In this week’s edition of Beyond the Spotlight on Craftyfly Chronicles, we sit down with Fakeye Fakrid, a renowned photographer and a passionate teacher who has also dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring the next generation of creatives.

A man whose journey is defined by raw ambition, resilience, and authenticity. From capturing unforgettable moments to battling personal challenges, Fakrid takes us beyond the lens and into the heart of his journey-one shaped by a deep love for both art and education—and uncover the stories behind the images and lessons that define his path.

Interview Questions

Q:What does vulnerability mean to you, and how do you navigate being vulnerable in both your personal life and your work?

Ans: Vulnerability, to me, means being open, susceptible, and willing to take risks, embracing the uncertainty that comes with it. It’s about being authentic, transparent, and honest, even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult. Vulnerability allows us to form deeper connections, build trust, and grow as individuals.

Vulnerability. As a teacher and photographer, I’ve come to realize that vulnerability is the thread that weaves authenticity into every aspect of my life. To me, vulnerability means embracing openness, transparency, and willingness to take risks. It’s about stepping into the unknown, whether that’s sharing my thoughts, emotions, or creative work with others. In my teaching practice, vulnerability means:

1. Being willing to admit when I don’t have all the answers.
2. Sharing personal anecdotes to connect with students on a deeper level.
3. Creating a safe space for students to express themselves freely.
4. Embracing constructive feedback from students and peers.

In my photography, vulnerability translates to:

1. Capturing raw, unposed moments that reveal the beauty in imperfection.
2. Sharing my perspective, even if it’s unconventional or challenging.
3. Experimenting with new techniques, risking failure, and learning from it.
4. Revealing the stories behind my images, making myself relatable.

Q:Can you describe a moment when you faced your greatest fear? How did that experience change you?

Ans:My greatest fear as a photographer was put to the test on my first assignment, covering a birthday event in my boss’s absence. With limited experience and inadequate knowledge of camera operations, I felt overwhelmed. Fear of failure and embarrassment gripped me, but I couldn’t admit my struggles to my boss.

Determined to rise to the challenge, I attended the event, fumbling through camera settings and struggling to capture quality shots. Anxiety exacerbated my difficulties, and the situation worsened when my camera battery died during the event’s climax. The outcome was disappointing, with subpar photos. However, that experience taught me invaluable lessons such as importance of preparation, moving forward, I learned to take learning photography seriously, practicing and honing my skills. I aIso realized it’s okay to seek guidance and clarification when unsure.
It also taught me resilience and developed coping mechanisms for anxiety and self-doubt.
And lastly, I understood the value of taking responsibility for my work. That daunting experience transformed me into a more proactive, resourceful, and confident photographer I am now.

Q:What are the most significant sacrifices you’ve made in pursuit of your passion, and how do you reconcile those sacrifices with your personal life?
Ans:As a teacher and photographer, I’ve made significant sacrifices to pursue my passions.
Sacrifices:
1. Time: Countless hours spent grading papers, preparing lessons, and editing photos, often at the expense of personal time and social events.
2. Financial stability: Investing in photography equipment, workshops, and marketing, while accepting lower pay as a teacher.
3. Energy: Balancing the physical and mental demands of teaching with the creative exhaustion of photography.
4. Personal relationships: Missing family gatherings, birthdays, and special moments to meet deadlines or cover events.
5. Creative freedom: Compromising on artistic vision to meet client or editorial expectations.

Reconciling sacrifices with personal life:

1. Prioritization: Setting boundaries between work and personal life to maintain a healthy balance.
2. Support system: Surrounding myself with understanding family, friends, and fellow creatives.
3. Self-care: Scheduling time for exercise, meditation, and relaxation.
4. Flexibility: Adapting to changing circumstances and finding creative solutions.
5. Reflection: Regularly evaluating priorities and adjusting course to maintain alignment with personal values.

Q:Can you share a transformative experience that shifted your worldview or challenged your beliefs? What impact did it have on you?

Ans: As a teacher and photographer, I’ve had several transformative experiences, but one stands out.
The Experience:
During a photography project, I visited a local orphanage to capture the stories of its residents. I expected to take poignant photos, but what I encountered changed me profoundly. The children’s resilience, hope, and joy despite their circumstances humbled me. One child, in particular, touched my heart. Her name was Bimpe, and she had lost her parents at a young age. Despite her hardships, Bimpe’s smile lit up the room, and her determination inspired me.
Shift in Worldview:
That experience challenged my beliefs about:

1. Privilege: I realized how fortunate I was to have a supportive family and access to education.
2. Resilience: I saw firsthand how people can thrive despite adversity.
3. Purpose: I understood the impact photography can have in sharing untold stories.
Impact:
1. Empathy: I became more compassionate and understanding in my teaching and photography.
2. Perspective: I began to see the world through the lens of others, particularly the marginalized.
3. Purpose-driven work: I focused on using photography to amplify voices and tell meaningful stories.
4. Gratitude: I cultivated a deeper appreciation for life’s simple joys.

