We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shareef Dashaan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shareef below.

Hi Shareef, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

As a photographer you’ll think business is always booming! Let’s be honest it’s about loving your craft and never letting others determine how you do your business. Before the money those are the two main things you can focus on. A couple years ago I was told that I needed to dress a certain way to be a taken serious as a photographer, but what’s the look of a photographer? We’re living in a time where it’s not
about the skill it’s about the popularity and controversy, and it’s hard for people to not fall for it. If you master your craft you’re confident in yourself and if you stick to the plan you prepped for success and not be easily distracted by others opinions then you will be fine. It’s not going to be easy! but you will get what you want.

Shareef, 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?

I’ve always loved photography, but I didn’t really start taking it serious until 2014. I’m from an urban Philadelphia neighborhood and I feel as though that had the biggest influence on me. From a community stand point it felt like everyone was family different characters I would see as a child to the sunny days we had in December. I call myself the “Boring Photographer” because I barely speak, I like my work to speak for me. I consider my style of work “Unorthodox Cinematography” there’s nothing about my style of work before style of work. That actually boosted my confidence because I knew I was doing something different from others and I’m still on the journey to make it worldwide. BE YOURSELF NEVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF AND REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE YOUR BACK INSTEAD OF LOOKING FOR PROTECTION YOU’LL ALWAYS FIND A
WAY. BE GRAT IN YOUR WAY!!!!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

YOU CANNOT MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY!!!!! Have you ever said or thought that you do more
than what you receive? More than like you do if that’s a question, you have to focus on your self. It took me 7 years to understand you can’t help everyone. It’s okay to help but you always have to make sure you’re helping the right people.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Meditation, whenever things aren’t going right meditate. You’ll see how much your mind is filled and foggy when you don’t take time to relax and process everything.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @reeffiles

Image Credits

Reef Files
Cinematography
(Shareef Dashaan)