Sharafat Ali is an award-winning independent documentary photographer based in Indian-administered Kashmir. He has been focused on long-term issues in his home state, grappling with a conflict for the last three decades. His work appeared in Foreign Policy, The Sunday Times, Huffington Post, AJ-English, The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong, and many other international and national outlets.
In addition to various exhibitions, Ali's projects have earned him numerous awards, and grants including the prestigious Ian Parry Scholarship. Ali is currently represented by VII Photo. Ali's portrait is shot by Syed Amir
Website: https://sharafataliphoto.com/
Instagram: ibnali10
Twitter: alisharafat10
VII Photo Profile: https://viiphoto.com/profile/sharafat-ali
Dear Sharafat, Thank you for accepting our invitation and sharing your thoughts with us. Dear Readers, our conversation with Sharafat and his insightful responses are included below.
Could you please provide us with an overview of your practice and the themes on which you are currently or have previously worked?
A few years ago when I began taking photographs, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a photojournalist. But because of my experience with the environment and the influence of a few people I got interested in photos that told stories. So I turned to documentary photography.
I've been focusing on various themes including politics, society, culture and personal projects. Some of the projects that I’ve done are of long-term nature and I am hoping to continue working on these projects for years to come.
What do you hope to communicate through your images, and how do you plan to do so?
Working on stories that can bring about social change is what I appreciate the most about my photography. I believe in making photo works that have a deeper meaning. As a photographer and a citizen with specific personal experiences, I prefer preserving memories or documenting stories and archiving them for future generations. There will be pitfalls and difficulties, and they are not specific to Kashmir, but if you are dedicated to the purpose of storytelling, the boat will sail in a nice rhythm.
What, in your opinion, makes the story compelling?
I believe that impactful stories/visuals are outcomes of a deep understanding of the subject matter you are working on, without being anxious about the results or exploitation of the stories.
The stories you work on are intricate. As a photographer, has it ever affected you emotionally?
Due to the uncertainties and unpredictability of this region where I reside, I always find it tough to break the ice or delve deep. During my trek on the streets documenting the flow of emotions and stories, I have experienced intimidation like many of my colleagues. This certainly has an emotional impact and such experiences linger with you for years. For me, being a Kashmiri, who has been affected directly by the conflict, is the biggest inspiration to photograph.
There is always a human element in your stories. What is your approach to photographing people, and how do you deal with the various emotions of the people you photograph?
Humans are at the centre of the story. I believe every single person has a story to tell. Nothing is more important to me than my people; they fascinate me to the point where I can't imagine my photography without them. They have a life, a story, and a dignity of their own.
There has always been a strong desire to share collective or individual stories with the world through the medium of visual storytelling. Also, the resilience of the people, who live in fear and uncertainty. Regardless of these facts, I either enjoy or am emotionally exhausted by the story. The joy of the moment in the environment sometimes inspires me, and other times their stories make me feel numb.
What are some of the issues you would like to address through your work?
I can't discuss maybe I don’t know the issues I'll be working on in the near future, but my personal and professional goal is to use photography to tell some important stories. And to document the conflict and other aspects of life in Kashmir through the eyes of someone who has lived through it.
How do you photograph in a sensitive environment? What has been your most difficult challenge thus far, and how have you dealt with it?
With utmost care and precautions. The Past few years have been really tough and that grim atmosphere of tension, chaos and uncertainty, has somehow made us more vulnerable. The pressure of working in such situations has made it difficult for photographers like me to report stories that are important.
Photojournalism/Visual storytelling has both bright and dark sides. Working in a conflict zone, whether in Kashmir or elsewhere in the world, requires extreme caution and accountability for the work done on ground zero. I believe that our lives are more valuable than the photographs we create or take on the field. Photojournalism in Kashmir is as difficult as it is anywhere else in the world. However, the conflict situation here makes it even more so.
What role does mentoring play in your life? How important is it to have a mentor in life?
For me, mentoring has been the most significant factor in making me choose photography as a career. My work and philosophy have been hugely inspired by renowned journalist and documentary photographer Showkat Nanda. Had I not met him at the right time of my career I am not sure if I would have ever become a photographer. He has been my greatest inspiration and I feel fortunate to have been guided and mentored by him for the last seven years now. Earlier, my photography was quite ordinary. His mentorship has transformed me and exposed me to a completely different world of visual storytelling. Spending time with him and discussing work and life is my most enjoyable pursuit. His humble and friendly nature is infectious.
I will also be indebted to Maciek Nabrdalik, my mentor at the VII agency where I am a part of their mentorship program. He is really supportive and always gives great advice. He always makes himself available whenever I need help regarding my work.
I think mentorship does great things for you especially when you are starting out in the field. A mentor helps you find your passion and gives you gems that they have acquired through their immense work and experience.
What does Sharafat do when he is not making photographs?
I hang out with my friends, watch Iranian movies, listen to music, assist my mother with daily chores, write poetry, and enjoy reading books.
What is the most important lesson you have learned so far? Do you have any final thoughts for us as students of this craft?
Before becoming a photographer, one of the most important lessons I learned is how to be a nice person.
Be patient and don't rush into the project/stories until your research is finished. Be empathetic to the people you photograph. Also, be open to learning from everyone. Focus on your goals and pursue them wholeheartedly. Also learn how and where to enter someone's personal life without making them uncomfortable, and how to delve deeper into stories that are not visible on the surface.
Always remain humble, stay true to your roots, and shoot hard and go with the flow.
Thank you for reading!!
**Disclaimer: Photographs & Content of this interview may not be reproduced in any form without prior permission from the Photographer and Astitva Photo. Views, opinions, and stories expressed by the photographer are solely his own and astitva will not be held liable for any damage subsequent to the publication of this content.