Q:What role does storytelling play in your life? How do you view the stories you tell through your work, and what impact do you hope they have on others?
Ans:Storytelling is the heartbeat of my existence as a teacher and photographer.
The Power of Storytelling:
Storytelling allows me to:
1. Connect with my students on a deeper level.
2. Preserve memories and experiences.
3. Share perspectives and foster empathy.
4. Inspire and educate.
Storytelling through Teaching:
In the classroom, I use narratives to:

1. Make complex concepts relatable.
2. Share personal experiences and anecdotes.
3. Encourage students to share their own stories.
4. Foster a sense of community and belonging.

Storytelling through Photography:

Through my lens, I aim to:

1. Capture authentic moments and emotions.
2. Document social and environmental issues.
3. Share untold stories and amplify marginalized voices.
4. Inspire reflection and spark meaningful conversations.
Impact:
I hope my stories:

1. Inspire empathy and understanding.
2. Challenge perspectives and spark growth.
3. Preserve memories and cultural heritage.
4. Motivate positive change.

Q:How do you handle the fear of failure, especially when pursuing new opportunities? Has that fear ever held you back?
Ans:As a teacher and photographer, I’ve confronted the fear of failure numerous times.
Confronting Fear:
To manage fear, I:
1. Acknowledge and accept it.
2. Break down goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
3. Focus on progress, not perfection.
4. Develop contingency plans.
5. Seek support from mentors, peers, and loved ones.

Overcoming Fear:
In teaching:
1. I remind myself that failure is an opportunity for growth.
2. I reflect on past successes and build confidence.
3. I prioritize student learning and well-being.
In photography:
1. I emphasize the creative process over outcome.
2. I experiment and take calculated risks.
3. I learn from criticism and constructive feedback.

Fear’s Impact:

Initially, fear held me back from:
1. Pursuing photography full-time.
2. Sharing my work publicly.
3. Taking on challenging projects.
However, recognizing fear’s grip, I:

1. Started small photography projects.
2. Shared work with trusted peers.
3. Gradually increased project complexity.

Lessons Learned:

1. Failure is temporary; growth is lasting.
2. Fear often masks excitement and potential.
3. Preparation and resilience mitigate fear.
4. Support networks are vital.
5. Each failure brings valuable lessons.

Q:In moments of doubt or uncertainty, what do you remind yourself of to stay grounded and focused on your path?
Ans:As a teacher and photographer, I’ve developed mantras to stay grounded and focused:
Teacher’s Mantras:
1. Every student deserves my best.
2. Growth happens outside comfort zones.
3. Empathy and compassion matter most.
4. Learning is a two-way street.
5. Inspire, don’t require.

Photographer’s Mantras:

1. “Capture the truth, not perfection.”
2. “Light reveals, shadows teach.”
3. “Every frame tells a story.”
4. “The camera is a tool, not the artist.”
5. “See with your heart, capture with your soul.”

_Personal Reminders:_

1. “Purpose over profit.”
2. “Authenticity beats validation.”
3. “Growth over comfort.”
4. “Resilience is strength.”
5. “Legacy over ego.”

_Grounding Practices:_

1. Meditation and mindfulness.
2. Journaling and reflection.
3. Connecting with nature.
4. Seeking mentors’ guidance.
5. Surrounding myself with supportive loved ones.

_Focus-Enhancing Habits:_

1. Setting clear goals and deadlines.
2. Prioritizing tasks and time management.
3. Embracing constructive feedback.
4. Celebrating small wins.
5. Practicing self-care and self-compassion.

When doubt creeps in, I:

1. Take a few deep breaths.
2. Reflect on past successes.
3. Reconnect with my why.
4. Seek inspiration from others.
5. Refocus on the present moment.

Q:What is one belief or principle that you hold dear, and how has it shaped your decisions and actions in life?
Ans: As a teacher and photographer, one principle I hold dear is:

“Empathy is the bridge to understanding, and understanding is the foundation for positive change.”

This belief has profoundly shaped my decisions and actions:
Teaching:
1. Student-centered approach: Prioritizing students’ perspectives and experiences.
2. Inclusive curriculum: Incorporating diverse voices and narratives.
3. Active listening: Encouraging open dialogue and empathy-building exercises.
4. Compassionate feedback: Fostering growth through constructive criticism.

Photography:

1. Authentic representation: Capturing genuine, nuanced portrayals.
2. Storytelling: Sharing untold stories and amplifying marginalized voices.
3. Collaborations: Partnering with communities to document their experiences.
4. Responsible imagery: Avoiding exploitation and sensationalism.

