Safaa Hasan

If I were to describe my photography in four words, I would say: candid, adorned, colorful, and cultural. My photography is deeply connected to heritage—celebrating patterns, textures, and traditional Yemeni attire. I specialize in portrait photography, often photographing my friends and family in a tight frame to keep the focus firmly on my subjects.

I’m also inspired by how photographer Farah Al Qasimi highlights—yet respects—our shared culture, and I, too, want to ensure that same sense of respect is reflected in my work. The concept of concealing women's identities has also shaped my practice, leading me to create images where my subjects are faceless or only partially visible. 

Safaa Hasan, a glimpse of the twins, 2025. Digital inkjet print

Safaa Hasan,
baba: my father, 2025. Digital inkjet print

Safaa Hasan, love, celine, 2025. Digital inkjet print

Safaa Hasan is a senior at the Young Women’s Leadership School of Manhattan and will be attending Fordham University for her undergraduate degree. She is a member of the National Honor Society and a New York Public Library Teen Civics Ambassador. She lives in Harlem and enjoys taking portraits of family and friends. Outside of photography, she enjoys doing henna, shopping, bowling, singing, traveling, taking walks, and binge-watching TV shows. Safaa has a strong interest in fashion and finds inspiration from Pinterest. Her older sister, Asma, is her biggest inspiration because she has always been a role model for her.