Today we’d like to introduce you to Ward Sakeik.
Ward, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My name is Ward Sakeik, I was born and raised in Saudia Arabia, but originally from Gaza, Palestine. I came to the United States when I was nine years old, and that’s when my whole life changed. Throughout the years, I learned how to write and speak English and was able to transition smoothly into the new environment.
Years went by, and I was a freshman in high school. I decided to take a photojournalism class because I liked the sound of it and thought that it wouldn’t hurt to try something new. One day, my photography teacher came up to me and handed me a camera, she told me that I had an incredible talent and that I shouldn’t let it go to waste. I started by attending many sports events at school and was shooting every sport. The players were interested in the photos, and I began charging a dollar per picture. I was infatuated with photography. I stayed long hours after school and spent long nights reading about all the different forms of photography; it was kind of like a drug. After a year, I finally had enough money saved up to purchase my first camera. I wanted to start my own business.
It wasn’t easy at. First, the business was slow, and I often wanted to give up, but I didn’t; something inside me kept telling me to push myself, it was the passion I had for this field. Having my photography teacher by my side is honestly the biggest blessing. She strived me to keep going and always told me, “One day, you will realize that all this hard work has paid off.” I soon noticed that I have 6-8 clients a week, and the business was running my friends. Being a senior in high school with a running photography business, I realized that my photography teacher was not wrong. Never did I expect to have my own business at 18, but thankfully, all the hard work has paid off.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Some of the struggles I encountered was not believing myself, and often let myself down. I was always so worried about what people thought about my work, and if I was “good enough.” I spent a lot of time second-guessing myself and my work. Also, since I’m young in age, I felt like I didn’t know everything about photography, or just not experienced enough. With support from my photography teacher, family, and clients, I was able to get through that stage and push myself for the better.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
In high school, my teacher taught me everything; she wanted me to know how to shoot in at least every field in photography that way, I walk into my business and college as experienced. I did a lot of reading and tried so many different forms of photography. I spent long hours trying to master Photoshop and InDesign. After four years of studying and practicing, I now know how to shoot sports photography, wildlife, still life, product, portraits, special effects, fashion, street, landscape, wedding, macro, and documentary photography.
I focus on what my client desires. Before shoots, I plan the shoot with my clients and have a visual of what I want the outcome of my photos to be. I’m proud that I’m this far at 18 honestly, that’s a huge blessing. I’m flexible with my clients and truly want them to have the most immeasurable experience on the shoot. When I think of my business, the first thing that comes to mind is my clients being happy with the photos at an affordable price.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I give all the credit to my photography teacher and my family. They kept me going and motivated me throughout this experience. There was never a moment in my life where my photography teacher and family doubted me. Their endless love and care helped shape me into the person I am today. My teacher taught me everything I need to know about my photography; she is the one behind all my work; she sparked my talent and made me realize my passion for this field.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6822181968
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Image Credit:
Ward Sakeik
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