Alumni Spotlight: Kevin Jairaj

"I grew up in the Dallas area and began following OU sports in high school, which sparked my connection to the University. When it was time to choose a college, I visited Norman and felt at home on campus. I was drawn to the school, the people I met, and, of course, the football team. As a sports fan, I knew OU was the perfect place for me."

"I was a Pride of Oklahoma marching band member, playing the trumpet. I didn’t know anyone when I first arrived, but joining the band instantly gave me a community of 300 friends. I started as a Music Education major but, being an entrepreneur at heart, switched to business at Price College, focusing on management with a minor in marketing. I chose management for its versatility in any career path.”

“After graduating, I worked in telecom. When digital photography emerged, I picked it up as a hobby, learning everything on my own. Encouraged by friends and family to pursue it further, I saved some money, quit my corporate job, and started my own business. Soon, I was doing 40-50 weddings and hundreds of portrait sessions each year.

My passion for sports led me to the field. I bought season tickets to the Texas Rangers, and they went to the World Series. I photographed the games from the stands, including the celebration when the San Francisco Giants won the title. I sent a portfolio to USA Today, taking a unique approach and designing a wedding-style album with sports images.

Two weeks later, the editor called and said no one had ever sent them a physical portfolio. He mentioned I had one of the cleanest photos from the World Series. He offered me a chance to shoot for them, and that’s how my career in sports photography began.”

"Leaving the corporate safety net and starting from scratch was the biggest obstacle. I had to navigate health insurance and establish pipelines for contractors, vendors, and clients. The competition was also tough, especially in a well-established market like Dallas, where standing out is no easy feat. Using my business degree, I successfully marketed my work and attracted clients. Key to my success was differentiating myself and offering exceptional customer service."

“At first, I was in awe stepping onto a professional field. But now, it's second nature to me, and I know my role is to capture the full story. While fans enjoy the game, I’m focused on documenting the story – the celebrations, the heartbreak, the injuries.

One memorable moment was photographing Phelps’ 20th gold medal attempt at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio. I was shooting beach volleyball on Copacabana Beach when I got a call to cover the event. I got stuck in traffic and arrived just 20 minutes before the race. My first-ever swimming assignment was Phelps’ record-breaking event; it was surreal.”

"Stand out by finding your unique niche because blending in won't help you get ahead. Be kind, courteous, and helpful as people are watching. Employers, myself included, pay attention to how individuals treat others. Be mindful of your social media posts, as they can impact your reputation.

Contribute to your team's success by doing the less glamorous tasks with a positive attitude; this will help you earn trust. And of course, take the time to learn your equipment, master your craft, and focus on creating images that tell meaningful stories."