By Ruba Hattar and Rami Khoury
They say “there is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.” Our guest today has travelled to so many destinations proving just that. The people is his stories reflect a thousand words not printed or uttered through a smile, a traditional attire, a touch of simplicity or an act of simple play. Al-Bawaba interviewed Terry Hughes to tell us all about this special experience.
Who is Terry Hughes?
Still figuring that out every day! I grew up in Canada and studied at Montreal’s Dawson Institute of Photography. I’m dating myself here but we were still shooting on film at the time. Since then, I’ve spent time in approximately 35 to 40 countries, camera typically in hand. I enjoy connecting with new people, even if for short durations. I usually come away having learned something.
Why photography?
At the age of 9 or so, I was gifted a subscription to National Geographic Magazine. A new issue would arrive every month and the images I found on their pages served to open my young eyes to worlds and ways of living that were completely outside of what I knew. I’ve wanted to see more ever since then and to try tell some of the stories along the way.
What are the most amazing places you have been to?
So many have been amazing for different reasons but when I think of the impression of a single country has had on me, I think my time in India stands out. The country is vast in ways that go far beyond it’s geography.
Do you choose your topics/subjects or stumble across them?
That would depend on what I was shooting for. If I’m hired to capture a specific visual then I’m more inclined to focus on what my client might be looking for. However, if I’m shooting for personal projects, the approach I take can become a little broader. I’d liken this to “calculated stumbling.”
What would you say is the most inspiring story of the characters in your photos?
There are too many to pick just one but I can say for sure that I’ve witnessed some very real hardship in some of the lives of people my camera has allowed me to meet. Yet I’ve often seen that same hardship met with resilience, strength and creativity in some of those same people with hopes of improving situations and providing better ones for those who come after. That always inspires.
Other talents you possess?
I grew up in a family of musicians. My father played drums professionally and as a result, I play drums and flirt a little with a bass. I’m currently spending a lot time in Jordan and so I’m trying to do my best learn Arabic although given the level I’m at, I wouldn’t qualify that as one of my talents just yet!
Do you have any Tips for other/starting photographers?
Shoot…a lot… but also ask yourself why you’re doing so. I’ve always found value in trying to achieve a connection with a subject, even if small. From a personal perspective, this is something I enjoy anyway but I find it can often lead to a stronger and more intimate exchange between the subject and the photographer which in the end will usually help yield better images.
