Ex-media Photographer Captures Families’ Hari Raya Moments To Fund Children’s Treatment

By Mohamad Harith Mohamad Nizar

IPOH, March 8 (Bernama) -- Refusing to bow to economic pressures after losing a steady job, former media photographer Muhamad Nazreen Syah Musthafa, 37, started a studio specialising in Hari Raya family portraits and cherished moments.

He said his priority in starting the new venture, launched early this Ramadan, is to earn enough to cover the costly treatment for his two children with the rare genetic skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

After losing a regular income, Muhamad Nazreen Syah said he took on various jobs, including driving for e-hailing services, to support his family, especially his children’s RM5,000-a-month medical bills.

“…a friend offered me the chance to open a studio at Homestay Mama Sufi in Tambun, with profits split 50-50 and little upfront capital required,” he told Bernama recently.

Muhamad Nazreen Syah explained that his 10-year-old daughter and four-year-old son suffer from recessive dystrophic EB, a condition that makes their skin extremely fragile and prone to injury across the body, including the eyes.

Muhamad Nazreen Syah charges RM150 for one to eight people and RM200 for up to 13 people for a 30-minute session at Studio Homestay Mama Sufi.

“So far, Alhamdulillah, by the 10th day of Ramadan, demand has risen to six or seven families a day.

"Although we set sessions at 30 minutes, we sometimes give extra time as a gesture of goodwill to group visitors," said the freelance photographer.

He said that despite receiving RM1,500 monthly from Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) and the Social Welfare Department (JKM), he keeps savings in case his children’s medicines run out.

The family also received support from Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, which came just as Muhamad Nazreen Syah and his wife, Norshuadah Abu Bakar, 33, a housewife, struggled to fund their children’s treatments.

He said they set aside the MAIPk and JKM aid for medicines, but if hospital supplies are delayed, he has to use his own money to buy cheaper alternatives on e-commerce platforms.

Muhamad Nazreen Syah admitted he still lacks a clear direction after Aidilfitri, as the professional photography market has become tougher with age.

“After Hari Raya, I may return to GrabCar, the easiest source of income despite long hours, while continuing freelance work for weddings or sports events to support my family,” he said.

Meanwhile, firefighter Azry Affan Askury, 37, described the studio’s service as impressive, saying Muhamad Nazreen Syah was especially helpful with ideas and guidance when they lacked inspiration.

Meanwhile, 35-year-old teacher Noor Faezah Abdul Muthalib said Muhamad Nazreen Syah’s friendly approach made it easy for her and her husband to pose, adding that the studio had an inviting atmosphere.

Customers wanting group photos at Studio Mama Sufi can reach Muhamad Nazreen Syah at 011-36512046, with bookings open until the end of March, depending on demand.

-- BERNAMA