We had the good fortune of connecting with Abdoul Sow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abdoul, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Dakar, Senegal, and moved to America when I was just three months old. While I don’t remember much about my early days in Senegal, my mom made sure that our culture was a constant presence in our lives. She always reminded my sister and me about where we came from and the values we brought with us.

My Mom moved to America seeking the American Dream, hoping to provide better opportunities for us to succeed and become who we wanted to be. Growing up, I saw firsthand the sacrifices she made and the challenges they faced. Their dedication and perseverance deeply influenced me.

Now, as a sports photographer, I often reflect on how different my path might have been if we had stayed in Africa. The resources and opportunities available here in the U.S. have been instrumental in shaping my career. I feel an extreme sense of responsibility to make the most of the opportunities my mom worked so hard to provide. Her journey and sacrifices are a constant motivation for me to pursue my dreams and to honor our heritage through my work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m currently a Senior at the University of Cincinnati studying Electronic Media Communications. Through the program I’ve gotten many internships! To start off, my first one and current one is with Bearcats Digital through the University of Cincinnati. I took a photo class my freshman year and fell in love with it towards the end of my first semester. One of my professors recommended me to apply to the internship but then covid happened so they stopped accepting applications. During Covid I ended up getting more reps in with my camera and photography and then reapplied to the program in 2021 and have been there since! Over the years I’ve been able to intern through sports brands; MLB, NFL, College Football Playoffs, and much more!

I wouldn’t say getting to where I am today was easy, but I will say though everything “just happened” in a way. More so right place right time. Some challenges I encountered and overcame was “Imposter Syndrome”. I tend to be hard on myself when it comes to Photography and there was a point where I was comparing myself to other creatives, thinking I wasn’t good enough. But I kept going and surrounded myself with positive people!

Some lessons I’ve learned along the way is to always be nice! Easiest thing to do in the world especially if you’re networking. You never know who you’re going to meet and how they’ll boomerang back into your life in the future. And most importantly give 110% into everything you do!

Something I would want the world to know about me is that I love to story tell, making people/brands look good and i love sports! Providing a visual story rather than hearing it is a beautiful thing. The fact that I get to do all three is just Insane!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Fun Places – Kings Island (if you’re into rollercoasters)

Food Spots – Condados, Skyline Chili,

Sports – Bengals, Reds

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out my mom and sisters for continuing to understand and support me during my journey, My school internship Bearcats Digital for taking me in and trusting me to ensure I capture moments that the Athletics has to offer, My former boss at the University of Cincinnati Eichel Davis for mentoring me, teaching me leadership, culture, and what a work family should look like. Everybody should have an Eichel in their life, My current boss at the University of Cincinnati, Isabella Marley, for the constant motivation and mentorship, Every intern I have worked with throughout my threes years at the University of Cincinnati, all have helped me grow in an area some way, and finally my girlfriend Madison for always being there for me.

Website: https://www.abdoulsow.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotbyabdoul/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdoul-sow-485857235/

Twitter: https://x.com/Abdoul_Sow21

Image Credits
Abdoul Sow

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