In Sri Lanka, there exists a cherished aspiration among many parents: to see their children become doctors, lawyers, or engineers—the hallmarks of professional and societal success. It's a path that Shakir Jamaldeen once walked, carving out a stable and accomplished 15-year career as an Aerospace Engineer. His work revolved around developing intricate systems to safeguard aircraft, crew, and passengers from fire hazards caused by everyday electronics. Yet, beneath the surface of his impressive profession, a shift was brewing—a quiet yearning for something more fulfilling.

Taking the Leap
By 2019, Shakir had reached a turning point. "In the final years at my previous job, I found that my work no longer felt as fulfilling, and I realised my personal growth had plateaued," he reflects. Taking a leap that few would dare, he stepped away from the well-trodden path to embrace a journey of uncertainty and self-discovery. Photography, a long-time interest that had once been sparked by childhood memories of playing with his father's camera soon became his newfound calling.

But the transition was far from smooth. No sooner had he resolved to pursue photography than the world shut down in 2020. "The biggest challenge was navigating the pandemic, which, ironically, hit just weeks after I had decided a career switch would be a good move!" he says. Confined indoors, Shakir faced doubts, but persistence kept him moving forward.

Honing His Craft
The first threads of Shakir’s passion trace back to his childhood, woven with the hazy recollections of handling his father's Kodak camera. “Honestly, I can’t pinpoint exactly how it all began, but at some point, my grandfather enrolled me on a photography course which is when things really took

off.” 
Primarily self-taught, Shakir honed his craft with the determination of someone embarking on a second act. “While I took a basic course at the Photographic Society of Sri Lanka, the majority of it came from years of self-study through online tutorials and experience in the field.” He found a niche in resort photography, drawn by the interplay of architectural design, travel, and storytelling. “I love architecture and its blend of art, science, and geometry. While resort photography naturally includes elements of lifestyle, food, and other subgenres, it’s the architecture of a space that truly excites me.”

When asked about his influences, Shakir immediately names two giants of the field: “Mike Kelley and Hélène Binet—two of the most notable architectural photographers.” However, establishing credibility in a new field required more than admiration. “Building a portfolio without prior recognition or a network was tough. I had to rely on a lot of self-promotion, continuous learning, and taking on smaller projects (often for free) to gain experience and credibility. Patience and persistence were key.”

Amidst the highs and lows, Shakir received an immense amount of support from every direction, most of all, from his wife. “She’d always believed I’d make strides in photography, even when I struggled with confidence or enthusiasm. She is my biggest fan and motivator.” 

This strong foundation of support was vital, especially given the reactions Shakir faced when shifting careers. “People are often surprised when they learn about my move to photography—usually met with a lukewarm reception,” he notes. “It stems from a societal norm where ‘dream’ careers like medicine, law, and engineering are seen as the ultimate markers of prestige, intelligence, and success. But having lived both paths, I can say with certainty that building a career driven by passion offers its own brand of success—rich in invaluable lessons and far greater personal fulfilment.”

Shakir’s transition wasn’t only emotional but also financial, and Sri Lanka’s turbulent economic climate didn’t make things easier. “I relied on savings from before. I had to invest in essential equipment to make this possible and even sold some personal belongings to cover costs. But I was determined.”

Triumphs and Trials 
The journey brought moments of triumph, like being handpicked by one of Sri Lanka’s top interior designers. “Photographing for this brand was already a dream come true. Meeting her in person was a privilege; she shared that she’d personally recommended me to her team and even compared my work to one of her favourite photographers.” Such accolades validate Shakir’s risk. “Absolutely, yes! I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve never really pushed boundaries or excelled at anything before—I was probably a half-decent engineer at best. But now, I’ve found my true calling, and it’s exhilarating.”

Yet, alongside these highs, Shakir encountered defining challenges that tested his resolve. Reflecting on a particularly tough project, he shares, “It had an undefined scope, a rushed timeline, and bad weather. The results didn’t meet expectations, and only a small portion of the content I delivered was used, which was disheartening.” Rather than being defeated, Shakir viewed the experience as a learning opportunity. “I reminded myself that it did not reflect the effort I put in,” he says. This setback reinforced the importance of setting clear expectations, meticulous planning, and effective communication—insights that have since become invaluable pillars of his work ethic.

Drawing from Past Experiences
Looking back, Shakir credits skills honed during his engineering days—attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and professionalism—as key contributors to his success. “Simple qualities like punctuality and meeting deadlines can have a huge impact and build a strong reputation.”
For those contemplating a creative career shift, Shakir offers pragmatic advice: “You really have to live your passion. Visualise your goals and invest every ounce of energy into them. Surround yourself with supportive people. Be consistent, be professional.” He emphasises that creativity defies narrow definitions: “The wonderful thing about being a creative is there really isn’t a definition to being a creative. You have the freedom to create your own!”

Now, as Shakir looks ahead, he dreams of new collaborations, eyeing international luxury hotel brands that align with his artistic style. “I’m confident that we will cross paths when the time is right.” For now, he embraces the journey, savouring every frame, every story, every light-filled moment.

Pics courtesy Shakir Jamaldeen