AMIDST last year’s Mashramani celebrations, a distinctive photo of a vagrant was taken and uploaded on Facebook, where it went viral on every social media network in Guyana. Thereafter, more exceptional photos began to appear on the walls of Facebook and Instagram.

It is not often that we encounter in Guyana innovative and distinctive photographers who would influence us by delivering messages through tiny details and emotions captured within photos. Fidal Bassier, founder and owner of ‘55 Photography’, is no stranger to us, as he has distinctly climbed his way up the ladder to becoming one of Guyana’s most prominent and most admired photographers.

Inspired by his father, who was once a “picture-take-outer” back in the days, Fidal would sit and scan through all his work, and try to imitate him. Thereafter, he began learning the art of photography, and his quest for knowledge eventually turned into a hobby; he enjoyed doing photography whenever he got the chance to do it.

This hobby was lengthened when his daughters entered his already-perfect marriage. From that moment, he began to understand the importance and value of capturing the girls as they mature.

“The girls never liked posing for long periods, so I learnt to observe and capture them in the moment; and in a way I think that helped me with wedding photography. Over the years, I found that I really enjoyed taking portraits, and that eventually got me into wedding photography,” the enthusiastic father and thriving photographer disclosed.

As evident from his photos, weddings are his forte. From only a few online courses coupled with home practice and observations from talented local photographers, Fidal has made a dynamic arrival into Guyana’s wedding photography industry.

His first paid wedding assignment was in 2010, after praises of his work were pervasive. Armed with his DSLR camera from the brands of Canon and Nikon, a confident Fidal would walk into a wedding and would leave everyone dumbfounded as he makes his way into the crowd to capture the perfect set of photos.

Weddings are very unpredictable, so, in mastering the issue of ‘light’, Fidal says: “I enjoy shooting with whatever natural light is available as I find this a bit more pleasing. Using multiple flashes and video lights takes a bit of skill and time to get it just right, and you usually don’t have that much time at weddings to setup lights. The bride and groom are always on the move.”

The biggest challenge he has faced in shooting wedding pictures is not having enough space to move around to capture important moments, added to eager wedding guests who would want to capture their own photos.

Most photographers think highly of ‘Photoshop’ in the final assessment of their images. Fidal, on the other hand, deems it as not entirely important unless a client specifically requests something.

At the moment, however, he is using ‘Abobe Lightroom’ to help sort and process images for his clients. This goes to show that he is a natural in editing photos, as no high-tech software is being used.

His ideal wedding shoot place would be anywhere that is spacious; for instance, a play field or a hall. However, he has learnt overtime that once the couple is relaxed and happy in front of the camera, the location is secondary.

Several photographers fill the list of role models; among them are Cliff Mautner, Jerry Ghionis, Steve McCurry, and Bruce Davidson.
At the moment, Fidal is networking with other photographers and taking online courses to further educate himself on the art of photography.

He is also involved with a group on Facebook called ‘Guyana Photographers’. They run challenges, competitions, organize photo-walks and other activities, so that photographers can meet up and share information with anyone who is interested — hobbyist or professional. This, he noted, is his way of helping in the development of Guyana’s photography industry.

His ‘This is it’ moment is still in the making, as he is currently learning new things in this business. Asked what sets him apart from other photographers, he disclosed that he is uncertain, but added: “I just try to capture images that mean something, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have clients who are happy with the work I produce.”

Holding a strong vision for this industry in Guyana, the talented photographer noted that photographers should network more, share information, and work on establishing a photography society since Guyana posits a lot of talented photographers who, if they work together, can definitely raise the standard and value of photography.

By Shivanie Sugrim