Aseasoned photographer, Gulraiz Ghouri’s heart beats with Lahore. Though he has visited forty-two countries for photographic ventures, he always finds himself contented and composed when he is back home. His studio at Nicholson Road is centre of professional activities and meeting point for his artist friends with whom he has a lifetime attachment.
Born to a working class family, he adores his father, a hard working tailor master, as a role model.
Interested in photography from a tender age, he would borrow point-and-shot cameras from his relatives and expose film rolls, which he hardly managed buying with his limited sources.
“I was in the final of Diploma in Electrical Engineering in 1980 when my father passed away; it was followed by the death of my mother during the same year. That was the toughest time of my life.
“Youngest of all my siblings, I was a carefree, playful and naughty boy, interested in sports and outdoor activities only, but losing my parents changed my life forever.
“I decided not to pursue my career as an engineer, and dedicated myself to photography. To get the materials, I would do odd jobs as a daily wager.
“After buying my first camera, I started visiting Swat, and exposed the scenic beauty of the valley.
“I was lucky to be recognised as a professional photographer only after three years of intense struggle. My works were appreciated and paid for and I started supporting my family with these earnings,” he recalls.
Ghouri’s professional career spans over more than three decades, with numerous awards and eight solo shows in Pakistan and abroad to his credit. He claims to have the largest stock, comprising one million photo images, in Pakistan.
Works of veteran photographer Zafar Ahmad have always been a source of inspiration and learning for the self-taught Ghouri.
“I would look at his works keenly and tried to work like him.
“I had heard about Zafar Sahib’s attitude; therefore could never gather enough courage to meet him, while living in the same city.
“After 20 years of following, I finally met him at a party. I can’t forget a shining smile on his face when he came to know that the young guy who is trying to compete him in the market is his admirer and follower,” he says in an exciting tone.
His works got printed in various international publications, including Insight Guide Pakistan, published by Discovery Channel, which carried 46 images clicked by him.
During the late 90’s he ventured into printing business, based on his photographic works. He worked on various projects with the Pakistan Army, including the publication of five pictorial books, portraying the landscapes he exposed. He printed a series of the latest guide maps and tourist books, which became widely popular among the foreign tourists visiting the Northern Areas of Pakistan for hiking and tracking.
Humble and down-to-earth, Gulraiz had practiced various genres of commercial photography, including products, fashion, weddings and landscape. The landscape photography has always been close to his heart, and his prime concern for the last 15 years.
A frequenter to the Northern Areas, Ghauri combines his passion for trekking with photography and shot almost every lake of the area, and exposed the base camps of various mountain ranges.
By setting up the largest archives, he pioneered in stock photography in Pakistan and introduced the trend of printing post cards and calendars, portraying landscapes, in the local market.
His images, ranging from a nomad’s face from Cholistan to the dreamlike landscapes of Hunza, reflect his passion for capturing beauty. They are rich in colours and have retained their shine and beauty even after going through the process of mass printing.
Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2017
