Photographer turns Raya portraits into lifeline for children’s medical care

2026-03-09 - 23:44

Former media photographer Muhamad Nazreen runs a studio at Homestay Mama Sufi in Tambun, Perak. (Bernama pic) IPOH: When former media photographer Muhamad Nazreen Syah Musthafa lost his job, he refused to let hardship define his family’s future. Instead, the 37-year-old turned his skills behind the camera into a new venture – a small studio dedicated to capturing Hari Raya family portraits and precious festive moments. For Nazreen, the motivation is deeply personal. The studio, launched early this Ramadan, is his way of raising funds for the costly treatment needed by his two children, who suffer from the rare genetic skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). His 10-year-old daughter and four-year-old son have recessive dystrophic EB, a condition that makes their skin extremely fragile and prone to injury across the body, including the eyes. After losing his regular income, Nazreen took on various jobs, including driving for e-hailing services, to support his family and cover the RM5,000 monthly medical expenses. Then, a friend offered him the chance to open a studio at Homestay Mama Sufi in Tambun, with profits split equally between them and little upfront capital required. At Studio Homestay Mama Sufi, Nazreen offers Raya portrait sessions priced at RM150 for groups of one to eight individuals, and RM200 for up to 13 people for a 30-minute session. Nazreen with his wife and two children, who suffer from a rare genetic skin condition and require treatment to the tune of RM5,000 monthly. (Bernama pic) “So far, Alhamdulillah, by the 10th day of Ramadan, demand increased to about six or seven families a day,” he said gratefully. “Although we set sessions at 30 minutes, we sometimes give extra time as a gesture of goodwill, especially for larger groups.” Nazreen shared that he receives RM1,500 a month in assistance from the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council and social welfare department. The funds are mainly reserved for medicines, but if hospital supplies are delayed, he sometimes has to purchase cheaper alternatives online using his own money. The family has also received support from Tabung Kasih @ Hawana, which came at a time when Nazreen and his wife, Norshuadah Abu Bakar, 33, were struggling to fund their children’s treatments. Looking ahead, Nazreen admits the future remains uncertain. “After Raya, I might return to e-hailing, which is the easiest source of income despite the long hours, while continuing freelance work for weddings or sports events to support my family.” Nazreen’s clients are praising his friendly and welcoming approach. (Bernama pic) Still, his role as a photographer has already created meaningful moments for families preparing to celebrate Aidilfitri. Firefighter Azry Affan Askury, 37, described his experience at the studio as memorable, praising Nazreen for helping customers feel comfortable during the photo sessions, and for providing guidance “when we didn’t know how to pose”. Teacher Noor Faezah Abdul Muthalib, 35, also commended Nazreen’s friendly and “welcoming” approach, saying it made the experience enjoyable for her and her husband. To book a session at Studio Homestay Mama Sufi, contact Nazreen at 011-3651 2046. Bookings are open until the end of March, subject to demand. Studio Homestay Mama Sufi Kg Tersusun Batu 6, Tambun, Ipoh, Perak