We had the good fortune of connecting with Malka Ahmed and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Malka, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve been an artist my whole life and despite going through formal schooling (and getting very close to attending Law School), I knew a typical 9-5 job was not going to be for me. Being able to pursue creative projects is what sang to my soul.
Photography has always been a wonderful creative outlet and turning it into a business is a process that came together very naturally.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I first started out as a newborn photographer nearly eight years ago, I quickly saw how much the newborn photography industry was saturated with images and poses that were exactly the same – everyone was doing the same baby poses and the same monochromatic colors. It didn’t matter where the photographer was located, all of the images looked the same. So I had to ask myself, did I want to be another clone or do I just venture out and do my own thing.
As an artist being to able to set myself apart, and having my own unique artistic touch has always been important to me. I’m a maximalist at heart, so a lot of my work is colorful, and unique.
I try and make my own backdrops (and even hand painted my own), hand-crafted headbands for newborns and found beautiful clothing items for all the little baby’s I photograph.
I love focusing on the connection and personalities of my clients than trying to imitate work that is currently flooding the photography industry.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Dallas has such an incredibly diverse food scene, so I would start out by taking my friend to my favorite Korean Restaurant, Wave Bowl – its right down the road from my photography studio and their Korean bibimap is the perfect post-photo session meal!
I’d also take them along to Adriatica Village in McKinney that looks likes we’ve been transported to Croatia. The unique architecture, pebble-stoned streets is also the perfect backdrop for photos!
I’d end the night with some warm knafeh from Big Dash in Frisco.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother was someone who enjoyed and lived her brief life so fierce fully and with purpose – she is a reminder of how short life can be and to never take anything for granted. I am so grateful for all the photos I have with my mom and it’s the greatest honor of my life to capture images of my clients with their loved ones.
Website: https://malkaahmedphotography.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malka_ahmed_photography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalkaAhmedPhotography/
Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_real_malka_
Image Credits
Malka Ahmed Photography