We recently connected with Yara Mohammed and have shared our conversation below.

Yara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about one of the craziest things you’ve experienced in your journey so far.

One of the craziest experiences as a photographer that comes to mind was the recent 3 day road trip through west texas. Traveling for and with clients is not something foreign to me, but this particular trip was truly out of a movie.

Passion and chance is the only word I could use to describe going along the ride. During this particular journey, we had driven from the DTX to the border ghost town of Terlingua. Staying in the middle of the mountains, with limited service, in bubble tents and rough terrain was just one of many highlights. Immersing myself in the environment allowed me to capture it best, While navigating the rugged terrain of Big Bend, walking alongside the Rio Grande and embarking on challenging hikes all while documenting such adventures through rose colored lenses was quite the experience. With my camera equipment strapped to my back, alongside my daring client-turned friends, we bouldered through rocks and formations- All for the art, all for the experience. To reach the vantage point was reaching the objective of the shoot, to capture the raw beauty of the experience in these wild and untouched landscapes, being of the only 3 people in a given space in such a large landscape was truly a thrill to remember.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Definitely! In the Odyssey of a Globetrotting Fashion and Branding Photographer, I like to believe that few possess the ability to weave together beauty, cultural perspectives, and historical nuances into their visual narratives. To be able to elevate such messaging to unparalleled heights and that through the lens of luxury and editorial brilliance, is what the foundation of Yaraphotography is.

The art of noticing is my biggest influence, and traversing the globe to capture the essence of each individual thing’s elegance in its purest form, is my greatest strength. From the bustling streets of cosmopolitan cities to the serene landscapes of distant cultures, this is what propels the depth behind each service I offer.

When I take the time to create a concept, it bridges the gap between eras, infusing modernity with the echoes of time, and then blends your own unique perspective into the mix. I offer Luxury and Editorial twists on Engagements and Weddings, My Primary focus is on Branding imagery for powerful leaders and change-making designers, for Models who are creating movement in the flow, for agencies that are transforming and progressing.

Each photograph I capture is truly a reflection and confluence of history, art, and luxury. Attempting to transcend the realm of mere imagery, delving into the realm of immersive narratives is my enlightenment. Through my artistic journey, I hope to redefine the lens of fashion in my own perspective and experience, blending my own culture and the learnt knowledge of others into the world of fashion and branding photography.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist and creative is the ability to capture and convey unique perspectives of the world, and while that might sound surface-level, it’s truly a perspective that not many share with me.

As a Muslim- American woman, oftentimes the editorial and fashion space does not have enough representation of the modesty side of fashion, of the cultural influence of creativity. Witnessing the impact of my work on others and being able to showcase to an entire demographic that isn’t used to seeing themselves portrayed in a high fashion setting is incredibly fulfilling. When viewers connect with my photographs, they do so on a deeper level, they see their culture represented fairly and authentically, they see its influences weaved in and echoing throughout. It validates the time, effort and research invested in honing my craft. Knowing that my art can inspire, provoke thought, or even bring about inspiration is a gratifying experience that fuels my passion for the imagery I get to create

Furthermore, the process of creation itself is immensely rewarding. The constant pursuit of creativity pushes me to explore new techniques, experiment with different perspectives, and challenge the boundaries of my own skills. This continuous growth and evolution not only keep my work fresh and exciting but also contribute to my personal development as an artist. Traveling plays a big part of my photographic process, It allows me to be limitless, expecting the unexpected- shooting in the rain, in the desert in another country, in a rainforest or a budding temple, is just only the beginning of the avenues I’ve been able to go down in the pursuit of art.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I’d say the biggest resource is community. The power of those with similar mindsets and business goals, a passion to create, and overall goals of striving for success. Leaning on those local creatives for support and genuinely being ready to network and learn is the most powerful way to grow as a creative. You have a question? Just ask, 9/10 most creatives I’ve found are ready to make a new friend and help you in ways you couldn’t imagine. I’ve referred many by just word of mouth and it has allowed me to build traction and meet even more amazing and talented Individuals.

Contact Info:

• Website: yaraphotography.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/_yaraphotography_

Image Credits
1st Image: Shay anderson from Wilhelmina 2nd Dr. Sarah Ashitey 3rd Lamees 4th Suqayna 5th Ayah + Sanjida 6th Valentina 7th Alé from Nxt Model 8th Nhú