Waleed Shah is a talented photographer, creative thinker, and entrepreneur whose story goes beyond the conventional taglines. Based in the United Arab Emirates, Waleed was born and raised in the country. With a background in Chemical Engineering, he initially pursued a career in the oil industry but gradually discovered his true passion for photography. Over the years, Waleed has had the privilege of collaborating with renowned establishments, working alongside both local talents and international legends passing through the UAE. His impressive portfolio boasts partnerships with some of the coolest brands in the industry. Notably, Waleed’s exceptional talent caught the attention of Fujifilm Middle East, earning him the prestigious title of Official Fuji-X-Photographer.
As a creative visionary, Waleed has embarked on various projects that challenge societal norms and explore meaningful themes. His acclaimed series titled “Rock Your Ugly – A middle finger to toxic beauty standards” delves into the intersection between physical and mental health through a captivating collection of portraits and accompanying stories. This thought-provoking series has gained global recognition and has been published as a widely acclaimed book. Waleed’s artistic pursuits also extend to his project titled “Magazine Cover,” where he cleverly satirizes prevailing conventions and sheds light on the absurdity of societal expectations.
Furthermore, he embarked on the project “Mowjood,” capturing compelling portraits of freelancers and entrepreneurs navigating the economic downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this endeavor, Waleed aims to provide support and inspiration to those facing challenging circumstances. His exceptional work with real people and their stories led to an engaging TED Talk titled “Toxic Beauty Standards.”
In recent times, Waleed has embraced the world of Crypto and NFTs, immersing himself in the journey of gaining and sharing knowledge in this innovative space. Guided by his ethos, he actively educates his community about the importance of blockchain technology. Through his project “FRENS,” minted on Ethereum, he conducts insightful interviews with notable individuals in the crypto realm. Additionally, Waleed has embarked on an art project titled “We Breathe,” which explores the utilization of bodies in the commercial world, offering a unique perspective and sparking intriguing conversations.
In a nutshell, Waleed Shah invites you to connect with him, irrespective of the scale of your project or whether you simply have an idea to discuss.