Mahera Rana Photography

Therapy

2011-12-29T21:06:00.014-05:00

I've been so afraid to touch my camera. To edit my photos. To share them.

I realized I need this.

Not doing it professionally anymore. Doing something that's helping me pay the bills but I need this.

Just needed to write. I needed to write and post photos...not on facebook...

...this is my theraphy. A place to vent where you're not completely on display.

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First big event of the year...my Nikkah.

We had a lot of house guests and wanted them to use disposable dishes. When they conveniently "forgot" and opened up the cabinet to grab a correl plate, they saw this sign.

My friends came to help decorate the cake/cupcakes that my sister and cousin made for me.

My sister made my cake.

My sister did my Mehndi.

My entire family and some of my childhood best friends came to help cover my parents unfinished basement with fabric. Lots and lots of fabric.

The flowers for my hair.

More to come...

New Home

2010-12-17T18:56:00.002-05:00

Dear Folks,

Thank you for your continued patience as I continue to grow an evolve as a photographer. This year has been totally amazing with all my new experiences, trials, and errors. Lots and lots of errors. Fall down 7 times and get up 8, I say. Actually, I don't say that, the Japanese do. (I read it on a fortune cookie.) There have been, and continue to be, many changes in all aspects of my life and I am working to keep up with everything! Come visit the NEW BLOG where I will attempt to keep you guys updated about life, love, family, and of course weddings on a more regular basis.

Lots of Love to You All,

Mahera

Saara + Matt

2010-12-08T05:47:00.003-05:00

I had a chance to bond with the lovely Saara and Matt one day before their wedding at an event Matt's company, Concepts to Conclusions, had organized. Strangely enough, it was the same event at which they had met one year prior. Matt is totally laid back and Saara is bursting at the seams with energy!

I asked Saara how she and Matt had met.

"I remember when I first saw him...I asked him if he had any Arab music on his iPod. I knew he didn't...he knew he didn't...but looked anyway" laughed Saara. "I was supposed to meet up with him for drinks that night but wound up canceling. He didn't give up though...he followed up with me until I actually met him for that drink."

I have to say to say that I have been blessed with couples that are truly in love and are totally made for each other. Saara and Matt are definitely one of those couples and it was a pleasure photographing their wedding.

I absolutely loved this carriage ring holder! Totally Cinderella!

After hanging out with Saara and her crew I headed over to the Country Club where Matt and his mafia were gearing up before the wedding. I say Mafia because well...they looked pretty badass.

This made me LOL.

The details were absolutely amazing! Thanks to the bride and groom for these little touches. It not only makes for great photographs but also great memories!

Pomegranate. Love Fruit!

One of my favorite shots of the day!

Love this shot on the right with Saara's gorgeous sisters!

The Brown Mafia. Don't mess.

And Matt said he didn't photo well. Whatever!!!

Awesome toast by Matt's best man and BFF.

Keep Calm and Snap On

2010-11-30T16:37:00.006-05:00

This morning I secured a pile of curls on top of my head and threw on some flip flops to complete my pajama pants and over-sized t-shirt ensemble. I hopped into my two toned beauty and raced to the post office with some finished client work.   On the way home, I stopped off at subway to grab a quick bite.   The man making my sub eyed my over-sized t-shirt bearing an enormous planet fitness logo as I asked for mayo and two chocolate chip cookies with my sub.    Now I'm home and the heat from my laptop is keeping my hands warm while my leopard print snuggie keeps the rest of me warm. I'm longing for a dose of vitamin D sunshine and the pending work from spring and summer is feeding my nostolgia even more.   My trip to North Carolina, the bomb portrait session I did with Huma and Tariq in the spring, the portraits...oh all the portraits....sigh.

At the moment I'm working on stuff from the summer. Tell me how 3 Photographers shoot over 15,000 images in in three days. Is that normal? All of that wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't the only one doing the post processing. I've thought about hiring an assistant but that never really works out because no one is vested in my work as I am. So here I am...a one woman show...playing catch up. It wouldn't be so bad if it was just my work...but working with images from 3 separate togs?   Oi ve! Some of the images from my summer weddings make me angry because videographers with their "train in a tunnel" type lighting always get in my way.   My poor brides sometimes have that "deer in the headlights" look on their face instead of the "I can't wait to get married" look. Solution: In the future, I plan on outsourcing any wedding this size and I will carry a tazer with me for videographers that annoy me.

As I attempt to plow through the mountains of work that surround me, I calm my frustrations by looking at a poster above my desk. My fellow photographer, BFF, and guru advisor Zoshia, gave me this wonderful piece of inspiration for my birthday this past year.   It reads "Keep Calm and Snap On." When I think that I'm never going to make it through this pile of work, when I get an email from someone who asks me how much I charge for videography, and when I feel like this whole life that I'm trying to make for myself is bigger than I can take on, I glance up at the poster. It's sometimes really hard to stay positive when there is so much in your life that isn't going exactly as you had imagined. It's little things like this that bring you back to that warm fuzzy place where the heat from your computer and leopard print snuggie are more than you could have ever dreamed.

I recently moved my workspace from upstairs to downstairs. It's not much but it makes me happy and well...Bill Gates started in his basement or garage or something like that, right?

My OLD workspace. I really had to focus on color correction in this space. The yellow walls aren't color correction friendly but they made me happy.

The NEW workspace. A more "Mahera friendly" environment where I have easy access to everything I need. Except my phone. No reception down here.

Other things that calm me: My tiffin (reminds me of my sister and her understanding of my weirdness and fobby-ness), Holga (reminds me of my BFF Kay Kay & her new hubbers who just make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside), my CS2 books from my first and last photography class (remind me of BFF CK who encouraged me to start all of this), and CareBear (reminds me of my cousin who has been immensely supportive of me despite my ability to consistently screw up). My cheerleaders for life.

