I was born in Iran, migrated to Germany with my family and eventually grew up in Texas in the 80's. Both my heritage and background have influenced how I see the world. Being from another culture, travel and curiosity about people are part of my DNA. Growing up, family vacations consisted of packing up dad's Oldsmobile and hitting the open highway to see all the beauty of North America. We learned a lot about each other and the people we visited on those road trips.
I learned how to tell stories at the Dallas Morning News but my greatest lesson --how to empathize and connect-- was learned in the field from many of the people I've met and photographed. The last two decades have taken me to five continents documenting people in conflict and peace. Photographing presidents, refugees, genocide survivors or just ordinary people, I love the challenge of putting putting people at ease when they are in front of my camera.
My work is a blend of portraiture, documentary and fine art photography but my passion is people and the stories they have to tell.
