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[ View the Fotopage entry | View the complete Fotopage ]
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[ View the Fotopage entry | View the complete Fotopage ]
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| Monday, 21-Jun-2004 00:00 |
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[Special] Exclusive Contents - An Interview with Bazuki Muhammad
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 BAZUKI MUHAMMAD
Bazuki Muhammad, born in 1965, is an architect-turn-photographer. He started his photography career in the United States in the early 80's when he was a student at Louisiana State University. Currently attached to the Reuters news agency based in Kuala Lumpur, his single-minded pursuit to become a photojournalist meant having to study for his architectural and photography degree simultaneously.
A hardworking father and husband fell in love with photography when he was 17 years old, and was a first year architecture student at Louisiana State University in the United States. For him, photography was a practical hobby, one that allowed him to become a professional and make a living from it. Before he joined Reuters, he worked for The Daily Reveille, The Gumbo, The Knoxville Journal, The Maryville Times and covering news-wire agencies such as Associated Press and United Press International.
Born in Selangor, a son to an artist, his passion for his craft coupled with his practical outlook on life, has resulted in his work being published in a variety of newspapers, magazines, news-wire agencies, and publications, including Newsweek, Life, Asiaweek, Time, and AP. To date, two of his works have been awarded the Asia Best Sports Photography for two consecutive years in 2002 and 2003 including second place for magazine category at Journalism Congress of the United States of America in 1992.
QUESTION AND ANSWER
Q: How did you fell in love with photography?
A: I was born in an artistic family. My father is an artist. He dedicates his life to painting. He spends most of his time drawing in his gallery at home. We, brothers and sisters, grew up with drawing papers and colors. We never bought Hari Raya greeting card - we drew and color the card by ourselves. When I was doing my architecture degree at Louisiana State University, I realized that the university offered a good photography classes. We were one the top three universities in the United States that produce good photography. Of course, photography has to be practical, which produces income for me to make a normal living. It has to be a carrer-hobby. So, I studied photojournalism, instead of photography as an art alone.
Q: Can you tell me your photographic equipments?
A: My equipment is my eyes.
Q: What is your style and technique of photography?
A: Seeing creatively! Get the right moment!
Q: What is your motivation and philosophy?
A: When American basketball player Hank Gathers died on court while playing basketball, his coach said, "At least he died doing the thing he loved the
best."
Q: What is your most memorable assignment and why?
A: I will always remember my assignment in Afghanistan. It really makes me feel good to be a Malaysian.
Q: What is your most difficult assignment and why?
A: Again maybe in Afghanistan. It touches my heart to see kids and human living in such poor condition.
Q: What makes good photograph?
A: Listen to your hearts. If your heart says, “good picture”, you’ve done a good job.
Q: What makes good photographer?
A: Determination to use eyes and creativity for good image.
Q: How would you describe yourself? What are your most important principles in life?
A: I’m hardworking. To me, life is a journey, not a destination. The journey has to be enjoyed, while your daily life has to be filled with happiness and lots of smiles. Family is the most important to me. I want to go home to a smiling wife and a joyful daughter.
Q: What struggles did you face in the early days?
A: Upon leaving my architecture practice, the biggest struggles was for me to prove to myself, first, and to my parents, second, that I could make a living out of taking pictures. My wife was not only very supportive, but confident that photography was my calling in life. In the beginning especially, she supported me both emotionally and financially. She helped me prove photograph can be both a hobby AND a career. I needed to prove this point, because photographers here are generally not as well respected as their counterparts in the States.
Q: How did you battle these adversities and motivate yourself to persevere to reach your goals?
A: I don’t think I need to “battle” with myself. I have always looked forward to Mondays, and going to work! Work is pleasure to me!
Q: What were some of the disappointments you faced in the pursuit of your dreams?
A: When I came back from the States and found out photography was “cheap”. A picture was worth 35 sen. I wondered, “if a pictures costs only 35 sen (at a one-hour photo service), why is it then sold at RM1 each?
Q: What are your greatest achievements and have they been what you hoped for? What do you hope to achieve in the near future?
A: The greatest achievement for me is to wake up on Monday mornings and look forward to going to work. I also hope to be recognized, at least in Asia. So far, two of my works have been awarded the Asia Best Sports Photography for two consecutives years in 2002 and 2003. And in 1992, I won second place in magazine category at Journalism Congress of the United States of America. I am also excited about my upcoming exhibition at Universiti Putra Malaysia. The two-week exhibition would not only showcase my best works but allow me to give back to society.
Q: What advice would you like to give to the aspiring photojournalists?
A: Generally, I think every individual should be crazy about what they do every day. It’s a great achievement if you can make a living out of your hobby. I suppose it’s like how David Beckham is crazy about football!
Fairizuan and New Straits Times, 15 and 24 May 2004.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Personally, Mr. Bazuki is the most humble PROFESSIONAL photographer I ever met. Unlike some arrogant local "professional" photographers, he is so cool and down to earth. Dear Mr. Bazuki, thank you very, very much for your cooperation and advice. I really appreciate your time and your moment. Thank you for your e-mails and private mobile number. 
To awesome folks at Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia (Malaysia National Library) and hardworking journalists at New Straits Times, thank you very, very much for your extra information! You guys are the best! Last but not least, kepada Angah cipan dan Zana terima kasih banyak-banyak diatas usaha dan pertolongan anda berdua, terutama sekali dalam hal teknikal fotografi dan seni fotografi. Ko angah dan Cik Zana memang bess
RELATED WEBSITE
Bazuki Muhammad - The Fotofolio
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