Name: Anila Hussain
Current camera: Fujifilm X-T2, X-T3 and X-H2S
Favourite type of photography: Architecture and street
Instagram: @Stre_etz71
Location: London, United Kingdom
How did you get into photography?
I got into photography when I was in the Maldives for my 40th birthday and a friend suggested I pursue it because she said I had a good eye.
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
I do not have any photographic qualifications as being a carer has been at the forefront of my life.
Read our Canon EOS R6 Mark III Review
What’s the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
The first photographs I remember being drawn to were of architecture and ballet, although I also loved Afghan Girl by Steve McCurry.
What do you love about photography?
I love that photography is my haven and the place where my creativity thrives. It is my time, my me time and my safe place.
What do you wish you’d learned about photography earlier?
I wish I had learned earlier how to pursue photography as a vocation and how to use Photoshop.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
My favourite places for photography are cities that are famous for architecture. I have just returned from Valencia, which was fabulous for architectural photography.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
My favourite techniques are ICM (intentional camera movement) and double exposure, as I am always searching for a different angle and love exploring perception.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
My approach to image processing is minimal and often in black and white, usually using Lightroom. If the image warrants it, I will also use the fabulous black and white settings available in Fujifilm cameras.
What’s your favourite lens?
My favourite lenses are my 8mm and my beloved 56mm, as the bokeh from the 56mm is incredible.
Read our Guide to the Best Lensbaby Lenses
Do you have a favourite accessory?
My favourite accessories are my Peak Design camera strap and my new gimbal.
Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
I haven’t found the perfect camera bag yet, but the one I have comes very close as it fits my 150-600mm lens nicely.
Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
I have been inspired by Lucy Hamzadeh for her storytelling, Omar Robles for his street ballet photography and Mark Fearnley for his street work.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram?
Funmi Akingbe Photography @patakiphotos
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don’t have yet but you’d like to buy at some point?
I am not sure yet, as I am currently shooting a lot of wildlife and architecture, so I will wait to see what Fujifilm release next rather than buying for the sake of it.
Read our OM System OM-5 Mark III Review
Is there a genre of photography that you love but that you haven’t tried yet?
Infra-red photography fascinates me, and I would love to try it. I would also love to experiment with using a drone.
What’s your proudest photographic moment?
My proudest photographic moments were exhibiting at the Oxo Gallery as part of the Chaiya Arts Award where I came fifth, and having a portrait displayed on the wall at The Photography and Video Show at London Excel with SheClicks last year.
If you could have one super-power that could help you with photography, what would it be?
If I could have one super-power to help with photography, it would be to have a super brain and know everything there is to know about photography.
Your favourite baked goods are?
Bread and pastries.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I am currently on a journey of rediscovery. I have been a key worker for the past 21 years, which has been very stressful. I went through menopause during lockdown and came to the difficult realisation that my siblings and mother are narcissists. Experiencing ongoing emotional and psychological abuse left me feeling overwhelmed and as though I had disappeared, with my own wants placed firmly on the back burner. I have since had counselling and am now emerging back into photography and focusing on self-care and self-love. I am at my happiest when I have a camera in my hand, and I hope that continues for a very long time.
