SITI ZUBAIDAH RUSLI, or Zubye as she likes to be called, used to work as an engineer in a telecommunications company. Never did she imagine she would be running her own photography business one day. But after her son was born, Zubye discovered her passion for photography, in particular children’s photography which soon blossomed into a full-time career.
“I used to post pictures of my son online and got very good comments and feedback from my friends,” she recalls. “Some of them actually wanted to hire me to shoot pictures of their kids so that got me thinking about doing it professionally.”
She started by taking on small assignments and found that she really enjoyed the work. “I felt very happy taking photos for other families and instantly I knew this was what I wanted to do,” confides Zubye.
She did photography part-time for about a year before quitting her engineering job to focus full-time on it. That was 10 years ago. Zubye talks to Savvy about what it takes to become a successful children’s photographer and why she believes you can do great things when you pour your love into whatever it is you are doing.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
My late grandfather owned a big camera and he loved taking pictures of his grandkids. I guess I inherited his talent but I didn’t realise that until my son was born. My husband gave me a compact camera as a present and I began shooting photos of my son every single day. It became a routine but it was something that made me very happy, a feeling I hadn’t experienced before. I practised and experimented a lot. And when I became good enough, I decided to buy a DSLR camera. I haven’t looked back since.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER?
Do what you love and love what you do. This mantra is the main reason I decided to become a professional photographer. I just love doing it. Nearly a decade ago there weren’t many children’s photographers. Most professional photographers were focused on weddings. So, it was a good niche to go into. Besides, I’ve always loved children, even before I became a mother myself. After I realised I could take good photos, I became obsessed with capturing those precious moments of pure sincerity in their smiles and cries.
WHAT IS THE TOUGHEST PART OF RUNNING A BUSINESS?
Time management — balancing my time as a wife and a mum as well as a being a full-time photographer. You really have to set a schedule and be disciplined about sticking to it. You need to have a firm heart and strong determination to do this, and it’s easy sometimes to get side-tracked and feel demoralised. But I am lucky to have a very supportive husband who always encourages me to follow my dream.
HOW DO YOU MARKET YOUR SERVICES?
I post my work on my website (www.eyesofgrace.net) and I am also active on social media, in particular Facebook (www.facebook.com/EyesofGracePhotography) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/zubye_eyesofgracephotography). People love to view and share nice photos so these online platforms help me a lot when it comes to exposure of my work. But I must say it’s not just the quality of my work that makes an impact but also how I treat my clients during and after the shoot. If they love working with you, they’ll recommend you to their friends. That’s how my business grew.
YOU WROTE A BOOK CALLED SEKEPING GAMBAR SEINDAH MEMORI. IN GIVING YOUR SECRETS AWAY, ARE YOU NOT AFRAID PEOPLE MIGHT LEARN FROM YOU AND BECOME YOUR COMPETITOR?
I’ve always dreamt of writing my own photography book. It took me about eight months to finish the writing and almost one year to complete the overall process of getting it published. My target audience (for this book) is parents. I want to guide them on how to take beautiful and meaningful photos of their children. Of course those aspiring to become professional children’s photographers can also learn from it but I’m a firm believer of this phrase “The more you give, the more you get back.” I have been in this industry for many years and I hope my experience can be used by others to improve their photography skills. I’m not worried that some of them might become my competitors. If they succeed in becoming a successful professional photographer, I’ll be very happy to know that. It’s a big world and there are plenty of opportunities for all. We have to believe that God has provided and determined our sustenance, so don’t worry about that. Just be brave, be bold, be yourself and make your dream come true.
WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Working with children requires a lot of energy but it’s also really fun. Every child is unique and each needs a different approach. Some are active and friendly while others are afraid of strangers and get really clingy with their parents. I never force them to smile for the camera. That never works. Instead, I play with them. In my sessions, sometimes you can see me chasing them around, rolling on the grass or playing hide and seek with them. Yes, it takes a lot to be a children’s photographer. You have to create a bond with them first, only then can you get great pictures.
I play the role as a photographer, a mum and a friend to my subjects.
HOW DO YOU KEEP UP TO DATE WITH LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
I’m a very simple and minimalist photographer. I don’t feel the need to buy the latest camera equipment or gadgets. The most important tool is my own eyes. How you see things and how you tell a story from the images you take are what determines whether you are an exceptional photographer or not.