Meet Naz Feroz | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Naz Feroz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Naz, how do you think about risk?
Risk, to me, is all about putting yourself in uncomfortable situations knowing that there may be consequences. Risk is essential in everything you do, and especially in my field of work. For example, I’ve traveled to third world countries such as Pakistan to capture the real life of those who live there, specifically those living in extreme poverty. The risk of doing something like that is your safety. But I take these risks and put myself in these positions to share with the world what is beyond their every day lives and to bring awareness to those in extreme situations.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Usually when I’m out with my camera, the most important thing I focus on is the time of day. Most of my images are shot during sunrise, sunsets, or evenings because that is what sets the mood for my photos. Other than that, I never really have a plan with what I’m going to capture. I kind of go with the flow to see what story I end up coming home with. Some days it’s adventurous, some days it’s capturing portraits of strangers, and most days it’s capturing the simplest moments that make me feel most alive like being in the middle of an empty road. There has never been a direction with my work. My work focuses more on real time and what I feel during those moments. I believe that’s what makes a great story. No plan, just out there not knowing what the outcome will be. I’ve had many bad days but I’ve also had so many great days. Some of the work I’m most proud of is probably capturing New York City in a snowstorm. It’s possibly my favorite time to shoot. The whole environment of the city just feels different and really gives that moody vibe that I long for. Photography has always been a big part of who I am, I don’t feel like myself if I’m not creating. One of my biggest challenges has been night photography. Night photography is a whole different ball game but challenging myself has always been fun and has always made it easier to overcome any obstacles because I love & enjoy it so much. I’m always up for a challenge! Throughout my years of photographing, I learned that there is never a bad shot, it can be the most blurry image, it’s not a bad shot. We connect with art in so many ways. It’s an endless pit. That’s how I see my work – a simple piece that you can strongly connect with.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I lived in New York City and just recently moved to LA. I’m still exploring my way around but for the four months that I have been here, I fell in love with a few areas! One of them is Malibu – When you’re driving through the canyon there are a few stops you can pull over along the way. The first stop before entering the tunnel is my favorite because that’s where the sun rises perfectly in between the mountains! Words cannot describe its beauty! Second would be going to the Cara Hotel Restaurant, I absolutely love the aesthetic, it gives a very Moroccan vibe. Also the food is great! Third is one of my favorites, Mulholland Drive View, perfect spot to sit back and watch the city lights of Los Angeles.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Joey Lawrence is a photographer that has inspired me throughout my entire career in photography. I’ve always loved and appreciated how he captures moments in real time and how his photography has the ability to transport viewers into those moments.

Tim Kellner is a videographer that has also inspired me. No matter what situation he is put in, big or small, he captures the beauty in things that most people would miss.

Website: https://nazferoz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nazferoz/

Other: https://vimeo.com/nnnaz