Walid Azami

MDC Member Since: October 2008
View Walid Azami’s Portfolio
Location: Los Angeles and Orange County, CA - USA

What type of photography do you do?
I photograph pop culture figures and, of course, models; but mainly it is about capturing the human spirit, the exact moments that should not be forgotten.

What is your medium (digital or film)?
I mainly do digital, but work with film as well. The reason I prefer digital is the immediate access to seeing your images.

What kind of camera do you use?
I use a Canon 5D, 40D - but I feel it is not the camera that makes your picture. Rather it is the eye, the idea, and just following your instincts. ALWAYS follow your instincts!

How long have you been in the industry?
I have been taking pictures since an early age. I seized the opportunity to take pictures any time I could get my hands on a camera. I loved family parties because it gave me the chance to use someone else’s film, processing, and camera to shoot. But, I started in video/film before photography came into my life, professionally.

How did you get your start?
I had a gut feeling about trying professional photography and I finally acted on it by purchasing my first camera. I took it out of the box and told a client that I wanted to photograph her campaign! I do not have any formal training in photography. I went on set, took a deep breath, and closed my eyes to imagine what I wanted to capture. A full 2 weeks after owning my first camera I took on the job and tried every setting until I got exactly what I had in mind. Basically I threw myself into the job, and was forced to grow on the spot. I do not recommend taking jobs while still green, but I did what I had to do at the time. Since that job, I dedicate time everyday to my craft. On some days I only have a plant to photograph, some days it’s a model, and sometimes it’s a celebrity. My main bit of advice: treat each subject with the same respect and give each one your full attention despite their success level.

Who/Where do you look to for inspiration?
Everyday life. I know that sounds typical but it’s true! I’m always thinking because my mind always races and I always email myself ideas that are later transferred to a journal. I stare a lot. I stare at people, at situations, and I stare at emotional moments. Then when I shoot, I look for those moments that show emotional peaks and lows. The middle stuff, that’s all boring.

What do you look for in a model?
I love unique features. I look for a positive attitude, someone that wants to learn and grow and someone that listens. I’m a sucker for anyone trying to overcome hardship or for thankful people. I don’t mind ending a session if a model is unappreciative, nor do I mind working double hours if they are thankful and open to try new things. A positive attitude is everything and when it comes down to a couple of models for a job, the one with the positive energy ALWAYS wins.

What was your most memorable shoot?
Easily, it was the Usher shoot in Vegas on New Year’s day. He called me unexpectedly at my hotel at 5 a.m. and said, “Look outside your window!” In my state of utter shock and confusion, I replied, “Who is this?!” When you get a call after 1 hour of sleep and the voice on the other end says to look outside the window, ANYTHING is possible, especially in Las Vegas! After a couple of seconds I realized it was Usher, I ran up to his room and he said the sun light was amazing and that we should shoot. Everything about the shoot was natural. It was only Usher and I running down the blvd, through the casino, and on the balcony of his hotel. It was perfect.