Personal Life:

1. Active listening: Seeking to understand others’ perspectives.
2. Volunteer work: Supporting organizations promoting social justice.
3. Mindful consumption: Being aware of media and its impact.
4. Empathy-driven decision-making: Considering the human impact.

Q:Can you share an experience that profoundly changed your perspective on success and happiness? What did you learn from it?
Ans:As a photography teacher, I recall an assignment that took me to a rural village. Capturing the locals’ daily lives through my lens, I met an elderly woman, Maria. Her simplicity and contentment struck me. Despite living in poverty, she radiated joy.

Maria’s wisdom shifted my focus from external validation to intrinsic fulfillment. I realized success isn’t solely about accolades or material wealth; it’s the richness of experiences, connections, and personal growth.

Through photography, I learned to appreciate the beauty in simplicity. Teaching, I emphasize the value of perspective and empathy. Maria’s lesson remains etched in my heart: true happiness lies in cherishing moments, not just capturing them.

This experience reframed my definition of success:

– Embracing simplicity
– Cultivating meaningful relationships
– Finding joy in the process
– Valuing personal growth

As a teacher and photographer, I strive to convey this nuanced understanding of success and happiness to my students, inspiring them to find their own balance between creative expression and inner fulfillment.

Q:What legacy do you hope to leave behind, both in your personal life and in your work? How do you envision that legacy impacting future generations?
Ans:As a teacher and photographer, I strive to leave a lasting legacy that transcends time and inspires future generations.

Personal Legacy:

In my personal life, I hope to be remembered as a compassionate and empathetic individual who touched the lives of those around me. I envision my legacy as:

1. A loving family: Raising children who become kind, responsible, and creative citizens.
2. Nurturing relationships: Fostering deep connections with friends, colleagues, and community.
3. Community engagement: Contributing to local initiatives, promoting social justice, and environmental sustainability.

Professional Legacy:

Through my work as a teacher and photographer, I aim to leave a lasting impact:

1. Inspiring creativity: Empowering students to find their unique voice and visual expression.
2. Visual storytelling: Creating photographs that spark meaningful conversations, challenge perspectives, and celebrate diversity.
3. Educational innovation: Developing curricula and teaching methods that integrate photography, storytelling, and social-emotional learning.

Impact on Future Generations:

I envision my legacy inspiring future generations to:

1. Value empathy and understanding.
2. Harness creativity for social change.
3. Cultivate a growth mindset and lifelong learning.
4. Appreciate the beauty in diversity and inclusivity.
5. Use their talents to make a positive impact.

Through my teaching and photography, I hope to create a ripple effect that:

1. Encourages critical thinking and visual literacy.
2. Fosters a sense of global citizenship and responsibility.
3. Inspires a love for learning and self-expression.

Tangible Legacy:

To ensure my legacy endures, I plan to:

1. Establish a photography scholarship for underrepresented students.
2. Create a community-based photography project, documenting local stories and histories.
3. Develop an online platform sharing teaching resources, photography tutorials, and inspirational stories.

By leaving behind a legacy that combines compassion, creativity, and education, I aspire to make a lasting difference in the lives of future generations.

Q:Finally, if you could share one piece of wisdom with the world, what would it be? What do you think is the most important lesson to learn in life?
Ans:As a teacher and photographer, I’ve distilled my experiences into a single, profound lesson:
Embracing the beauty of impermanence and imperfection is the key to unlocking true fulfillment and happiness.

This wisdom has resonated deeply with me through:

1. Photography: Capturing fleeting moments, revealing the beauty in impermanence.
2. Teaching: Witnessing students’ growth, embracing their unique imperfections.
3. Life: Navigating personal struggles, finding strength in vulnerability.

This lesson teaches me to cherish every moment, as it will never come again. To celebrate individuality, rather than striving for perfection. To cultivate resilience, adapting to life’s unpredictable nature. To focus on the journey, not just the destination.

In a world where perfectionism often reigns, I urge everyone to:

1. Let go of the need for control.
2. Find beauty in the imperfect.
3. Practice self-compassion.
4. Cherish the present.

By embracing impermanence and imperfection, we:

1. Free ourselves from unrealistic expectations.
2. Discover authentic happiness.
3. Foster meaningful connections.
4. Grow into compassionate, resilient individuals.

This wisdom has transformed my life and informed my teaching and photography. I hope it resonates with the world, inspiring a shift toward embracing the beauty of imperfection.

As we close this chapter, we are reminded that every click of the camera is a window into the soul, and every lesson shared is an opportunity for growth. Fakrid journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the undeniable impact one can have in both art and education.