portrait of iranian american comedian Max Amini lounging casually across red kia forum seats in cinematic lighting.

An empty white background or blank canvas with no visible content or elements.

Home

Every photo tells a story

Max Amini

persian comedian Max Amini lounging dramatically across red theater seats in casual attire in Kia Forum

Entertainer and comedian Max Amini in plaid jacket sits relaxed in theater seat with confident smile in kia forum.

Casual portrait of person laughing and gesturing in olive jacket by sunlit window of comedian Max Amini taken in Westwood Los Angeles studio

Max Amini in Kia Forum

For the cover of Aleph Magazine in Canada, I had the honor of creating a bold visual story with Max Amini, a globally recognized Persian comedian and filmmaker. Max was preparing for one of the biggest milestones in his career. a groundbreaking live show at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, a venue few comedians have ever filled.

To capture the essence of his journey, I took Max to the empty Kia Forum ahead of the performance. There, among rows of striking red seats, we crafted an image that was both symbolic and editorial. Using a wide 24mm lens, I photographed him seated with his legs crossed his shoes intentionally oversized by the lens’s perspective. The creative angle was meant to reflect a deeper narrative. these were the same feet that had walked countless stages across the world, step by step, toward this historic moment.

The result was more than just a portrait, it was a visual tribute to ambition, resilience, and artistic triumph.

Aleph Magazine #10 Cover Photo

ALEPH is Canada’s first Persian lifestyle magazine based in Vancouver dedicated to giving the Iranian community and its businesses a voice. It sheds light on what is important and relevant at the present moment, bridging the gap between the East and the West.We believe that luxury is encompassed in the exclusive, in the unique, in the never-before-seen or experienced. Whether that is through fine dining, luxury automobiles, high-end fashion or premium travel destinations, high quality products and services play a important role in refining our experiences and inspiring us to seek out more. ALEPH is a seasonal magazine that offers a space both in print and online for people and high-end businesses to connect. It effortlessly allows Westerners to gain a better, more authentic understanding of Persian culture and traditions, while helping Iranians living in Canada discover Western customs and values.

persian comedian Max Amini on Magazine cover and layout for Aleph publication with red theater seats in Kia Forum

check this issue

Portrait session promotional image featuring photographer and persian pop singer Shahbal Shabpareh against dark background.

Older man with gray hair and round glasses wearing a black jacket, dramatic studio portrait with dark background.

Smiling older man with gray hair and round glasses wearing a black suit and tie, raising his hand against a dark background.

Shahbal Shabpareh

Photographing Shahbal Shabpareh widely known as the father of Persian pop was an unforgettable experience. My goal was to honor his legacy while preserving the spirit of pop culture he helped define.

For this session, I asked him to wear a dark-toned, semi-casual coat. a look that captured both his iconic stature and the relaxed, creative energy he still carries. To set the emotional tone, I played some of his earliest recordings during the shoot. As the music played, a quiet reflection came over him, transporting us both back to the roots of his remarkable career.

I designed the lighting with purpose: dramatic yet soft, with subtle shadows and a dark background that elevated the scene into something timeless. The result was not just a portrait. it was a reverent visual of a living legend, captured in a moment of memory and meaning.

Dramatic portrait of Iranian musician and singer Mojgan Shajarian with sitar surrounded by red light effects taken in Westwood Los Angeles.

Classical musician and Iranian singer Mojgan Shajarian in ornate vest holds traditional sitar instrument against dark background.

Mojgan Shajarian

Mojgan Shajarian, daughter of the legendary Maestro Mohammad Reza Shajarian, continues her family’s profound legacy through her own mastery of Persian classical music and setar. Capturing her essence in a personal branding session required a careful balance between tradition and innovation just like her art.

For the first concept, I styled Mojgan in a textured traditional outfit reminiscent of Persian carpets. a visual tribute to her cultural roots and the authenticity of her musical expression. This look highlighted her deep connection to Iranian heritage and classical aesthetics.

The second concept embraced a more experimental tone. I used a blend of continuous light and flash, applying a shutter drag technique to create a dynamic, storytelling image. In this shot, Mojgan appears centered and still, while a red shadow swirls around her symbolizing the spirit of music that flows through her presence.

To fully represent her identity, I invited Mojgan to include her setar in the session. The result was a series of portraits that feel both timeless and bold a reflection of who she is: a guardian of tradition and a voice for the future.

