Beyond the finished image.

Moments from shoots, sets and the journey in between.

An award being presented to Maaz at an event.
MAAZ SHOKAT / FIELD NOTES
03 / 09

Stories worth celebrating

An award presentation, captured in a frame.

My journey began with a Canon 1200D, an 18 to 55mm lens, and a curiosity about what a camera could do.

The first frame, 2018

In 2018, I bought my first camera and began photographing individual clients. At the time, DSLR portraits with softly blurred backgrounds were a popular choice for social media display pictures. Many of my early clients were young people looking for a portrait that felt personal and stood out online.

Those sessions were my introduction to working with people in front of the camera. I learned to guide poses, find flattering light, choose backgrounds, and pay attention to the small details that make a portrait feel natural. What began as a simple service gradually became a serious interest in photography.

From portraits to weddings

As my confidence grew, I started learning wedding photography. I began with smaller weddings, building my experience one assignment at a time. Working at live events taught me to anticipate moments, adapt to changing light, and stay attentive when there was no opportunity for a second take.

Over time, I expanded into outdoor wedding shoots. This gave me more room to explore locations, natural light, composition, and the relationship between people and their surroundings. Each shoot helped me refine both my technical skills and the way I worked with clients.

Finding my direction in film

I enrolled in Media Science at Indus University’s Gulshan campus. In my fifth semester, I chose Film and Television as my major and began developing my interest in storytelling through moving images.

During university, I continued working as a photographer and shot campaigns for small brands. Working with Dux Pakistan became an important part of this period, giving me valuable exposure and helping me grow professionally. These projects connected what I was learning in the classroom with the demands of real creative work.

Alongside photography, I directed short films and other film projects for my university coursework. I also wrote scripts for students at SZABIST, Iqra University, and Ilma University. Writing and directing encouraged me to think beyond a single frame: about characters, pacing, visual continuity, and how an idea develops into a complete story.

Growing through professional work

After graduation, I joined Trimline as a photographer. Working there broadened my professional exposure and helped me develop further through practical experience. It was another step in turning the skills I had built independently and at university into a professional creative practice.

Today, that journey informs how I approach photography, filmmaking, and AI content creation. From early portrait sessions to wedding shoots, brand campaigns, and film projects, each stage has shaped my eye and my understanding of production. I bring those experiences into my work with a focus on thoughtful images, clear storytelling, and visuals that serve the brief.

Let’s make something seen.

Campaigns, photography, film and AI content.