March 2015 www.womanthismonth.com 41 that had been taken of her. That lack of knowledge led to a unique quality in her pictures. She explains: “I was used to taking pictures of natural things but I didn’t know how to take studio pictures. I went out and bought lights and flashes but, to be honest, I didn’t know how to use them, so, for the first year, I just used ambient light which gave my pictures a very soft effect. “It became what my pictures were known for and not using a flash meant my subjects were not intimidated. If people don’t see the flash going off, they don’t know when you’re clicking, which allows you to get much more relaxed, informal shots.” To develop her own skills she started giving photographic workshops – armed only with five books she’d bought from Amazon! Explaining the audacious move, she quotes the words of Stephen Covey, best-selling author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. “If you want to learn something, learn it as if you’re going to teach it.” It clearly paid off and, since starting her studio in 2008, Aziza has exhibited in Paris and Monte Carlo, covered the Danish queen’s visit to Bahrain and filmed refugees in Lebanon for Al Jazeera TV. “My camera has taken me to places I would never have got to go otherwise,” says Aziza. In 2011 she was approached by Bahrain TV to present her own show Aziza Ti (which loosely translates as Aziza My Dear) which meant starting again at the beginning, learning to work in front of a live camera. She says: “I call it the dancing camera, it’s a totally different experience. It’s moving and capturing your personality. I was so afraid that I might not do well so I went on a course for television presenters in London. “I must admit that I wasn’t all that satisfied with my first experience of programmemaking so I decided to add a new activity to my commercial registration and produce my own show.” Concentrating on fashion and beauty, she used a psychologist to explain trends such as why Goths or bikers dress as they do. The show also offers styling tips and participants then have a professional photoshoot. The show aired late last year and is currently being rerun on Bahrain TV while Aziza is off on yet another challenge. She explains: “Being in front of the camera is addictive, it keeps you fit and pushes you to keep upping your game. I wanted to do something where this would be sustainable, so I approached Bahrain TV and asked about doing the news. I was amazed when they agreed and I’m currently in training. “I hope in the future to do small documentaries, to go to places others don’t want to go. It’s all about taking the camera and telling the story. “My long-term ambition is to have my own TV station but I also want to study media and political science – I’m always still seeking something new. “Being an entrepreneur might not be for everyone, it’s hard work and can be very challenging, but I do believe following your passion makes life so much more interesting.” g
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