Today we’d like to introduce you to Shah Hasan Jr.
Hi Shah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My passion for photography and graphic design started unexpectedly in high school. I was playing football when an injury took me out for most of the season. At the time I was enrolled in yearbook and we needed photos of the team. No one stepped up so I did.
What started as just helping out quickly turned into something bigger. As I began shooting games I realized I had a natural eye for capturing the moment. The photos were not just decent they were turning heads. People around school started noticing and asking me to take their pictures. They were really hyping me up as the person behind the camera.
I did not stop there. When basketball season came around I kept going and built my reputation. I became known across the school as the cameraman. My mindset was simple but powerful I broke my hand and became a cameraman. What felt like a setback turned into the start of something special.
Later that year I took a graphic design class where I explored photo manipulation and creative design techniques. That experience sparked a new level of curiosity. I started thinking about how it would look if I combined my photography with graphic design and that changed everything.
I began creating commitment flyers for student athletes and designing graphics for the school. My work was being seen shared and appreciated. That is when I realized this was more than a hobby it was my path.
Today I can confidently say I have grown into a skilled graphic designer and sports photographer turning moments into visuals that tell stories and leave an impact.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When it comes to the creative industry whether it is graphic design or photography there is always a struggle when you are first starting out. You have to figure out what your work is worth how to price yourself and how to find the right clients.
In the beginning I definitely faced those challenges. With photography I sometimes underdelivered or missed key moments. But as I gained more experience shooting games I started to understand the flow of the field. I learned where players would be and when important moments were likely to happen. That growth helped me sharpen my perspective and improve how I operate so I could consistently capture the right shot and even exceed expectations.
With graphic design my biggest challenge was creating work that truly represented a client’s values. In the beginning that was a struggle because I was focused mainly on what the client said they wanted. Over time I realized that was not enough. I needed to go deeper by doing research exploring different ideas and finding inspiration beyond the initial conversation.
As I developed those skills I became better at creating original work that connected with each client’s identity.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in sports photography and graphic design. While I am mostly known for my sports photography since that is where my creative journey began I have also built a strong presence in the graphic design space.
I take the most pride in two areas of my work. The first is my sports photography and the second is my work with the University of Minnesota Liberal Arts Engagement Hub. Both have played a major role in shaping who I am as a creative.
What sets me apart in sports photography is my approach. There are a lot of talented photographers who know how to capture the action but for me it is personal. I remember being in high school playing sports and noticing that most of the photos focused on the same standout players. A lot of athletes were overlooked and did not get that recognition.
Because of that experience I make it a priority to capture everyone when I am at a game. Whether it is an action shot or a candid moment on the sideline I aim to include every player. I want everyone to have something they can post something they can be proud of and something that makes them feel seen.
When it comes to graphic design I have worked with a wide range of clients from small businesses to larger organizations. I am open to working with anyone who is serious about bringing their vision to life. No matter the project I bring the same level of energy and determination. I have always had a strong drive to succeed and a mindset focused on becoming the best at what I do.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When it comes to finding a mentor and building a network there are simple but powerful ways to get started.
For mentorship you do not have to look far. A mentor can be anyone who has experience in something you want to learn. It could be a friend who is skilled in a certain area a teacher or a professor. The key is to ask questions and stay curious. Take advantage of office hours stay after class and really try to learn as much as you can from them. These are people who have already gone through the process you are trying to understand so they are some of your best resources. If you are in any program or institution they are there to guide you so do not hesitate to reach out and learn from their experience.
When it comes to networking it is one of the most important parts of building a career in the creative industry. One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to start building your connections early. For me that started with LinkedIn. At first I did not take it seriously but over time I realized how valuable it was. As I began meeting more people in the creative space I made it a habit to connect with them and grow my network.
The more you connect the more opportunities can come your way. People see who you are connected with and that can open doors. Many of my opportunities have come from networking. Someone knew my work believed I would be a good fit and introduced me to the right person. That is how projects and roles start to come together.
Networking is a major key to landing opportunities and growing in this field. Building real connections and staying consistent with it can make a huge difference in where your career goes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shahhasanjr.squarespace.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shah-hasan-jr-9389b91b4?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