Creative portrait session promotional banner with stylish black clothing against dark backdrop of Rana Mansour taken in Westwood Los Angeles

Black and white silhouette portrait of a woman with short hair against a bright white background.

Black and white portrait of a woman in a wide-brim hat, black blazer, and layered chain necklace.

persian pop singer Rana Mansour in black outfit sits thoughtfully on wooden chair against dark background.

Stylish black and white portraits of persian pop singer Rana Mansour wearing black suit jacket and fedora hat in dark studio setting.

Dramatic portrait of persian pop singer Rana Mansour featuring figure in black suit and hat seated on wooden chair against dark backdrop.

Moody fashion portraits of persian pop singer Rana Mansour in black blazer and wide-brim hat against dark background.

Artistic portraits showing persian pop singer Rana Mansour in black suit and gold accessories against shadowy backdrop.

Woman in green houndstooth blazer with pearl necklace and floral blouse poses against dark green background.

Woman in green houndstooth blazer with pearl necklace and paisley blouse poses against dark green background.

Woman in green checkered blazer posing confidently with hands near neck, wearing gold jewelry on dark green background.

Rana Mansour

Rana Mansour is a rare musical force blending the soul of Persian lyrics with the structure and finesse of Western vocal and piano techniques. Known for her commanding voice and expressive performances, she brings authenticity and modernity into perfect harmony.

For her personal branding session, I envisioned a refined, low-key editorial style that would reflect her artistry and strength. I styled Rana in a black suit paired with a bold wide-brimmed hat, seated on a wooden stool over a wooden floor, framed by a textured black backdrop. This setting paired with soft, dramatic lighting created a timeless and cinematic atmosphere.

The result was a portrait that not only highlights her striking presence but also subtly communicates the depth of her talent and the fusion of traditions she carries into every performance. A rising icon with classic soul.

Creative triple exposure portrait of a young woman showing calm and screaming expressions.

Woman in green lace bralette posing against vibrant green studio background with dramatic lighting.

Woman in green textured puff-sleeve top and black mini skirt posing dramatically in green smoky studio lighting.

Woman in green textured top and black leather skirt posing dramatically in yellow-green smoke on dark background.

Woman in green textured puff-sleeve top posing confidently against a dark green background with dramatic lighting.

Woman in textured green puff-sleeve top and black leather mini skirt posing against dark background with green lighting.

Woman in black lace bra posing under green studio lighting with dangling earrings against a green background.

Shiva Negar

This portrait series captures Shiva Negar, an Iranian Canadian actress and producer known for her work in film and television, including American Assassin and SEAL Team. Born in Iran and raised across multiple cultures, her artistic journey is deeply rooted in storytelling and performance.

In this collaboration, I explored a range of creative lighting and visual techniques to reflect both her cinematic presence and emotional depth. Using shutter drag, I crafted dynamic, story driven frames that convey movement and narrative beyond a single moment. Complementing this, color gels and atmospheric smoke were incorporated to build a dramatic, high fashion visual language, transforming each portrait into a distinct scene.

The result is a series that blends editorial aesthetics with cinematic storytelling, highlighting Shiva’s versatility as both an actress and a subject in front of the lens.

Emotive persian podcaster and comedian Farshid Manafi portrait series showing dramatic expressions with smoke effects.

persian podcaster and comedian Farshid Manafi wearing orange beanie and sunglasses poses against dark backdrop in casual attire.

persian podcaster and comedian Farshid Manafi in orange beanie and round sunglasses showing playful expressions in studio setting.

Dramatic black and white portraits of persian podcaster and comedian Farshid Manafi wearing beanie and round sunglasses.

persian podcaster and comedian Farshid Manafi in gray t-shirt and orange beanie poses with houseplants in artistic studio shots.

Farshid Manafi

Farshid Manafi is one of the most influential voices in Persian media a celebrated podcast host and actor known for his sharp commentary and creative energy. His voice doesn’t just entertain it resonates, challenges, and inspires.

For his personal branding session, I wanted to visually amplify the power and intensity of his words. Using a creative lighting and visual effects technique, I captured an image of smoke emerging from his ears. a playful yet symbolic expression of the force behind his podcasting presence.

In the remaining portraits, I incorporated a vintage radio receiver, a nod to his roots in radio and the timeless craft of storytelling through sound. The textures, tones, and props were all designed to frame his identity not just as a speaker, but as a cultural conduit between eras.

The result was a portrait series that merges concept and character bold, evocative, and deeply connected to the spirit of his voice.

Follow me on Instagram