Life through the lens – EMA interviews inspirational photographer Yasmin Hussain
| 6th August 2021
Life through the lens: I’ve been travelling the world now for a good two and a half years and I’ve met some amazing, interesting people from all walks of life along the way. But this incredible lady, Yasmin Hussain from Manchester, who I’ve recently met in Dubai has been the most inspirational for me.
Yasmin was diagnosed with breast Cancer last October, but this has not stopped the talented professional photographer and entrepreneur living her best life, and has certainly not brought this strong independent women down. We chat Manchester, Cancer, photography, living in the UAE and Princess Diana…
Photo by Yasmin.
E.M.A: Firstly, you’re a Manchester girl what made you move to UAE?
Yasmin: I left Manchester long before I came to Dubai. I lived in Cheltenham for many years but as a good Manchester girl I came back every couple of weeks to see my family. My decision to move to the UAE was prompted as I split with my partner, Ed. I needed a completely new start. I had heard so much about Dubai and decided to give it a go.
E.M.A: What was life like growing up?
Yasmin: Life was very simple growing up in Moss Side. I had a very humble upbringing.
E.M.A: What do you miss most about Manchester?
Yasmin: I try in my life not to miss anything as I would just be in floods of tears all the time but of course I miss my family.
E.M.A: You were diagnosed with breast Cancer last October and your Instagram is all about how to be positive through this Cancer journey. What are the three main things that have help you to stay positive and what advice could you give to others going through the same as you?
Yasmin: Yes it was a complete shock to hear the word ‘cancer’ but once I was over the initial stage of acceptance I got my positive head on.
1. Firstly, you have to accept it’s just something we have to deal with and it’s not the end of the world.
2. Stay completely positive, don’t let negative thoughts in as this will really hinder you.
3. Laugh and smile plus surround yourself ONLY with people who will do the same. Time to get rid of any negativity.
Photo by Yasmin - Galloping Through Life
E.M.A: How would you rate the medical care in the UAE and your experience being treated over here?
Yasmin: It has been absolutely unbelievable amazing! I feel so lucky to have had my treatment here. Every step of the way has just been made so comfortable, efficient and very professional. The hospitals are like a 5-star hotel.
E.M.A: You’re a Professional photographer as well as an entrepreneur, where does your entrepreneurial instinct come from?
Yasmin: To be honest, I think comes from survival. Growing up in Moss Side in the heart of Manchester was really great but I wanted more. I wasn’t happy to accept anything but the best, so I strived for it. I worked hard and still work hard.
E.M.A: When did you realise that you were in love with photography, and what triggered you to take it up Professionally?
Yasmin: It was when I started my ‘A’ levels. I was studying Art, Geography and English plus doing a Spanish GCSE. I had an hour gap in my curriculum, so I filled it with a photography class and the rest is history. I was hooked!
E.M.A: What is your favourite thing to capture? People, surroundings or memories and why?
Yasmin: I love shooting people and capturing emotions. There is nothing nicer than shooting a mother and daughter laughing together with a genuine smile on their faces. It’s priceless.
I remember driving to Cheltenham with my nephew, Darryl, he was about four at the time. He was telling me a joke and I burst out laughing and so did he, then I looked to my right and a lady was watching us. I could see her face was one of slight admiration as I think she saw what I see in my photos I just described to you. Genuine love and that’s so precious.
Photo by Yasmin - Focus
E.M.A: Is there such a thing as a bad model or landscape if you’re a photographer and editor?
Yasmin: No, no one or thing is bad. Everyone has their opinion. It’s like what I say to my nephews when they try some food they’ve not had before, and they say it’s disgusting. I say to them: “It’s not, it’s just you don’t like it and everyone has their own opinions and likes”.
If a person is nervous, they might be a little shy but it’s up to the photographer to put them at ease and bring the best out in them.
E.M.A: How has the UAE helped with your visions?
Yasmin: The UAE has been amazing to me. It has opened its arms and given all of us here the opportunity to make something out of nothing.
E.M.A: If you could choose anyone in the world to photograph who would it be and why?
Yasmin: The one person I would have loved to photograph would have been, Princess Diana. Simply one amazing lady.
E.M.A: What’s in the pipeline career wise over the next five years?
Yasmin: Think I’m ready to retire haha!
E.M.A: Haha! Excellent! Tell me a totally random fact that not many people know about you?
Yasmin: I am half Pakistani and half Irish!
Photo by Yasmin - On A Scale From 1-10
E.M.A: As a DJ I like to know what people are listening to. What’s the top five tunes on your playlist right now?
Yasmin: I love the fusion of music and have a broad range. My favorites’ right now are:
1. Trip – Ella Mai
2. Bang Bang – Arnold T
3. Wish You Were Here – Bliss
4. Soul 4 Real – Candy Rain
5. J.Cole – Work Out
E.M.A: Some great tunes there. Your ideal night out in Dubai start to finish?
Yasmin: Glass of LPR while getting ready. Fine dining with the girls then a good boogie afterwards and lots of laughter.
Check out Yasmin’s photography website at www.yhstudiosdxb.com plus follow her positive journey through breast Cancer on Instagram @yasminhussainsjourney