Today we’d like to introduce you to Salihah Saadiq.
Hi Salihah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It was my 7th grade journalism class that really sparked it all. I had the option of writing or documenting/taking photos and although my mom was/is a screenwriter and my father a photographer, as a visual artists, documenting/taking photos had more of a natural draw. I took a portrait of my brother reading a book and my teacher was obsessed. It was published in the paper and that feeling of accomplishment from doing something that brought me so much joy naturally was a feeling I couldn’t help but chase. Here we are +10 years later having worked for the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, shot a number of music festivals and artists while getting to work with so many amazing and beautiful people. It’s been a thrilling journey truly.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t but not enough of an un-smooth road to hinder my drive. As a black queer woman, I unfortunately/fortunately am very aware of myself in certain space and I have found it hard for people to take me seriously, but once they see my work there isn’t much to question. Getting in rooms, having access is a struggle sometimes but it only pushes me further to represent and create space for people like me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an all around creator, best known as a music and editorial photographer. I work with record labels, brands, artists, small businesses on social media content, content for press runs, album rolls outs, promo, etc. I specifically aim to serve my community – the black community – in gettin quality content that helps them to feel confident in marketing and promoting their business. The goal is to, if not create jobs for my people, help them in being (and looking) the best at theirs. I also aim to provide and create more communal support, inspiration, and make spaces for the black creative community to really thrive, have a platform. I’m most proud of the recent coverage I did/opportunity I had with Rolling Stone Magazine. I was the only black woman on their coverage team and the youngest. Aside from working with a dream publication of mine, I also got to highlight some of my homies that are DJs and music artists and introduce the rolling stone audience to sounds and people they aren’t used to. It was surreal, still kinda is.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
How personable I am, my hardships, and my creative curiosity.
Contact Info:
- Email: Hello@SalihahSaadiq.com
- Website: salihahsaadiq.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salihahsaadiq/?hl=en
Image Credits
All photos by Salihah Saadiq, including Self Portrait
