Love Love Shameer Khan - The Perfectionist

Love Love - the vision of photographer Shameer Khan. Khan , born in Trinidad and Tobago a perfectionist by nature, started off in the fashion industry as a model but his curiosity about being on the other side of the camera launched his career in photography. We caught up with this emerging young talent to chat about his inspiration and what's next.

Did you always want to be a photographer?
No not at all. I never thought about it not once. But I stumbled upon it and it was the right fit.

Describe your first shoot?
I always practiced shooting my friends who were not models before I started to contact agencies. That was always fun. I still look at those photos today.I learned a lot from shooting real people. I contacted agencies when my work was at a certain level and started develop and look a certain way.

Has your age been a hurdle for you?
Yes and No, Sometimes its a good thing because people like seeing someone who is young doing something that they love to do. Other times its not a good thing because people think that young means stupid.

How do you want your images to influence the world?
I just enjoy doing what I love to do. If my images can influence the whole world, then that would be amazing...

Can you list a few of the accomplishments that you are most proud of? so far...
I have shot many models who have went on to doing big things. I am also a pretty good scout.

How does your personality change when you look through the camera?
When I look through the camera I become more serious because I know what I want. So I focus very closely on connecting with the model to create each individual image.

Do you think of yourself as an artist?
Yes I do think of my self as artist. I don't think I'm just a person with a camera. I study different angles and use different techniques. I am also a perfectionist

How do you describe your photographic style?
I think my work is very simple, very truthful and strong. I like to have the models looking natural and fearless.

Most of your images are black and white, do you shoot with black and white film? And why black and image photos?
I shoot digital. Black and white photos are just something that automatically happened. I just find them more interesting, which I guess makes it a part of my style.

What are your thoughts on computer photo manipulation and is it an important tool for you?
It is very important tool. Back in the day there were no photo shopping. When Iman was modeling there were no editing afterward, which means that the models had to be truly beautiful. Today we have to create beautiful girls out of "blank canvas" because the quality of models have went down in my opinion.

Who/What Inspires You? And Why?
My family and friends inspire me to continue doing what i'm doing. I have a lot of people counting on me to continue doign what i'm doing.

Do you have a favorite fashion designer?
No I am not really into the labels. I like H&M

How do you describe your personal style?
I don't really have a set style..I don't like to be very flashy but I like to change it up!

Who, or what, would you love to shoot that you haven't already?
I would love to shoot a model that I met who is with Ford NY name Lakshmi Menon. She is originally from India. I think she is absolutely gorgeous and we finally have someone representing for the brown people.

What does your road map in the fashion industry look like?
I really just want to continue doing what I am doing. Continue traveling and working in all of the markets and we'll see what happens later on.

What career advice would you offer someone trying to break into the business?
You have to be able to love what you are doing. Don't just do something people you want to do it. Do it because you love doing it. Be a nice person and don't walk over anyone to get where you want to go.Also practice makes perfect so work hard and don't expect things to be handed to you.

Thanks Shameer for sharing with us.