We recently connected with Hiba Shaikh and have shared our conversation below.
Hiba, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
As a first-generation student and now entrepreneur, I’ve witnessed the sacrifices my parents made so that I could have opportunities they never had. When I first picked up a camera, it was simply a hobby, but over time I discovered how powerful it could be-not just for capturing moments, but for honoring people’s stories. Even while working full-time in my corporate job, I felt called to turn that passion into something meaningful, and I haven’t looked back.
For many of my clients, photography isn’t just about pictures; it’s about preserving some of life’s most meaningful moments: weddings, births, milestones, or memories of loved ones who may not be here for much longer. I see my role as creating a space where people feel valued and cared for in those moments, not just photographed.
Giving back has always been important to me. In undergrad, I founded a UNICEF chapter at my university, and today I carry that same spirit forward by donating a portion of print sales to charity. My goal is to make my business an extension of my values – intentional, service-driven, and rooted in meaning.
Everything I do, from the way I connect with clients to how I deliver their photos, comes back to that purpose: making sure every person who comes across my work feels seen, celebrated, and remembered.
Hiba, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My journey into photography began after my wedding, when I started traveling more frequently. I picked up a camera to capture my trips, and what started as simple travel photos quickly became something I couldn’t stop thinking about. Friends and family saw the images I shared and encouraged me to take the next step, and eventually I decided to try turning my passion into something more.
At the time, I had just graduated with my master’s degree, moved to a new city after getting married, and started a full-time corporate job. I was trying to settle into a new home, a new routine, and a new season of life -but I felt unfulfilled after work hours. I knew I needed something that gave me purpose. That’s when I began marketing myself as a photographer in my new city.
The early days were not easy. I faced long hours, sleepless nights, and plenty of imposter syndrome. I doubted myself often and had to push myself out of my comfort zone again and again reaching out to potential clients, sharing my work publicly, and putting myself out there despite the fear that no one would book me. When clients in my hometown started reaching out, I would fly back multiple times a month for sessions, sometimes working back-to-back weddings or shoots, taking red-eye flights, and going straight back to my corporate job on Monday mornings.
One of the biggest blessings was having my husband there to remind me why I started. He was often the one encouraging me to keep going when I felt like giving up, helping me with the parts of the business that felt overwhelming, and just being there to celebrate the small wins with me. His support gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward, even when I felt like an imposter or when things were slow.
Looking back now, I am proud of that season; proud that I didn’t give up even when it was exhausting, when I wasn’t getting the response I hoped for, and when I questioned if I was good enough. Those sacrifices and those late nights built the foundation of the business I have today.
What sets me apart is the heart I bring to every session. This business isn’t just about taking photos for me, it’s about telling someone’s story with care and intention. The fact that my work speaks to someone enough that they choose me means the world to me.
More than anything, I want potential clients and followers to know that this business is built with purpose. Every session is an opportunity for me to create something meaningful, something you can hold onto for years to come and feel the emotions all over again. This work is a piece of my heart, and I pour everything into it so that every person who steps in front of my camera feels seen, celebrated, and remembered.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is how much it has allowed me to grow as a person. When I first started, I was full of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, constantly questioning whether I was good enough and whether anyone would see value in what I created. Every session, every client, and every late night spent editing slowly built my confidence and reminded me that this work matters.
One of the biggest blessings of this journey has been continually finding ways to improve my craft. That curiosity and drive for growth eventually led me to film photography, which has now become a big part of my brand. I love that every click on film is intentional because it slows me down, forces me to be present, and makes each frame feel even more meaningful. It has completely re-inspired me as an artist.
Creativity has also given me a way to connect with people on a level I never expected. I get to witness raw emotions, real love, and once-in-a-lifetime moments up close, and it has made me more empathetic, more intentional, and more present in my own life.
Nothing compares to seeing a client’s reaction when they view their photos for the first time and knowing I captured something they will cherish forever. But the greatest reward has been how this work continues to shape me, pushing me out of my comfort zone, teaching me to trust myself, and reminding me that something I create can have a lasting impact.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Absolutely, there are so many resources I wish I had known about sooner. In the beginning, I tried to figure everything out on my own, which meant a lot of trial and error, late nights Googling, and second-guessing myself at every step. There were moments where I rushed into decisions or invested in the wrong things because I didn’t know what questions to ask or what to look for. I wish I had slowed down, done more research, and allowed myself to ask for help instead of trying to carry it all alone.
I also wish I had found a community of other creatives earlier. Having people to share wins, struggles, and advice with gives you perspective and reminds you that you are not alone when things feel hard, and it celebrates with you when things finally click. Having people to talk to can also save you from making unnecessary mistakes because you can learn from their experiences.
If I could go back, I would tell myself that it is okay to pause, to gather information, and to seek out help sooner, whether that means asking friends and family for support, connecting with peers, or taking the time to really understand my options before making big decisions. Those small steps would have saved me stress and made the process feel a lot less isolating.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedbyhsphoto/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/capturedbyhs?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=99df2bc2-d4ed-4a8f-accb-9b2b291b2f46