Now I'm going to utilize my new "workspace" filled with things that make me happy and get some work done. Pray that I am able to get my NEW BLOG up and running AND all of my images processed soon. I hope all of you dahlings are having a vunderfool day! (Oh no...my FOB is showing.)

My Blogging Fantasy

2010-10-15T16:16:00.005-04:00

My blog title is probably more interesting than the blog but, "Do you really want to hurt me...do you really want to make me cry?"

I'm sitting in a coffee shop, Boy George is blasting in the back, and I'm people watching. I couldn't have dreamed it better. The woman next to me is speaking German to her mother via webcam and she just lifted up her chocolate scone and flashed the "thumbs up" sign. I guess things are a go!

I, on the other hand, have watched the whole world go by; people on their cell phones, a woman in a cardigan that was too tight for her, and a homeless man that saw my camera next to me and said, "You know what would be a good picture? You and me." I was tempted to ask for his number but I restrained myself.

Anyway...just wanted to say hi. Now it's train time. Ciao darlings!

Family Fun

2010-10-13T02:32:00.002-04:00

I always think it's crazy how I have a story to go with each one of my clients.   The story usually involves my client being a friend of a friend and then turning into my friend. Hi, my name is Mahera and I'm a networking-aholic.

I met Anna through one of my BFF's about two years ago because I was looking for a local spa after I moved into the Baltimore area. I don't know if it was the Boston accent or the scented candles but I knew she and I would be good friends.   She always has a story to tell and sometimes our conversations go on for hours and hours without us even realizing the time.   I always feel like one of the women from "Steel Magnolias" when I visit Anna's spa. I guess you could say we're kindred overly talkative spirits.

Anna recently got in touch with me because she wanted to get some maternity shots taken.   I told her I would love to do it and suggested that she bring the entire family. Anna and her family came out to meet me on a burn-your-skin-chew-through-the-air summer day. Despite it all, Anna, her handsome husband Roberto, and the kiddos were great sports!

This was my first time doing a family shoot outdoors. In the past, I had only done portraits for my cousins family. That was easy because I did a little studio set up in their home so they didn't have to take the kids out of their environment.   Also, my cousin's kids know me very well (because I'm their cool rock star aunt that only comes around to spoil them) so it made my job a lot easier.   I wanted to try something different so Anna and her family were my guinea pigs.

Thank you guys for letting me experiment!

Enjoy some of my favorite images from our day together.

I love Sofia's hair. Free flowing without a care in the world.

One of most handsome young men at the park that day! The second being his dad.

Random Thoughts Completely Unrelated to Photography

2010-10-01T04:44:00.007-04:00

My Nano (grandmother) was a very special person to me. (May she rest in peace.)

When I was a child, I had this horrible dream about the devil (or some sort of devils minion) sitting on my pillow. I screamed and my mother came running into the room to find out what was wrong. She tried to comfort me but the only person I wanted was my Nano who was sleeping in the next room. Nano came in and saw that I was sobbing with my arms covering my damp face. She slept next to me that night and told me everything was going to be okay. I eventually drifted into a sound sleep and felt safe knowing she was next to me. When she said something was going to be okay, it was always okay.

She loved me when my mom was mad at me for talking back or not cleaning. She loved me even though I would hide from her when it was time to read the Quran. She loved me despite the fact I seldom called or wrote when she returned to Pakistan. She loved me even if I was late in fulfilling a promise. Her love was truly unconditional.

Nano always believed there was good in all people and she made friends wherever she went. She was a strong willed woman and the epitome of simplicity combined with elegance.   She knew her place in life. Her possessions did not define her because she always said that this world was temporary.

There are still demons in my life however lately they've taken different forms.   I get so scared sometimes when I think that I've taken on photography full time because I don't know where it's going to take me. I'm scared that all good things come to an end and if things do end, what will become of my life? When I start feeling this way, I take a step back, close my eyes, and think of my grandmother. I think about how confident she was in her own life and how much love & hope she had in her heart despite perpetual hardships. When I lose hope in myself and feel memories of Nano slipping away, I pull out old photos to help me remember everything; her loving and encouraging smile, her small silver bun occasionally adorned with jasmine flowers, and her calling me "jaan" anytime she needed me.

It's been nine years since I last saw her and almost three years since she passed away. I miss her hugs. I miss listening to her read Quran. I miss hearing her stories. I miss her putting oil in my hair even though it made me smell like fried onions.

Nano's younger sister is visiting us for the next three weeks. I've been basking in this substitute Nano's smiles, stories, and embraces. She is so similar to my grandmother in the way she talks, sits, and laughs. I find myself with a lump in my throat when I watch her telling stories with the same gusto as her older sister. When I photograph this substitute Nano, I see my real Nano through the camera. I feel like I have a small part of her with me again.

♫ ♫ I was a little girl alone in my little world who dreamed of a little home for me.
I played pretend between the trees, and fed my house guests bark and leaves, and laughed in my pretty bed of green.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest swing.
I had a dream.

Long walks in the dark through woods grown behind the park, I asked God who I'm supposed to be.
The stars smiled down on me, God answered in silent reverie. I said a prayer and fell asleep.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest tree.
I had a dream.

Now I'm old and feeling grey. I don't know what's left to say about this life I'm willing to leave.
I lived it full and I lived it well, there's many tales I've lived to tell. I'm ready now, I'm ready now, I'm ready now to fly from the highest wing.

I had a dream ♫♫

-Priscilla Ahn

HUMA + TARIQ

2010-09-21T19:44:00.003-04:00

Huma's smile is bubbly and contagious; Tariq's eyes are intensely green. Huma is an elegant take charge woman; Tariq is a debonair laid back man. When Huma looks at Tariq, her face lights up.   Tariq can't help but smile when he sees Huma smiling.

Ah love...isn't it wonderful?

