of any image. The ability for it to connect with you and allow you to feel something. That can be done in various ways, but for me, it’s always been about the atmosphere. Capturing a moment in time or location with the perfect conditions to depict the mood. Photos allow us to tell stories that are the most powerful quality they possess.
5. What is the most difficult part of being a photographer for you?
Aside from the limitations of this pandemic I would have to say, time management. Every creative has a difficult time with this because creativity isn’t something you can turn on and off.
You can easily be inspired by something or think of an idea at random times during the day. This makes working during regular working hours very challenging and therefore affects our time management capabilities.
6. Which photographer inspires you the most and why?
I know this might sound bizarre, but I don’t have any photographers that inspire me. I do, however, have a list of some architects and designers that have motivated me during my undergraduate years. To name a few - Zaha Hadid, Antoni Gaudí, Santiago Calatrava, Karl Lagerfeld, Salvador Dalí, and Michelangelo.
7. What tips and advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
Be your own fan. It’s very important for photographers nowadays to appreciate their own work. I find that many struggles and constantly have to please others in order to feel as though their work carries weight. This shouldn’t be the case. As a photographer, you have to find a way to appreciate your own art.
8. Which is your favorite book and why?
I’ve read a bunch, but one that usually stands out is The Alchemist by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. The book has many interpretations, but for me, the biggest takeaway is this constant reminder that the simple things in life are the most extraordinary.
Interviewed By - Serene Ingle
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