#sparkchamber 092622 — Riaz Oozeer

As we move from summer to fall, #sparkchamber spotlights photographer/filmmaker Riaz Oozeer. Born on the Indian-Ocean Island of Mauritius, Riaz relocated to the east coast of Canada about a decade ago — “I left home to have different experiences around the world.” As a commercial and documentary photographer, Riaz believes that the most meaningful images are those that capture special moments in the everyday. His ability to document these moments shines in his street photography, and is clearly revealed in the stories he conveys in his lifestyle work. This journey to storytelling began as a child, fascinated by his grandfather’s home videos. Though most of those videos are now lost, their existence sparked his passion for experiencing — and documenting — life. “I love everything that is happening in the real world.” More than being a mere observer, Riaz aims to “catch it if it’s something I want to freeze for myself. This is how I ended up being a photographer.”

1.] Where do ideas come from?

I consume a lot of cinema, I love training my eyes seeing how they use light and story to build the whole thing. From set design to character to all that. I rarely consume photography itself.

2.] What is the itch you are scratching?

Honestly, I don't want this to sound dark, but there’s an expiry date on everything that grows. I want to witness the most I can and capture as much as possible. It allows me to be in the present moment. Life is my motivator.

3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?

I’d say I’m a slave of light. It might be day or night, or whenever it’s too beautiful that I have to go and get that. Generally, I am more inclined to wake up early as it’s much more peaceful. I listen to a lot of 80’s music to keep my mind busy while I get into my creative corners. Haha

4.] How do you know when you are done?

It just feels right.