Huma & Tariq sought me out a few months before their wedding. The shaadi was going to take place on Saturday and the walima was scheduled for Sunday.   Before they got in touch with me, I had already booked a second shooting gig for Sunday evening. Huma was a little bummed however I told her that I would make it work somehow. I photographed the shaadi and also their portraits the following day, before I left for my second shooting gig in D.C. I hired second photographer, Cheryl Nemazie, for the walima reception that I was going to miss. Thank goodness it all worked out!

Out of respect, I always ask permission to post photos of my brides who wear hijab.   With that said, I am so grateful to both Huma and Tariq for allowing me to share some of my favorite snaps from their wedding festivities!

Makeup was done by the extremely talented Faiyza Beg. Holla at her on FB! I love working with Faiyza because I've known her for years and she always makes my brides look FAB-U-LOUS!

One of the things I love about Pakistani/Indian weddings is that everything is so colorful! Colorful outfits, colorful accessories, and colorful details!

Isn't she absolutely radiant?

There were a lot more portraits and photographs from the event that night however these the ones that are bride approved!

The following morning I met Tariq & Huma at their hotel so I could photograph portraits in their walima outfits. Faiyza was already there getting Huma dolled up for the portrait session. I caught a glimpse of Huma's hands; they were dark red! They say that the darker the color of the Mehndi, the happier the marriage. I think Tariq and Huma are going to have an extremely happy marriage!

While Huma finished getting ready, I grabbed Tariq for his individual portraits. He was a total natural! I always ask my clients give me an "intense" look. I didn't really have to ask Tariq because he naturally looks intense!

Huma joined us a short while later. Also a total natural! She looks like she could be in a magazine!

Huma and Tariq, you guys look amazing together!

KEYUR & SEJAL, Part 2: The Engagement Session

2010-09-21T02:08:00.003-04:00

I parked in the Pier V garage at the Baltimore Harbor and hurried over to Barnes and Noble where I was supposed to meet Keyur and Sejal before their engagement shoot.   I felt a light breeze and whispered a secret "thanks" to God for the cool Baltimore evening. I wanted to grab a quick cup of coffee before the shoot so that I would be more energetic and alert than usual. Just as the Starbucks barista handed me my coffee, I got a phone call from Sejal letting me know that they were going to be outside in five minutes.   A little bit of skim milk and a half a pack of splenda later, I was on my way down. Earlier in the day, I had called Keyur and Sejal to let them know that I wanted to do the entire shoot in Baltimore City instead of taking them to the originally decided venues. After all, these two lovebirds had met in Baltimore so it was only fitting that they have their engagement session there!

Keyur and Sejal met during college. Sejal had come to Maryland for pharmacy school and Keyur was working on his bachelors at UMBC. Keyur went to Sejal's apartment in Baltimore to pick her up for their first date.

"I remember her apartment. I remember walking down the hallway. It was right here on Charles Street," Keyur pointed out as we drove by.

Sejal smiled and said, "I remember we talked a lot that first date. First at the ESPN Zone and then on a bench at the Harbor. And then we walked all the way to Federal Hill to talk more.   After our first date, I told all my friends I was going to marry him."

Sometimes you just know...

Sejal my dear you are absolutely GORGEOUS!

One of my favorite things about Keyur and Sejal is that they don't think it's weird when I lay on the middle of a Baltimore sidewalk to get a shot.

Sejal lived on Charles Street. That's her building right behind them!

When I asked Sejal to make Keyur laugh, she did this dance that can only be described as...alien like.

One of the many locations where Keyur and Sejal talked for hours and hours!

Sometimes to evoke emotion from my couples, I'll bring out my Blackberry playlist. When I want them to laugh I play Justin Bieber and when I want them to get serious I play some romantic music. I asked Keyur and Sejal what they would like to hear and they decided on Is Pal from the movie "Aaja Nachle." It was their song. Sejal looked into Keyur's eyes and began to cry. I'm going to cry just thinking about it! Keyur, you're totally Prince Charming!

Venue Scouting with a Magician and a Designer

2010-09-20T18:44:00.003-04:00

Today I met up with my 10.10.10 clients Peter & Christie. The plan was to scout the grounds to find ideal locations for portraits. We have 30 minutes on the wedding day to take portraits of the bride and groom (individually and together), the bride and groom + the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the groomsmen with the groom, and the bridesmaids with the bride.

Most of my venues have been pretty small and usually involve a hotel of some sort so there are very few options for portrait locations. The 10.10.10 wedding is set...well...I'll let you see for yourself in October! After doing a dry run today I know that I have to leave at least 1.5 hours before the event and I will have to make sure that I have every shot planned out and ready to go as our dry run took us nearly 45 minutes.

Sometimes things don't go as planned however it's always nice to be prepared for scenarios A, B, & C!

Now that I'm done thinking about things - time to send out a final email and lock down my plan of action!

That's right. My clients are cooler than yours. HOLLA!

Target Practice

2010-09-20T04:05:00.007-04:00

If you've been following me on FB or anywhere else, you know that this past week I pulled a "Mahera." What does a "Mahera" entail you ask?   Well, it basically means me doing something totally crazy that usually winds up causing me (or anyone within 50 feet of me) more work.

I was trying to organize my desktop and clear out unnecessary files; drag this to the trash, move that to my back up hard drive, put this in the "to do" folder, and so forth.   As I was emptying the trash bin, I saw 7000 items being deleted. I froze. I thought that maybe I was seeing things so I checked my folders and lo and behold, I was missing my "needs to be posted folder." Somehow in my cleaning frenzy, I had deleted nearly a months worth of work.   I felt like bawling. Sigh. Since then, I've been sitting in front of my computer reprocessing images from weddings, portrait shoots, and random events.   That means 8 hour days of nothing but coffee and QT with my computer doing work I had already done.   Sigh again.

