Member Spotlight: Ayan Qaium

Can you please introduce yourself (where did you grow up, how did you get your start in photography, etc.)

My name is Ayan. I was born in Bangladesh, lived in Iran, and then grew up in New Jersey for most of my life. I played violin for a few years and doodled during study hall, but I didn’t grow up around art. Instead, I went to college and got my BA in Economics and Math.

Moving to New York City in 2018 sparked my love for photography. The city's energy was captivating, and I spent hours walking around, discovering new places with my Nikon. Photography became my escape, and I found myself shooting almost every day.

Tell us how you discovered CMC, and why do you like being a member of the collective?

I discovered CMC through a fellow photographer’s story on Instagram, and it was appealing because street photography tends to be a solo hobby. I enjoy the fact that there’s a community that has the same passion that I do, that they can speak a visual language, yet each and every person has a unique style of photography. I have yet to find a complete overlap in styles between two different people, and I draw inspiration from all the different work that people bring in.
Also, the random dance parties at Coney Island.

You have a passion for street photography. Why, and how did that start? 

Inspired by Roger Deakins' cinematography in movies like Sicario, Prisoners, No Country for Old Men, and Blade Runner, I started taking my camera out at night. I chased brake lights, neon, and the silhouettes of people walking through them. Often, I'd be out in the night rain, headphones in, plastic bag over my camera, probably looking like a crazy person, but feeling content. Photography is one part of my life where there's no need for a goal or anyone to answer to. It can be whatever I want it to be, and that's why it never gets old.

What is one of your near-term photography goals?

I’d like to capture more images of people and their expressions. More interactions between subjects, more depth perception in photos.

Share 3-5 images of your most recent project or photo series. Tell us a little bit about the project or photos.