I deeply believe that the true beauty of a person is reflected in his or her soul. A good portrait is something that can reflect that beauty, and that’s what I’m trying to achieve in my portraiture. I’m not just asking my clients to pose in front of the camera to have a beautiful photo for their social networks. To me a portrait is a treasure, a Fine Art; something to keep on your family house walls for generations. It represents your personality, emotions, and inner beauty. People used to keep their family portraits on their walls for generations like treasures and that’s what I’m trying to revive. I am presenting my clients a piece of Art of their own portraits.

Each person is so individual therefore each portrait should be captured as such to be unique and timeless for the family. I spend some time with my clients to get to know them as a person, and to talk about their interests. Through this process we also discuss about what costume they prefer to wear for their portrait. Sometimes this involves designing a costume for them. We also discuss the best makeup for their session which will be done by one of my professional make-up artists.

In 2015, I entered the AIPP QLD State Awards for the first time, and I was named finalist in the Illustrative Category. In 2016 I was named the AIPP QLD Illustrative Photographer of the Year. And recently I was honoured to be named 2017 AIPP QLD Professional Portrait Photographer of the Year.

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 The winning images in 2017 AIPP QLD State Awards

 

Q: Your birth coincided with the 1978 revolution in Iran and you lived in different cities during the 8-year Iran-Iraq war. How has that experience affected your life since? How has it influenced your art and photography?

My birth coincided with the 1978 revolution in Iran. Through my childhood, I lived in different cities across the country, and it was during the 8 year Iran-Iraq war. To make us forget about the intense condition of war, my parents decided to find ways to lead us into more creative activities. I remember my father used to gather all family children and organize painting exhibitions of all works from all ages. That was maybe my first interaction with art, and maybe something that changed my whole life forever.

Nothing about war is beautiful! However that experience taught me to seek hope and beauty in any situation.

Q: What was your ‘aha’ moment (or turning point) when it came to making art and photography your career?

I have studied fine Art in the Art University of Tehran and since then I have been fascinated with photography and began by working part-time in a professional studio. After graduating in 2004 I had several solo and group exhibitions as a painter. In 2009 I had my first Digital Art exhibition, where I started combining photography and painting. Following that my digital Art works were displayed in several solo and group exhibitions.

Selling one of my Art works in the Dubai Bonhams auction in 2011 with an unexpected result was the turning point for me to choose Art as my own career.

‘The Oracle’ form the ‘Revision of Portrait’ series – 2010 – Dubai Bonhams Auction, April 2011

Q: When or where are you happiest? What is your greatest achievement?

When I have a new project or a new idea to work on, it is the time I feel I’m full of energy. That means many tough days ahead, lots of challenges, many hours of hard working, and less sleeping! When I print the result I feel satisfied and that’s the happiest moment. That’s the feeling of being alive, full of power, and joy. You could even find me dancing around my studio!

I remember my second solo exhibition: Many people had shown up and I had most of my works sold. My parents were there too. I think the time my father came towards me with tears in his eyes and telling me how proud he was, was the greatest moment. It was one of the greatest moment in my life and I felt I am in the right path of doing what I have the passion for. And your family believes in you and they are proud of you.

The greatest moment for me in Australia was when I was named the AIPP QLD Illustrative Photographer of the Year 2016, and this year the Portrait Photographer of the Year 2017. I was so grateful to be welcomed in the professional photographers’ community and see my works recognized.

 

Q: You moved to Australia in 2011 – how did that come about? Why Brisbane?

I moved to Australia with my husband, Afshin, in 2011. We got settled in Brisbane as he found a good job very soon. Brisbane is such a beautiful place to live.

To me however, I was thinking Brisbane was not what I was looking for: a place where I can get involved in Art communities like Melbourne or Sydney. Something that changed very soon. I was very lucky to meet one of the Australia’s top creative wedding photographers: Marcus Bell in 2013. He introduced me to a group of great Brisbane photographers and I realized at that time how many talented and well known photographers are living in Brisbane. This was the moment where I started photography professionally alongside with my Fine Art work.

Australia and their people have always been generous to me. And it was no exception with this photography community. They generously taught me many things and showed me the path that led me to where I stand now. Mark Duffus, a master of commercial photographer, introduced me to the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography). He saw my digital Art works and encouraged me to enter into national and state awards. Rob Heyman a well-known grand master of photography, has been a great inspiration to me. He taught me how to best use natural light in my portraits.

 

Q: What’s next for you? Are you planning another exhibition?

I have many new projects that I’m working on and one of them is planning my next solo exhibition here in Brisbane. At this stage I’m looking for a good gallery and finding sponsors to work with.