Though I love my clients (seriously 2010 folks, you have been FABULOUS!) and weddings, I needed to rest my eyes for a bit.   My dear friend and website designer Tarbia came to pick me up for a fun filled day of sunflowers!   First we stopped at Ladew Gardens (I hope to photograph a wedding there someday) and then traveled down the road to the sunflower fields of Harford County.

Poor Tarbia didn't realize she would be my model for the day. I shouted commands, fake laughed to make her laugh, and even played mood music on my blackberry to inspire her. That's right people, I pulled out the big guns in exchange for some target practice. Much like my other victims, she was a good sport!

Here, Tarbia sports the pensive look for me as she wonders, "Was it wise for me to bring Mahera along with me today?"

She then looks straight ahead hoping that I will leave her alone.

I love sheds, barns, and brightly colored backgrounds. I was very excited to find this in the garden. It may have been a storage unit but it reminded me of a small cottage.

We arrived at the sunflower fields after our tour of Ladew Gardens. For those of you who I've shot before, imagine me doing my laugh. The one where I throw my head back and cackle. That's what was going on here.

Tarbia shoots the siamese sunflower with a Holga.

A lone sunflower is smuggled out of the field. Tarbia assures the flower that it will get a good home. The flower seems to believe her.

Photo of me by Tarbia. I was going for the man with the bowler hat look.

I couldn't have asked for a better day off!

'Twas A Gawgeous Day For Voting Dahling

2010-09-15T15:30:00.004-04:00

'Twas a gawgeous day for voting yesterday!   The sun was out and not in an annoying in your eyes and make you sweat kind of way. To be honest, I've never voted in an MD primary election. I've never really thought about it because well...I don't really know why. (I know it's not an excuse or reason but I've never really thought about it!) When I read about another person murdered Baltimore or about how after school activities are being cancelled due to lack of funding, I think to myself, "Someone should do something about that!"

Well folks, it comes down to the people you vote for in your local elections!   I was out there supporting my friend Brian Bailey. He and I went to UMBC together and lived on the Shriver floor. Both of us were really involved with volunteering and another community affairs while in college. Brian had been involved on a more political level and was always working on some sort of project. Since college, he's become the chair of the Baltimore County Democratic Party, worked to improve education as Co-Chair of the Southwest Area Educational Advisory Council of Baltimore County Public Schools, and has fought to expand access to quality health care as a member of the health policy division of a national medical association. (And I'm just giving you the highlights of all that IS Brian Bailey.)

Anyway - Brian needed my help handing out informational leaflets and brochures to voters as they were coming in to vote.   The morning started off slow but as the work day came to a close, it was nice to see everyone rolling in.   I was particularly proud of the local Muzzies who came out!   It was a slow day but not slow enough for me to keep taking photos every five seconds like I normally do. So here are a few images to show you how I spent 12 hours yesterday...

Volunteers were everywhere. However, at times I felt like there were more campaign signs than people. On the bottom left is the volunteer team that was on my corner. We were all backing a different candidate however we agreed that all of the candidates put in a lot of hard work and there was no reason for us not to be friends. (That wasn't the case on the other corner.) Bottom right: Brian giving me a thumbs up! Also check out the middle; a newspaper tog on the grounds! I love seeing photographers in the wild!

Things I learned by 4pm: I cannot wear heels for more than 8 hours if I am standing up for the entire 8 hours. I decided to take some photos of the sky while I rested my feet.

The sun began to set and volunteers took a seat. Most of them had been there since 8am and now it was the 11th hour. The last few voters were trickling in.

Polls closed! Volunteering reminded me how important it is to properly research candidates and to actually make time to go out and vote! Unfortunately, Brian didn't win however that's not going to really stop him. I know he'll take on a new challenge and continue to make his community a better and safer place to live!

THROWBACK 2008: LAILA + YUSUF

2010-09-09T07:14:00.003-04:00

I know it's been forever since I've written but I'm still here. I think I'm finally recovered from the Summer Wedding Season! Woot woot.

I'm going to give you guys at least 2 "Throwback" blogs this week. Well, what's left of the week at least.

This weeks throwback is dedicated to Laila & Yusuf.

Laila and Yusuf met while they were abroad for school and fell in love immediately. She had a smile that could light up the whole room and he had salt and pepper George Clooney-esque hair. With their parents blessing and a few of their friends and family, they celebrated their union as husband and wife.

Meet Laila & Yusuf...

Once the dancing started...it was hard to stop!

The Nikkah Cremony was the following day. The young couple wanted a small ceremony to be held at the local mosque. There was something about that day...it was just serene. Yusuf was positively glowing with happiness and Laila couldn't stop smiling!

After the Nikkah, we moved to the reception where the dancing started almost immediately. I say almost immediately because back in the day, I used to set up portrait backdrops. (Yikes!) After watching some of the local photographers in the area and working at a portrait studio in the mall, I thought it was "natural." (Totally not the case.) Backdrops are restricting when it comes to couple portraits and you can't really have a lot of fun with them. I'd like to thank Laila and Yusuf for hiring me even though I brought a 9ft seamless backdrop roll with me. My second photographer friend, Antar Hanif, was my helper/lighting guy/guru for the day and I wouldn't have made it through the day without him!

And now back to the dancing!!!

Like I've said before, my first couples hold a special place in my heart. Laila & Yusuf - thanks for everything!

Excuses for not blogging in two-ish days...

2010-09-03T03:28:00.003-04:00

1) My router died two-ish days ago. (True story.)
2) I was really depressed after my router died. (Kind of true.)
3) Fasting makes me forgetful. (Sometimes.)
4) Someone ate my laptop and I just got a new one today...(Yeah...)
5) ...umm...

...okay I'm out of excuses but I really am sorry for not blogging for the past two-ish days!

It's 3:15 am and I have to leave at 4:30am to photograph an event for 8ish hours. Memory cards are formatted, camera and lenses are clean, I've had two cups of coffee, and I'm getting my game face on! Hollllerrrrrr. (Make sure you mentally enunciate that "r.")

