WBM Features: Maryam Toson

Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is forever...it remembers little things long after you have forgotten everything.

-Aaron Siskind

In order to have an idea of what we must accomplish, the dreams we chase and the aspirations we're in pursuit of, it all starts with a vision. Interestingly enough, the vision Maryam Toson of Toronto, not only includes the greatness she sees for herself here, now and in the future but also the way others perceive the world she captures through the lens of a digital camera.

Though only involved in photography for a couple of years, Maryam is way ahead of her time, well beyond her years and takes photographs like that of a veteran. So with some experience to share and a quick peek into how she sees the through her eyes, Maryam lends her words and thoughts to WBM.

Get to know her a little better.


[As Told To Why Blue Matters]



Who Is Maryam T.?

MT: Maryam Toson is a person who grew up never able to fit in, yet she stood out, in a sense that she always observed her surroundings and tried to find ways to change peoples aspects.


Where are you from?

MT: I am from egypt, born there, raised in brooklyn, residing in Toronto.


Interest(s)?

MT: Anything involving art interests me.


Explain for those who may not know what you do for clients

MT: I do almost everything involving my camera but what I try my best to do is have them feel comfortable, as much as I love seeing photos where people pose, I love natural photos alot better, so i always make sure that they are in their own elements as the camera is in front of their face.


What's your perspective on photography?

MT: My perspective on photography is that its one of the many ways a person can express themselves.


What do you like most about it?

MT: I love being able to see something before and after, seeing something create within my mind and see it happen.


How long have you been involved?

MT: I have been involved with photography for almost 2 years now.


What did you do before becoming a photographer?

MT: I was studying child and youth work, till I decided it wasn't something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.


How important is lighting with your work?

MT: Lighting is EXTREMELY important, you cant have your photos overexposed or completely underexposed; your photo is ruined.


What inspires and motivates you?

MT: Everyone and everything surrounding me inspires and motivates me.


Where do you prefer to shoot, in the studio or on location?
MT: I love studio because it looks clean, lighting is on point, but sometimes I like on location because its spontaneous and you find new places, and ideas you didn't think of in the first place


What type of camera do you shoot with?

MT: I shoot with a canon rebel xsi


Biggest accomplishment?

MT: Having a poem published at the age of 11.


What would you do if you weren't involved with what you're doing currently?

MT: I would either be working at a place I hate, or studying something I don't see myself doing.


Where do you see yourself 5 yrs from now?

MT: I see myself making a difference.


Any future projects?

MT: I'm currently working on my wants and needs, its been on pause since i came back from my trip. But the point is i have each individual hold one sign for each one I WANT....I NEED.... just to show everyone we may have the same wants and needs or completely different ones.


What type of impact would you like to leave with your works?

MT: I want to make people think, after seeing how people reacted to my wants and needs, I loved it, because I really had them think about things that your soo busy to even think about.


Any advice for those looking to pursue their dreams?

MT: My number one advice, is do something you LOVE!! something you have passion for, dont do things because society wants you to, or because you want to please someone.

For More On Maryam T.:
http://maryamtosonphotography.blogspot.com/
Facebook Group Maryam Toson photography
or e-mail: maryamtoson@gmail.com