Today we’d like to introduce you to Moses Lahai.
Hi Moses, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’d say my journey really started during the pandemic. I was spending a lot of time with tech, building computers, experimenting, and just trying to understand how things worked. Around that same time my sister was getting into graphic design, and seeing her create inspired me to try my hand at it too. I started doing small graphics work for people, but I always felt like something was missing visually. That’s when I picked up my first camera from a pawn shop. I didn’t really know what I was doing yet, but I knew I wanted to create images that felt intentional and meaningful.
When I came to college, that’s when everything started to make sense. It was a time where I was figuring out who I was, what I valued, and how I wanted to express myself. I was still photographing sports because that was familiar, but being in a new environment pushed me to slow down and look at people more deeply. I found myself drawn to the individuality in people, the stories behind them, the small details that make someone who they are. That’s where my love for portrait work really began to take shape.
A major turning point was meeting my mentor, Tobi (ShotByTobi). He helped me understand not just how to take photos, but how to actually see them. He helped me think about identity, storytelling, and direction. That guidance gave me clarity on the type of artist I wanted to become and helped my business grow into something real and purpose driven.
Today, I specialize in conceptual and editorial portrait work. My focus is on creating visuals that feel personal, expressive, and timeless. Photography has become both my craft and my way of discovering myself and others. It has been a journey of curiosity, self discovery, mentorship, and trusting my creative instincts.
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 definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, money was a big struggle. I didn’t know how to price my work because I didn’t really know my worth yet, so I often undercharged myself. On top of that, photography gear is expensive, and it took time to slowly invest in better equipment as I grew.
I also had to build confidence in my style and stop comparing myself to others. Over time, positive feedback, experience, and trusting my own eye helped me recognize the value of what I create. The challenges ended up shaping me and pushing me to grow both creatively and personally.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My business is called Hai Rez. The name comes from my last name, Lahai, and the idea of high resolution. It represents clarity, intention, and seeing people in their best light. I am Sierra Leonean, and my identity plays a big role in how I create. I specialize in conceptual and editorial portrait photography, with a focus on storytelling, culture, and individuality.
What sets my work apart is the way I bridge the African diaspora with Western cultural elements. I grew up connected to both worlds, so my visual language naturally blends modern style with cultural depth and familiarity. I want my work to feel global but still rooted in something personal and real.
One of the moments I am most proud of was seeing my work shared on The Shade Room and across major African media pages. It showed me that the stories I tell through my images resonate far beyond my immediate community. But more than the recognition, I am proud of how people feel when they see themselves in my photos. I want my subjects to feel seen, understood, and elevated.
For anyone learning about Hai Rez, I want it to be known that this is more than just photography. It is about documenting identity, honoring culture, and creating visuals that feel intentional and timeless. Whether it is editorial work, portraits, creative direction, or brand storytelling, my goal is always to create imagery that holds meaning and stays with you
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is God, then family. My faith grounds me and guides how I move, create, and make decisions. It keeps me centered when things are going well and when they aren’t. My family is the foundation that shaped me. They’ve supported me, encouraged me, and reminded me of who I am when I needed it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hairez.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_hai.rez/#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moseslahai
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mo.Chopps