I promise I'll be back later (after I've taken a nice long nap) to post more. Cross my heart. Pinky swear. Seriously!

Photographer out!

HOLLA to Chick Flicks

2010-08-30T03:12:00.108-04:00

Fact: Chick flicks increase productivity in 5'0'' Pakistani women who are wedding photographers.

I often need some background noise as I'm working and so I turn to the company of "chick flicks." I play a movie and and keep working until Drew Barrymore gets kissed or until Julia Stiles gets over the fact that Heath Ledger was paid to take her out. After the final kiss (there is always a final kiss) I take a small break where I stretch my legs, respond to a few emails, and check facebook. Then, it's back to work!

Why chick flicks you ask? Why not music?

Every once in a while I'll jam out to some sort of pop/rock/rap *cough* Justin Bieber and Jay-Z *cough cough* but ultimately I need the sounds of conversation. I grew up in a house filled with the noise of people constantly coming, going, and talking. While I enjoy and cherish my alone time, I guess I need ambient noise to function? (You've just walked through the door leading to the inner workings of my psyche. *scary movie music*)

Maybe I am a closet romantic and chick flicks speak my secret language. Who knows.

All I know right now is that my break time is over and I need to get back to work.

HOLLA to chick flicks and to all those who watch them with the same gusto as I do.

GARIMA + SAM: Sangeet

2010-08-29T05:55:00.008-04:00

Last night I attended the most bumpin' (fo realzies) party I have attended since...well...the last wedding I photographed.

It took me two tries to find the venue which made me nervous and tense. I eventually arrived, grabbed my gear, and started speed walking in heels towards the banquet hall. Sam's dad was standing in the doorway and upon seeing me he gave me a huge hug and said, "Come on in beta, you can take charge now!" I stopped to say hello to Garima, Garima's mom, and Sam's mom. All three of these women gave me HUGE hugs. (I love this family...seriously.)

After hugging it out - I was ready to go. The entertainment started quickly and lasted until midnight-ish! Everyone was in party mode the entire time and I wouldn't expect anything less from the people in attendance. Anytime Garima and Sam's family and friends get together, I am guaranteed to have a FAB-U-LOUS time! Enjoy a few images from Garima & Sam's Sangeet!

In case you can't tell, that's Michael Jackson on the top left hand corner and the worm on the top right. That's right. The worm.

Congrats Sam & Garima! See you guys next weekend!

KEYUR & SEJAL, Part 1: Engagement Party 2009

2010-08-28T03:21:00.007-04:00

I got a phone call in March of 2009 from Keyur asking me if I was available to photograph an engagement in April.   He said he had found me on facebook and really loved the photos I had posted in my facebook group. Most of of my work up until that point had been of my friends, family, and small events so I was a little surprised to hear him say that.

I asked Keyur if he wanted to meet me to discuss the details and he replied, "If you're okay with everything, then I'm okay."

The event was being held at the Greater Baltmore Temple and would have somewhere between 100-200 people in attendance.   This made me a bit nervous at the time because I hadn't handled anything this huge since Shama & Sabir's wedding the previous year. I went to check out the venue with one of my other BFF's (I'll introduce her to you at some point in this blog, I'm sure.) and planned out shots.   After checking everything out, I felt I was ready.

The day of the engagement, I went to Service Photo to pick up a lens I was renting for the event.   After that I rushed to Home Depot for some batteries and drove like a bat out of hell to the venue. (I'll be late for everything else but I will NEVER be late for an event that I'm shooting.) I walked into an immaculately decorated but somewhat dark room and I started to feel butterflies. I only had my Rebel Xti and I was alone. ALONE! That means if I missed a shot, I missed it. I had to get my game face on so I did what I often tell my brides to do; I took a deep breath and shook it out. I photographed some details and focused on my breathing as I waited for Keyur and Sejal to arrive.

When they walked into the room, I felt like Barbie and Ken had just entered the building. They were wearing matching outfits and huge smiles on their face. Keyur looked amazing in his Sherwani and Sejal was dolled up from head to toe! Even though they had never met me before, they quickly found me and gave me a huge hug!

Every so often, I see a couple that is absolutely perfect for one another.   This was definitely the case with Keyur and Sejal. They are ying and yang. Sejal is off the wall bubbly and loud while Keyur is calm and somewhat quiet. She calms him and he calms her by starting most sentences with the word "honey." (Btw that's pronounced HUN-ey. That's right...B-more to the core!) He's constantly checking her out and she's always making him laugh.

We talked about how the rest of the day was going to pan out and then I began to shoot.   Enjoy some images from my first encounter with Keyur & Sejal. Stay tuned this week as I take you through Keyur and Sejal's matrimonial adventure!

A BFF WEDDING

2010-08-27T18:20:00.004-04:00

In the middle of my sixth grade year, Mama and Papa Rana decided to leave Baltimore and move to the ye ol' town of Bel Air, Maryland. Most children would have been devastated to leave the town that they had spent the past six years however, I was not.   I didn't have any real friends in Baltimore, and as soon as they installed metal detectors in our middle school, I was ready to move on.

Kelley and I were friends the moment I walked into school wearing my favorite white sweatshirt with Minnie Mouse painted on the front. The words "Sweet Stuff" were written above Minnie, who had one hand on her hip. I think Minnie was really putting a message out there; "I'm a not just a mouse, I'm a diva." I was putting out my own message with a halo of frizz, gold-rimmed glasses too big for my face, and my Minnie Mouse sweatshirt. My message read, "I'd rather have one eyebrow, not two."

Kelley embraced me and my eclectic ways immediately. To me, Kelley was always well dressed and had the best stationary in all of our grade.   She was friends with everyone and able to talk to anything that moved. (Not much has changed.) Kelley and I spent a lot of time in various classes discussing our respective lives. She told me about her smorgasbord family and I told her about the Rana clan.   She was intrigued by me, and I, by her. Although to be fair, she was the whitest and tallest girl I had ever met, and I was one of the five South Asian students in school. It was only natural to be infatuated with one another.

