I am an Iranian-born British photographer, born in Tehran in 1978.
My journey to becoming a photographer began at the age of 12, but it wasn't until I turned 40 that I finally realised my dream. The pursuit of becoming a photographic artist has been the driving force of my life.
At 11-12 years old, I found myself in an orphanage in the north of Tehran, abandoned by my parents due to my mother's mental health struggles and my father's abuse. It was there, in the sanctuary of a large garden, that I found solace in conversing with the trees, many of which became my companions. Despite the harsh realities of my upbringing, I harboured a belief that my true parents were loving and sought me. This conviction was solidified during a visit to Niavaran Palace, where I encountered a striking black and white photograph of trees—later revealed to be by Ansel Adams. In that moment, those trees appeared more vivid and real to me than any I had known, serving as a testament to the possibility of a different, better world where I could find my "real" parents amidst such beauty. From then on, I yearned to inhabit that world and express myself through the medium of photography.
Although studying art and photography seemed out of reach, I navigated through various paths in life to make my dream a reality. Leaving Iran in my early twenties, I eventually settled in Scotland after a stint in Hungary. It was at the University of St Andrews, home to pioneering photographers Hill and Adamson, where I found inspiration. These two figures—one a chemist, the other a visionary artist—embodied the fusion of science and creativity that photography represented. During my time at St Andrews, I immersed myself in the history of art and photography while honing my technical skills.
After graduating, I embarked on diverse career paths, from trading commodities to working as an analyst for an investment firm, all in pursuit of saving enough to afford the necessary equipment to start anew as a photographer. With the unwavering support of my wife, I took the leap at forty to pursue my passion full-time.
My photographic practice explores themes of self-examination and the complexity of human emotions, delving into the depths of adversity and the mysterious essence of existence. On the technical front, I exclusively utilise an 8”x10” wooden field view camera with a single lens, handling all printing and processing in the darkroom. I maintain a small studio in Summerhall, Edinburgh, and utilise the community darkrooms at "Stills" for my darkroom process.
