Ayesha Kazim is a freelance photographer and member of Black Women Photographers who specializes in creating intimate, vibrant portraits that embody resilience, power, and a quiet confidence. Ayesha's work is influenced by a diverse range of cultures and experiences, stemming from her upbringing in fourteen different countries. This rich background enables her to create powerful portraits that tell a story.
Meet Ayesha Kazim – a globetrotting freelance photographer working between New York City, Cape Town, and London. Her multicultural background as a Nigerian-South African living abroad fuels her passion for capturing compelling portraits that resonate with diverse audiences and communities.
She shared with us, “Within my creative practice, I utilize analog and digital mediums to capture the intimate, transient moments of everyday life. My inspiration and art-making practice is rooted in introspection and outward curiosity for the world, often materializing itself in the photographing of subjects that exude resilience, power, and a humbled sense of confidence.”
When asked how she got interested in and started with photography Ayesha said, “As a child, watching my father navigate the film industry and utilize his craft to uplift traditional stories from the African continent opened my eyes to the opportunities the Arts could provide in disseminating one’s vision.”
After receiving her first camera at 10 years old, she started using photography to understand the world around her. “As someone who was not much of a writer and very much an introvert growing up, photography brought me out of my shell and provided an artistic mechanism that I could use to interpret, preserve, and share the history of my diverse heritage.”
“Photography continues to serve this purpose today, while having evolved into a medium through which I aim to create bold, dynamic portraits that seek to illustrate a greater vision beyond the sitter. Through image-making, my goal remains to portray people of color in positions of strength and power, while evoking a sense of vulnerability and authenticity.”
Ayesha shared that her photography style is characterized by “clean, refined portraits that exude a fresh, lively energy through the use of colorful, yet coordinated settings and styling.”
She continued, “Having grown up in over ten countries during my formative years, my work draws inspiration from a wide range of cultures which helps me connect with my subjects and capture authentic, engaging moments. I focus on highlighting the candid, intimate moments of everyday life that arise from organic connections and emotions.”
“Whether it’s documenting fashion stories, highlighting emerging innovators, or showcasing individuals making strides in the creative industry, I strive to convey a range of emotions, expressions, and moods through my work that draws the viewer in and establishes common ground. With a strong focus on narrative sensibility, my images aim to tell a story about the subject and their life experiences within a single frame.”
Ayesha shared that she often chooses shoot locations based off of the idea or message she is trying to convey, the subject of the photo, and the story she is telling. “When shooting outdoors, I tend to look for an environment that has a lot of natural features and interesting architectural shapes. Some of my favourite places to shoot have been overgrown gardens, abandoned churches, and forest landscapes in between seasons. I also find adding a backdrop outdoors allows me to create polished portraits that still have a sense of personality and authenticity by placing the subject in a real environment the viewer can connect to.”
“When shooting indoors in studio, the story is cultivated less through the external surroundings and moreso through tools such as lighting, makeup, or styling. I usually start by creating a mood board that illustrates the main vision or aesthetic I am trying to produce through the project. “
Ayesha’s photography gear includes the Canon 5D Mark IV, Mamiya RB67, Canon AE-1, and Profoto B10X.
We asked Ayesha to choose one of her favorite photos to share. Upon sharing the above photo she said, “The chosen work, “Mirage,” is a digital photograph I created in 2019. The title, “Mirage,” alludes to the portrayal of a female figure trapped in a transient, dreamlike state. This image resonates deeply with me as it mirrors the universal inner struggle we all grapple with when attempting to break free from disillusionment. It symbolizes the clouded mental space one may encounter when faced with the choice between a safe, stable path and a more liberated, creative one.”
She shared that the creation of this piece was brought about by spontaneous experimentation. “ It was a result of my exploration into the art of capturing the very essence of my subject’s soul through a conceptual portrait. Whenever I face a creative block, I revisit this photo because it reminds me of a time when I navigated the artistic process without the constraints of external judgment. I hope that by sharing this work, it can serve as an inspiration for others to push the boundaries of photography and continue to challenge themselves to step outside their comfort zones as artists.”
When asked about editing she said, “During the shooting process, I knew I wanted to combine a mixture of ambient and studio lighting. I had my model move around and closer her eyes to loosen up during the initial stages of shooting. This turned out to be one of my favourite shots, as the subject appears very at ease, almost as if she is caught within a meditative state. Throughout the editing process, I played around with a range of colour combinations until I came to a balance that I felt evoked this sense of ethereality.”
Ayesha’s passion for art spans beyond traditional photography. “My artistic practice also extends into the digital realm. I have leveraged my creative skillset as both a digital artist and curator, cultivating AI and collage-based techniques to reimagine my portraiture work in new worlds. This aspect of my work extends into the emerging space of web3, where I am actively involved in producing exhibitions and educating fellow artists about the myriad opportunities this new landscape has to offer.”
In addition to photography, Ayesha is passionate about leading an active lifestyle that involves running and rock climbing.
If you would like to get in touch with Ayesha and learn more about her creative practice, please feel free to email her at info@ayeshakazim.com. You can also follow her journey on Instagram @ayeshavkazim and connect with her on LinkedIn.
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