Dedicated 90-Year-Old Still Working After 80 Years
90-Year-Old Photographer Continues Devoted Work for 80 Years
Nesim Ispahiu, a 90-year-old photographer from Kosovo, shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to work tirelessly in his studio in the city of Vyçıtırın in the north of the country. Despite his advanced age, Ispahiu opens his studio every morning and ensures that he fulfills all the demands of his customers with utmost professionalism.
Working alongside his son, Ispahiu handles every aspect of photography, from transferring photos to the computer to retouching, editing, and printing. Throughout his long career, he has accumulated a collection of old cameras that he still uses today. In a recent interview, Ispahiu shared his experiences of the challenges of photography in different eras, the significance of photography, and his dedication to his craft.
Having been in the photography business for about 80 years, Ispahiu reminisced about his childhood when he first started working in the industry under the guidance of his uncle, who was also a photographer. He spoke about the days when purchasing cameras or film required trips to Belgrade or other European countries and the lengthy process of waiting for films to be developed.
Reflecting on the changes in photography over the years, Ispahiu emphasized the diminishing value of photography in today’s digital age. He expressed his belief that photos from the past held greater significance compared to contemporary images, as every family or individual would have a portrait taken at least once a year in the analog era.
As a visual historian of Vyçıtırın, Ispahiu highlighted the importance of photographs in preserving the identity of a city and its residents. Despite his son now managing the photography studio, Ispahiu remains actively involved in the business, providing guidance and support.
With a determination to continue working as long as his health permits, Ispahiu’s dedication to photography serves as a testament to his passion for the craft that has defined his life for the past eight decades. His advice to cherish old photos as timeless treasures resonates with the enduring legacy of photography in capturing memories and preserving history.
