Qianna Dookeran: My family motivate me to stay teachable

Can you tell us more about the first moments when you received that small Kodak camera? How did it shape your early interest in photography?

So the camera I had was a disposable, so I only had the chance to use it once. I can’t remember my exact reaction to receiving it, but I do remember feeling super excited to use it. It was an abstract feeling of excitement, until I got back my developed pictures. It was at that point, that I began to understand the concept of photography and creating art through pictures.

What were some of your favorite subjects to photograph as a child, and why were they significant to you?

I took most of my photos outdoors. I wasn’t always a homebody like now. I loved being outside; it was like going on an adventure like in the movies I would watch as a kid. Most of the photos I took outdoors were of things outside my home and sometimes nearby, like the flowers in my mother’s garden, sometimes bugs, the street where I lived and sometimes my friends and family at play. I tended to take a lot of candid shots; I think subconsciously, I was trying to capture the feeling of that moment.

How did your tendency to daydream and seek comfort in creativity influence your perspective as a photographer and filmmaker?

My tendency to daydream and spin stories of the people I encountered, is the foundation of how I approach my filmmaking and photography. I’m really intrigued by what stories are being told by the people’s gestures, what they wear, and by how they are interacting with the world around them at that moment. I feel like being able to tell these stories through my creative processes, is a safe space to really explore the narrative of the world around me and to them be able to show my perspective on that.

How did growing up and photographing people in your neighborhood impact your storytelling approach in photography?

I feel, to a lesser extent, I am still attempting to capture a feeling or a mood, when I photograph people and places. The stories I’m trying to tell with my photography and filmmaking are the ones that lies just beneath the surface, and also what’s being said in that moment. I feel like those seemingly random shots I took with that disposable Kodak as a child, has really influenced that desire to capture the moment and tell a story.

Can you describe the journey of how photography evolved from a hobby into a secondary career for you?

It was because of the pandemic, that I rekindled my interest in photography. Up until that point, my life revolved around home and school. To occupy my mind, I started taking random photos of the items around my apartment, in what I thought of as interesting ways. Once my city was reopening from being in lockdown, I couldn’t wait to get outside and it seemed almost natural that my walks around my neighborhood would include me taking photos of anything and everything that caught my interest and my eye. That evolved into architecture and street photography.

I wasn’t comfortable with taking portraits, until I joined the Toronto Women’s Photography Club, which is a women-only photography meetup where women can feel safe and empowered while networking and creating content. Their events usually revolved around photographing models they’d collab with; this was perfect for building my confidence in working with models and in portraiture. This eventually led to me making connections with some of the models, other photographers, makeup artists, stylists, etc. This helped me into planning and organizing my own photoshoots.

What are some of the current projects or themes you are exploring in your photography and filmmaking?

Currently, I am exploring the themes that explore the femme fatale. It interests me about it’s place in society, the stereotypes, the stigmas and the social consciousness that surrounds it in general. I think naturally, I am drawn into exploring many archetypes and challenge that.

How do you stay motivated to continue learning and experimenting with new techniques in your work?

My family are my motivators, especially my mother. She is what inspired me to pursue an artistic career. My family motivate me to stay teachable and open to try new things with my photography and filmmaking. The collaborations also go a long way to; it keeps the work exciting and the interest fresh. I also really enjoy exploring new areas in my photography.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your photography journey, and what have been the most rewarding moments?

My fear of portraiture was a huge obstacle for me in the beginning; I didn’t think I was good enough to take photos of people, and I am still working to improve aspects of this, like giving direction to the models to achieve what I’ve planned out in my head. Some of my most rewarding moments, comes when I get feedback from the models, where they are really pleased with the finished image, and when I capture something that is really special for the both of us.

How do you balance taking tasteful images with the goal of making others smile? Do you have a specific approach or philosophy?

For me, trying to create a space where my client feels comfortable and safe enough, to bring out their true selves and experiment with facets of themselves that they might like to explore. I try to not just listen to them, but also pay attention to their non-verbal cues and body language, to direct where I feel the shoot should go, to get the most out of it.

Can you share an example of a photo or project where you felt you successfully created a story or conveyed a strong feeling?

An example of how I applied my philosophy successfully, would be my latest shoot. I believe that my model felt safe and comfortable enough taking direction from me and voicing ideas of her own and posing in the ways she wanted to try. The shoot felt easy and natural, and flowed nicely; I believe it was a really enjoyable shoot for all.

How has living in Toronto influenced your work, and are there any particular aspects of the city that inspire you?

A few of the things about Toronto that inspire my photography, is that it’s a very walkable city, a very multicultural city and it’s a very diverse city. I feel really spoiled for choice, whether it’s walking in my neighborhood, the downtown core or even by the harbor, for capturing interesting shots or being a part of the story that the city is telling.

What are your future aspirations in photography and filmmaking? Are there any specific goals or projects you hope to achieve?

First off, I intend to work more on my filmmaking and spend more time with that craft. My goal is to really strengthen my ability to make films that people can relate to, but also leave an impact beyond the end of the film. I really want to get people thinking and sparking some meaningful thoughts. In terms of my photography, I want to hone my photographic eye, to take more compelling images that connect with the viewer, even in small ways. For both, I’d like to strengthen my perspective and my voice, so I can best convey the stories I want to tell.

Model: Andrea Leplae @andreaalamode

Accessory Designer: DesignbyAthena @designbyathena

Makeup Artist: Shaza Mahmood @makeup_byshaza

Photographer: Qianna Dookeran @qd_creates