BIO
I'm an Iranian photographer, with over 20 years of experience capturing moments in life of individuals around the world. Specializing in portrait and reportage. I graduated in 1998 with a BA (Photography Major) from the University of Art & Architecture in Tehran and been working in the field since. In 2006, I joined the Associated Press news agency in the middle East. A long awaited dream of mine, I worked with the agency for 6 years, covering all things news worthy in the region.
In 2009 after a major health scare and walking my way back to health, I traveled to India, where I studied Yoga and Meditation under the guidance of Gandhar & Kate Mandlik at Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Yoga point, in Nashik. I graduate from various programs, including 200hrs Yoga teacher training, 300hrs Yoga Therapy and 50 hrs Meditation. From that point on, my work started to shift from photojournalism to portraiture and more personal projects. Seen how much mindful practices had effected my health and wellbeing, I decided to create "Asha", a platform where I share yoga, meditation, aromatherapy and service based projects and trips.
In 2012 I said goodbye to my beloved agency and moved to NYC, a place I now, call home. I continued my Yoga studies by completing my teacher training at Laughing Lotus Yoga center under the guidance of Dana Trixie Flynn. For the last 6 years I've taken many advanced trainings, such as hands on assist, restorative, Ayurveda and aromatherapy.
In 2017 I joined one of my favorite companies, doTERRA, taking a bigger step towards my mission of creating change by empowering communities around the world.
After pondering over the idea, for few years, finally in 2018, I took the leap and started a life changing work by signing up for B School with one of my real life idols, Marie Forleo, which inspired me to create “ The Experience”, based on the idea of travel, self love and service.
I live in New York city with my husband Rodrigo, enjoying long walks, watching people, taking pictures, teaching yoga, working with plant medicine and sipping good coffee.
NGO work: Josephine Herrick Project - NYC * McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy & Research - NYC * UNICEF (various projects) - UAE * TCV (Tibetan Children Villages) - India * Dessine L’espoir (Designing Hope) - Romania
Exhibitions: 2017- Umcebo Gallery (solo) - Paris, France * 2015- miLES (solo) - NYC, USA * 2005- More (solo) - Dubai, UAE * 2002 - Secret Garden (solo) - Dubai, UAE * 1999- Golestan Gallery - Tehran, Iran
Selected awards: 2017 - 12th Annual Black & White Spider Awards - Honorable mention in Architectural category * 2015 - Partial Grant through Josephine Herrick project, from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) * 2012 - 7th Annual Black & White Spider Awards - Awarded in recognition of Exceptional Achievement * 2009 - UNICEF - Awarded in recognition for photographic contribution to the UAE National Campaign to fight child obesity