FEDA EID, THE ECLECTIC PHOTOGRAPHER

We've had the immense pleasure to ask a few questions to the mysterious Feda from The Eclectic Photographer. Reading the answers to the questions, we knew right away that we had done the best choice!

 She is dreamy and soulful, two qualities that make a person an inspiration to others.
We hope you enjoy reading Feda's story as much as we did!

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1. What do you do? Who are you? Where do you live? Tell us about you!

My name is Feda Eid. I’m a fashion and lifestyle photographer from Boston, MA. I photograph fashion stories, as well as people stories through portraits and life events. I studied Sociology in college so I think I’ve always been fascinated by people, the things they identify with and the ways they express themselves. I painted and drew all throughout high school and into my adult years and I always approach my subjects and my personal projects through an artful lens. I love to capture things with the intent to feel something deeper than just a physical image; to also create a sensory experience. It’s a fusion of emotion, color, light and imagination. 

I have a personal lifestyle blog, www.ecelecticphotographer.blogspot.com,  where I share my personal style, my work, and the things I love to photograph all infused with life lessons and reflections. It’s a place where I can record my evolution in mind, body and soul.

I also volunteer my photography services at a local non-proft organization call Found in Translation.  Shameless plug here because I’m a proud supporter :) It was started by a friend from college who had a vision to help low income and homeless women use their bilingual language skills to advance their lives and become financially independent through medical interpreting. Along with photographing many of their events, I began taking professional business portraits for the women to have in their resumes. It’s an organization that is dear to my heart not only because of its services but also because it brings together women from many backgrounds. The bonds that form between them are amazing to witness. 

2. We'd like to know about the origins of your style, what inspired you to have your particular style?

I’m a big dreamer. I dream in color, culture, and enjoy the mixing of old and new. I like to reflect all that inspires me internally into something outward that I can feel and see whether it be through personal style or photography. 

If I could describe my style with one word it would be eclectic, hence why I called my blog what I called it. My style and way of life is inspired by the people I've met, places I've been, and the love and beauty that surrounds me from day to day. I would describe it as bohemian, meets color, meets spirt and a touch of modernism. It’s very much inspired by my moods and the seasons. I love nature and it’s cycles. I enjoy retreating into nature and photographing it’s transitions. I think nature is one of my greatest teachers. I feel like it gives me permission to express myself beautifully but also helps to keep me grounded through it’s stages of birth, decay, death and rebirth. 

It’s also heavily inspired by different cultures. I'm particularly in love with the way people accessorized and adorned themselves in older times, from places where things were cut off from the outside world, where ideas just sprouted from peoples minds, their surroundings and beliefs. I'm also fascinated by how similar indigenous people from around the world expressed themselves through style. It reminds of the beauty in our differences yet the miraculous ways we are all still very connected to one another. I also love the idea of stepping into someone else’s shoes. I like to be lost in a different world, to see things openly and without judgement.  I think we lose that innate need  for exploration as we age and as a result we I lose the ability to change and evolve as humans. I grew up with so many different cultures around me. My dad is well known in my community and as a result we knew a lot of people from many different origins and I think that’s why I’m so drawn to these things as an adult. I was taught to respect and appreciate others regardless of where they come from. I think that I take something beautiful from every person I meet and place I connect with. If you’re not open to the things around you, you miss out on all the beauty that is out there. I choose to see things in a carefree way, to not dwell on divisions but focus on the beauty we all can offer one another. I’m not much of a complainer. I’m passionate but not very opinionated if that makes sense :) I think your outlook on life is a big part of feeling inner happiness. You create the world around you through what you put in you and out there. 

3. Tell us about your photography blog "Eclectic photography"! 

( I personally love it, I got great inspiration going through the different images and the great quality colors! Whether it's style photos or nature!)

The blog is just an extension and expression of my soul through the medium of fashion and photography. It’s a way for me to explore and express the things I love and connect with others who enjoy doing the same. It’s a diary of my personal style, visual artwork, life adventures and reflections. 

4. When do you shoot for your photography? Who helps you? ( Take us through the process quickly from the idea to the final image).

The process of creating a photo can be quick, as in capturing a moment at a wedding, or very calculated like with fashion, where there is usually a whole team of artists working hard to contribute a different element to the image including makeup, hair and styling. All of my shoots start with mood boards, a color story, and input from the various artists or clients. My role is usually scouting the area, preparing the right equipment in terms of lenses and lighting, shooting, and then post work which includes photo selection and editing. I really enjoy working with other artists for shoots because it creates a sense of teamwork and I think the more input there is, the more creative the shoot becomes. I also really love the experience of working alone for personal projects and style posts where I’m expressing my own unique vision.

5. What is your relation to modesty? How do you view it? How do you make it work through your style and picks.

My ideas on modesty have definitely evolved over time and I’m sure they will continue to. I feel modesty can be very personal and subjective depending on your culture, surroundings and lifestyle. In my own life, modesty is much deeper than your physical being. It is about strengthening your inner modesty, keeping a balance. I think hijab/head covering/body covering can be used as a means to strengthen inner modesty through the spiritual reminder that we are not our hair/bodies, that we are souls with hair/bodies etc. That being said what we choose to wear or not wear has very little to do with who we are, our character, and how we treat others and live life. I don’t dwell much on my exterior, or anyone else’s exteriors because at the end of the day its a very superficial evaluation of anything. Regardless of what’s covered or not, it’s more about if what I’m expressing outwardly is helping or hindering the person I am. 

I don’t like to label my style as modest but I do feel most comfortable and the most creative in clothing that covers more. I enjoy the art of layering and, aesthetically, I’m drawn more to mixing patterns, textures and colors, and the more you cover the more you can play with. I also love to have fun with different head wear from turbans to old fashioned ways of tying a head scarf. I’m continually evolving and mastering head gear and I’m enjoying the journey!

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And...yes, it's over already! But don't be sad, you can catch up on Feda's creative wanderings on her social media and most importantly on
the eclectic photographer. 

On Instagram > @fedfooda
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T H E  B L O G G E R S  T A L K

2014