Through Thy Lens

The story we share with you today is that of a young man whose dreams and passion for visual art carried him all the way from India to the U.S. With simplicity and undeniable talent, Timothy MacKenzie’s work is a reflection of his choice of photography as a form of expression. 

• Who is Timothy Mackenzie ? How would you describe yourself in a few words? 

I was born in Bangalore, India and moved to Dubai when I was seven years old. If I had to describe myself in a few words I would say an entertainer and storyteller.

• On a scale from 0-10 how would you rate your interest in photography ?

My interest in photography would be a solid 10/10.

• When and how did your current interest in photography develop itself ?

My interest in photography was born when I was 12 years old, and I got a hand-me-down Sony 7 megapixel digital camera for Christmas. It was at the same time that I developed an interest in acting and filmmaking. 

• How would you describe the impact of photography in your life ? ( Could you share a particular moment when your passion for photography had a significant impact on your life )

Photography has not only helped me view the world from more interesting perspectives, it has also helped me question my surroundings. And most importantly,  it has helped me express myself. The most recent time photography had a significant impact on my life is as recent as last year. Life at college had got the best of my attention and I wasn’t interested in taking pictures at all. This went on for two years where I would just point and shoot for the sole purpose of a Facebook post. However, last summer I went through a really rough patch in my life. I felt locked up and couldn’t express what I was feeling. My world felt so dark I needed to find the light and capture it, and photography was the only way I knew how to express these emotions.

• Have the different places where you’ve lived had an effect on your creativity ? ( If Yes could you describe this effect? )

I wouldn’t say that the places where i’ve lived have had an effect on my creativity. I would say it’s my perspective on the world that drives my creativity. It could be anywhere from my admiration of human anatomy, behavior, physiology, to the beauty or darkness the world has to offer.

• What inspires you ?

Life and emotion. Not just mine; I also feed off other people’s experiences and emotions. Take all the aspects of life, like the physical beauty that surrounds us. It could be the curves on the human body, the rugged and complex lines in nature, to the crisp edges of a building. When I look at these, the emotions I feel or experiences I have through life inspire me.

• What are your other interests in Life ?

 For the majority of my childhood and teenage years I was a dancer and performer. I’ve always wanted to be an actor or work in the film industry. That was my driving force to come to America. In all things I do I want to make my audience feel something.

I enjoy doing volunteer work on the weekends. I believe that, if everyone helps raise each other and take care of our communities we can make the world a happier place.

• What’s next for you ? any projects or ideas you would like to share ?

I’m currently trying to figure out the next chapter of my life. I do have some video project ideas and am currently working on starting a youtube channel My other projects are confidential till they’re complete.

• What advice would you give my readers ?

Stay true to who you are and don’t conform to the norm. Weird people are interesting people; and no matter what you do in life aim to be happy. Remember you are loved, I encourage you to love others, please spread kindness in the world, and don’t forget to SMILE!

Thanks Timothy for taking the time to answer our questions. You can follow up with Timothy’s work on his instagram @therealmacketi