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MEET Qamar Hashim, the 8-year-old photographer

Last updated on: January 6, 2012 11:56 IST
Hashim, 8, takes pictures at al-Mutanabi street in Baghdad

Eight-year-old Qamar Hashim is a celebrity in his country. Holding his SLR camera close to his chest, Hashim wanders in the streets of Iraqi capital Baghdad shooting dramatic landscapes of country trying to resurrect itself.

Hashim first took up the camera at the age of four when many of his age would be trying hard to hold a crayon properly. Using the equipment of his photojournalist father, he started taking pictures of the Tigris river, birds, old houses and heritage places in Iraq.

Today, the young Iraqi's works are on display at Baghdad's photo galleries.

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MEET Qamar Hashim, the 8-year-old photographer

Last updated on: January 6, 2012 11:56 IST
A hawk is pictured at al-Zawraa amusement park in Baghdad, in this 2009 photo

In a recent interview to Reuters, Hashim said: "Photography is very important. It documents life and pauses time. We can show the city, life and the people."

"I want to say through my pictures that Iraq is precious and Iraqis are very kind. Iraq is peaceful and has a great history."

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MEET Qamar Hashim, the 8-year-old photographer

Last updated on: January 6, 2012 11:56 IST
A girl stands near a policeman providing security in the city of Kut, 150 km (95 miles) southeast of Baghdad in this 2009 photo

When asked about his take on the American troops leaving Iraq, Hashim responded: "I am afraid of the US soldiers. They destroyed the house my family rented in 2003, when I was a foetus. Thank God my family survived and I am happy now for their departure. I am free and not afraid of their tanks."

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MEET Qamar Hashim, the 8-year-old photographer

Last updated on: January 6, 2012 11:56 IST
A man sells books at al-Mutanabi street in Baghdad, in this 2009 photo

On being probed about the best photo he has taken, the eight-year-old said: "My favourite picture is of a man sleeping who sells books at al-Mutanabi street. Also a picture of a bee on a rose, I ran a lot to follow the bee until I got this picture."

"When I see something I like, I look at it through my zens, zoom in if it's far away. As for my height, I'm not short...I can reach. "

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MEET Qamar Hashim, the 8-year-old photographer

Last updated on: January 6, 2012 11:56 IST
Children peek out from the doorway of their makeshift house in the city of Kut, 150 km (95 miles) southeast of Baghdad in this 2009 photo

What does the future have in store for such an accomplished and creative spirit? Apparently photography is not Hashim's only passion. He said in an interview: "I like to act and I would like to be a child-activist."

Whatever avenue Hashim chooses to pursue, he is off to a wonderful start.

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Last updated on: January 6, 2012 11:56 IST

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