We've been friends since that first day and we've seen each other through the best and the worst. She can give me a look (which often looks like a facial twitch) and I'll know exactly what she's thinking.   We are twins on every non-superficial level.   I am the Danny DeVito to her Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Recently, BFF Kelley took the plunge and got married to the man of her dreams. I am often very critical of the men Kelley is interested in, and the men who are interested in Kelley.   Anes was a different story. He seemed to fit right into her life without any complications. Anes's warm smile and acceptance of all that is "Kelley" not only won Kelley's heart, but also mine.

This past July I traveled to Atlanta to attend BFF Kelley's small and extremely classy Nikkah ceremony. There were cupcakes instead of a cake, close friends and family, and of course lots of food. The Nikkah was performed by Kelley's roommate, Heba.   Everything about the wedding was personal and relaxed, just as all weddings should be. May Allah bless the marriage of Kelley and Anes and fill the rest of their lives with happiness. Ameen.

Unfortunately I can't really post photos of the couple.   Kelley covers and well...gotta respect the scarf! Here are some images from my BFF's wedding day. .

The New Man in My Life

2010-08-26T11:28:00.004-04:00

I am not a person who is known for being quiet. I am the person who needs some sort of background noise to focus. As I'm processing photos, I'm watching 30 Rock. As I'm organizing my work space or doing administrative work, I'm watching a random movie on my playlist. Silence has always made me feel something is lacking which induces anxiety.

Lately, things have changed. There is a man who has won my heart. He keeps me on my toes and always leaves me wanting more. He says things in such a way that makes me think. His words paint pictures in my mind and these images stay with me for days. This gentleman has been around for years and I am just noticing him. Many of my friends have known him and have even tried to introduce us. I, being the stubborn person that I am, always brushed him off. "If he's that perfect for me, he'll find his own way to my heart," I used to say This man has left me speechless. He's left me consumed with thoughts of him.

Who is this gentleman you ask?

None other than Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi. He's filled a void in my life. I wish I had found him long ago. Appreciated him. Better late than never, I suppose. Rumi, I am a broken leaf and you are the storm that has carried me away! You're some what of a mystic. *swoon*

I see my beauty in you,

I become a mirror

that cannot close it's eyes to your longing.

My eyes wet with yours in the early light.

My mind every moment giving birth,

always conceiving, always in the ninth month,

always the come-point.

How do I stand this?

We become these words we say,

a wailing sound moving out into the air.

These thousands of worlds that rise from nowhere,

how does your face contain them?

I am a fly in your honey, then closer,

a moth caught in the flame's allure,

then empty sky stretched out in homage.

~ Rumi

THROWBACK 2009: SHAHZIA + MOEZ

2010-08-25T07:20:00.003-04:00

I often look back at my older work and realize how much I have evolved as a photographer. My images, although the same in content, have a whole different feel to them. Shahzia and Moez were one of my first couples in 2009. The couples that were there in the beginning hold a very special place in my heart. I'd like to display these couples who were with me before I had Lightroom, Photoshop, and a blog. I'm going to make this a weekly segment (well weekly until I run out images I can use for this segment) called "THROWBACK." All of my throwback images were shot with my Canon Xti named Dimitri. (Yes, I name my cameras.)

Thanks to Shahzia and Moez for having me as their photographer way back in the day. I remember traveling to Bel Air on a rainy day and bonding with Shahzia's amazing family while we waited for Moez to arrive. Good times. Good memories. Good friends.

Enjoy this weeks THROWBACK.

CHRISTIE + PETER

2010-08-24T09:27:00.005-04:00

When I was getting website quotes back in the day, an old high school friend of mine suggested I get in touch with Christie I think I may have sent an email and then I got over involved with school and didn't think of it again. A year or so later, I photographed a wedding through which I made friends with the brides sister. The brides sister turned out to be a good friend of Christie who is also a friend of my friend! (Does your head hurt yet?) Who would have thought that an old high school friend of mine and a new friend I made at a wedding, would lead me to this extraordinary couple!

Christie and Peter have their own company called Salt Shaker Studios. They make the internet a less boring place with their innovative designs and creativity. I thought this was the end of their awesomeness until Peter told me he was a magician! I didn't discover this amazing tidbit until we got to their e-session, otherwise I would have totally had him bring a top hat and bunny! I am so blessed to find such interesting and amazing people! I can't wait to photograph their wedding on 10 - 10 - 10!!

Here are a few of my favorite images from their engagement session a few months back!

The Fasting Photographer

2010-08-23T04:33:00.017-04:00

(Happy/Merry) Ramadan (Mubarak/Kareem) to all my fellow Muzzies (Muslims) out there! I hope that everyone is having a fabulous month filled with successful fasts and lots of yummy iftaars.

Ramadan is one of my favorite months of the Islamic calendar year.   It's a month of cleansing my mind, body, and soul of all negative things and thanking God for all the positive things that have accumulated since last Ramadan. I ask for forgiveness and try to make it through the day without thinking about chocolate and my beloved cup of morning coffee. In the past, Ramadan has fit right into my schedule however, this year is a bit different.

My "hours of operation" have varied slightly since Ramadan started. I have been waking up between 12pm and 2pm for the past two-ish weeks.   Stop staring at your screen in horror and let me explain.   I need certain things to get through the day such as exercise, water, food, coffee, and some form of chocolate.   (Okay so maybe I don't NEED the chocolate but it helps.) I know it's totally nuts and I sound like that selfish crazy woman from "Eat, Pray, Love" (I've only made it through 70 pages of that book and I do NOT like her so far!) but it's what I need. Without these basics I become sluggish and unproductive which makes it much harder to get through a day in front of my computer.

