With Simplicity and Precision, Osman Tahir Captures Minimalistic Timelessness

Photographer:
Osman Tahir
Words:
Caroline Meeusen

Based in Sweden, self-taught photographer and retoucher Osman Tahir captures still lifes, interiors, and products with the utmost precision. With the occasional portrait and painting, and his specialized subjects, he holds the viewer’s gaze and portrays elements in their purest form, establishing an effortless, minimalistic beauty. Tahir, under his studio Ostudios, has already collaborated with an impressive client list including IKEA, Domo Design, Alvhem, and many more. Now, talking with Osman, he shares his creative process and talks life lessons.

VISUAL PLEASURE Magazine: How did you become a photographer?

Osman Tahir: I’m self-taught, I didn’t go to any school or assist any photographer. I watched a lot of YouTube videos, read a lot, and I did a lot of experimenting. I still do a lot of experimenting. I’ve only been a professional photographer for about three years. And since I was a teenager, I’ve always been documenting stuff around me, just taking pictures.

What is the most important thing you have learned as an artist?

Just to believe in myself, work hard, and never stop being curious.

What is the most challenging about photographing still life and products?

When the idea in my head doesn’t feel right with the picture I see on my screen.

Can you tell me a bit more about your working process?

For me, it’s a feeling. I have an idea and go with it, but if it doesn’t feel right, I don’t do it–I don’t force any ideas.

How would you describe your style? What’s your philosophy?

I always say I don’t have a style but my philosophy is “less is more,” so I would say my style is just simple.

Looking at your Instagram feed and work, it’s sometimes hard to distinguish photography from painting at first glance. You photograph still lifes but paint portraits, how did you learn to paint and what’s the process?

Like with photography, painting is something I’ve learned by myself and I’ve just painted the same thing over and over again. Painting is also a feeling for me, I never decide what to paint because then it just doesn’t feel right. It’s not that I don’t know what to paint, I know that I’m painting a portrait but the face gets clear while I paint.

If you had to choose between photography and painting, what would you choose and why?

Photography, because that gives me the opportunity to create images with other great people.

From which brand(s) would you still like to shoot products?

I don’t have any particular brand in mind. What I would love is to take more images of handmade ceramics. I just admire people working and creating with their hands. And brands that care more about the environment and creating products that are more sustainable.