To remedy my Ramadan induced laziness, I've flipped my schedule. As of right now I'm running on a 7 hour-ish time difference from the rest of Maryland. As you're waking up at 7am, I am winding down from my day. It's pretty great. No one is up to bother me or distract me with their facebook status at 4am and the house is absolutely silent!   Me and a fellow Muzzie photographer friend of mine have business meetings via Skype at 1am while snacking on trail mix (or other snack of choice) and sipping our "evening" cup of chai. Our meetings consist of potential collaborative projects, light gossip, and a very intense discussion about the ridiculousness of 1am Skype business meetings.

With that said, I thank God that I am allowed to make my own schedule!

To show my extreme gratitude to all the forces that have allowed me to do what I love for a living, I am donating the proceeds from any portrait session booked between now and the end of September to help with the flood relief efforts in Pakistan. According to Google (as of 8/13/2010) "the latest estimate of the number of people affected by the flood exceeds 14 million—more than the combined total of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and the 2010 Haiti earthquake."

Email me at MaheraRanaPhotography@gmail.com with the subject "Flood Relief Portraits" if you want to help and get a few portraits in the process! Much love to those who have already donated and never ending prayers for the people of Pakistan.

"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." ~Rumi

KEYUR + SEJAL Teasers

2010-08-21T05:01:00.045-04:00

A few weeks ago I photographed my own personal (brown) Barbie & Ken!

Meet Keyur and Sejal!

I photographed their engagement a little over a year ago and I had the honor of photographing their wedding this past July. This couple is so in love that they can make even the most jaded heart believe in love once again. *cough* me *cough cough*

It's very rare to come across two people who are absolutely perfect for one another. Fo realzies. (Yeah, "fo realzies" is pretty serious where I come from.) I'll eventually post the entire "K & S" fairytale weekend, but for now enjoy a taste of the sheer awesomeness that is...Keyur and Sejal.

JHU Nritya Mala

2010-08-16T16:49:00.005-04:00

In November 2009, I had the pleasure of working with Johns Hopkins University at their Nritya Mala Show. Nritya Mala had not only the students from JHU performing, but also students from several other universities. Hopkins also has their own South Asian acapella group! It was a night of singing, dancing, and bright colors. Enjoy a few of my favorite images from the event!

Thank you to JHU for inviting me to photograph!

Out of Touch.

2010-07-20T03:08:00.004-04:00

Dear Friends who read this blog,

Sorry I have been out of touch. I just wanted to drop a few quick words (at 3am) to let you know I am still alive, working, and dealing with life!

Will be back soon to tell you about my recent adventures and...misadventures.

Stay tuned!

Love,

Mahera

HOLLA to Bollywood!

2010-02-19T14:08:00.020-05:00

Growing up, I loved the *dishoom dishoom* noises in Bollywood films when villains fought against one another. A climatic scene was bookmarked by a breeze rustling the hair of a young girl who had finally figured out she was in love. The "figuring out" part usually took about 1.5 hours. After her realization, she would put on her best sari and wait outside for the approaching storm. The storm would not only bring rain, but also a debonair young man who was infatuated with the rain soaked girl in the opaque sari. In another 1.5 hours, the two would have proved their commitment to each other and been married with blessings from both sets of parents. Bollywood is a world where dancing in the rain, courtships through songs, and love never go out of style. The cookie cutter plots and superficial details aren't the only reason that I keep coming back to Bolly films.

Due to the gaudy nature of Bollywood films, people often miss the underlying lessons. I however, can find a lesson in even the most ridiculous Bolly movies. For example, one of my most favorite movies as a child was "Rangeela". Once I got past the weird songs, horrible acting, and the twenty-something girl in pigtails, I found a message. This movie was a reminder that we should always strive to be the best version of ourselves. It also said that we should stay grounded and not forget the ones we love. I really had to pay attention to get these lessons. I just fast forwarded through most of the obscene dancing and ignored the wardrobe. Although, I'll admit to rocking out pigtails for a good week after watching this film.

Since "Rangeela," Bollywood has upped it's game and put out movies that are more than just music, like "Lagaan" and "Dil Chahta Hai." "Provoked" and "Water" really made Bolly audiences embrace a more independent style of film making and also allowed them to get a glimpse of major social issues. Wardrobe and cinematography made breakthroughs with the remake of the old Bolly film "Devdas."

The most recent Bolly productions that have rocked my world are "3 Idiots" and "Wake Up Sid." Why these two movies you ask? They teach the South Asian community to seek happiness in natural talents instead of following the traditional Math, Science, and Engineering path. Coincidentally, both of these movies involve photography as one of the paths to happiness! Granted Bollywood makes it all seem easier than it really is, but the main lesson that you should take away from these two films is that if you're really good at something then explore that talent.

I know this blog entry doesn't have a lot to do with photography and only brushed the subjects of Bollywood and life lessons, however I just wanted to offer a friendly reminder that happiness is whatever you want it to be. Choose your path not because you fear your future but rather because you want to embrace it.

I'll leave you all with one of my favorite poems...

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost: The Road Not Taken (1915)

Made For Each Other

2010-02-15T23:24:00.009-05:00

I generally don't indulge in corny titles but this one is totally applicable therefore making it un-corny. I've known Samir and Kavita since my undergraduate days at UMBC. Recently they sought me out to photograph their engagement hosted by Kavita's family in her home in Germantown.

As I walked up the snow covered street towards the house, I could see people laughing inside and warm yellow light spilling out from the windows. I stepped in and saw Kavita & Samir mingling with their guests. Kavita looked stunning and poised as per usual and Samir was wearing a sharp suit and a huge smile. The engagement was a small affair with Samir and Kavita's closest family and friends. I love intimate gatherings because all the old college buddies, friends who have moved far away, grandmothers, grandfathers, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins that haven't seen each other in years, finally get together. The result: lots of hugs, smiles, laughs, and jokes. I was so lucky to be a part of it!

Enjoy some images from Samir and Kavita's Engagement!

SAMIR + KAVITA

Okay I feel I have to explain this one. I wanted to do a classic photo that really mimicked the old days when our parents met on the actual wedding day and smiling was not in style. Thank you Samir & Kavita for being good sports!

And now they are back to being the modern day Samir & Kavita.

Sometimes You Find Love in the Most Unlikely Places

2010-02-11T19:10:00.009-05:00

Every girl remembers her first love and every photographer remembers her first wedding...

It was mild winter in January 2008 and the Giants were on their way to the superbowl. I was on a European vacation with my brother and sister and in en route to France when I got an email from Shama asking if I would photograph her wedding. Initially I didn't know if I wanted to be a "wedding photographer." I mean I had seen the uncle-like men who were photographers at the Pakistani/Indian weddings I had attended. They would putz around with frowns on their faces, a still camera in one hand, and a video camera in the other. At one wedding, I remember clicking away using my Canon Elph while the father of the bride gave a moving speech. When I looked over at the main photographer he was downing samosas and a can of Pepsi. Even though I shuddered at the thought of being a wedding photographer...I decided to bite the bullet and take the gig.

It all happened so suddenly. I didn't think it could happen! I mean at a wedding? It wasn't supposed to be like this! After the three day event...I was in love. I loved the idea of being able to do something I love for a living. I loved the idea of being a part of peoples most important moments. I knew I LIKED photography but this time...I fell in LOVE. I know it's a little corny and dramatic but hey...that's me!

I just want to thank Shama and Sabir for trusting me with their wedding photography. I was new and inexperienced but they still took a chance on me!

Here are some of my favorite images from Shama and Sabir's Wedding.

SHAMA + SABIR

Late Night Walk

2010-02-08T22:29:00.010-05:00

Late night walks in the snow are just as fun as daytime walks in the snow.

My last snow adventure before I start up work again tomorrow!

Baby It's Cold Outside

2010-02-07T22:35:00.005-05:00

How lovely it is to be so cozy in the house with my entire family. My mother and aunt are upstairs trying to fix a sewing machine while my sister and I are sitting in front of the crackling fireplace. My brother has spent the entire weekend watching "HOUSE" and I've spent the entire weekend shoveling snow and trying to capture the storm in a few snaps. Snapping photos was pretty hard considering that the snow came up to my waist. *Shakes fist at the gods of height!*

Yesterday morning we woke up to the sight of white glitter covering all of the cookie cutter homes in our small cul de sac. It looked harmless and inviting making me want to dive in...pajamas and all!

I poked my toe outside of the door to test temperature of the snow much like one tests the water before getting into the pool. My little toe froze instantly at which point I decided it wise to bundle up just a tad. The siblings and I layered up before heading outside. They grabbed their shovels and I, my camera.

I've never really talked to our neighbors. When we moved here, I was still in school and working at the same time. This left little time for any chit chat beyond a simple "hi" or a smile of acknowledgment. Despite my un-neighborliness (I know it's not a word), our neighbors came to help us shovel and plow through the 30 inches of snow covering our driveway. HUGE shout out to the awesome boys and the young man with the snow blower who helped us complete a 6 hour task in 4 hours! Don't worry, my sister baked them brownies and a cake. Their good deeds did not go unrewarded!

We eventually finished and went inside for lunch/dinner...so...Linner? Folks...if you've never had Paani Puri, I insist that you drive to your closest Indian Restaurant immediately! It's crispy, tart, and spicy all at once!

After fueling up I went out again with my camera. There is something so serene about the snow. The cool white blanket covers the ground forcing everyone to stop and take a break from their usual run around. I love it.

Put on some Dean Martin and enjoy this lovely break while you can because as soon as work starts again...you're going to wish for another storm!

♪ (I really can't stay) But baby it's cold outside
(Got to go away) But baby it's cold outside
(This evening has been) Been hoping you'd drop in
(So very nice) I'll hold your hands they're just like ice
(My mother will start to worry) Beautiful watch you're wearing
(My father will be pacing the floor) Listen to the fireplace roar
(So really I'd better scurry) Beautiful please don't hurry
(Well maybe just half a drink) Put some records on while I pour
(The neighbors might think) Baby it's bad out there
(Say what's in this drink) No cabs to be had out there
(I wish I knew how) Your eyes are like starlight now
(To break this spell) I'll take your hat your hair looks swell
(I ought to say no no) Mind if I move in closer
(At least I'm going to say I tried) What's the sense of hurting my pride
(I really can't stay) Baby don't hold out
(Both) Baby it's cold outside

(I simply must go) Baby it's cold outside
(The answer is no) Baby it's cold outside
(The welcome has been) How lucky that you dropped in
(So nice and warm) Look out the window at the storm
(My sister will be suspicious) Gosh your lips look delicious
(My brother will be there at the door) Waves upon a tropical shore
(My maiden aunt's mind is vicious) Gosh your lips are delicious
(But maybe just a cigarette) Never such a blizzard before
(I got to get home) But baby you'd freeze out there
(Say lend me a comb) It's up to your knees out there
(You've really been grand) I thrill when you touch my hand
(But don't you see) How can you do this to me
(There's bound to be talk tomorrow) Think of my life long sorrow
(At least they'll be plenty implied) If you caught pneumonia and died
(I really can't stay) Get over that old doubt
(Both) Baby it's cold
(Both) Baby it's cold outside ♪

Winter Wonderland...fo realzies.

2010-02-05T21:11:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their snow day as much as I am! I had a nice little walk around the neighborhood and I realized that I love snow even though it's usually a HUGE inconvenience. Especially since its only been snowing on weekends here in Maryland!

Enjoy some snaps of my walk in snow!

My poor little camera was a little too wet and cold for it's own good. We are now thawing out in front of the fire place with family. Happy snow day everyone!