My name is Seyed Ahmad Beheshti, also known as Arash Beheshti, a multi-awarded photographer and designer. During my pursuit of a B.A. in Design, I became fascinated by the powerful connection between photography and advertising. Drawing on my experience with film photography, I quickly became proficient in the art of digital commercial photography.

I completed my education in Graphic Design at a technical high school, where I was introduced to film photography. This sparked my interest in pursuing photography further. Following graduation, I pursued my passion for photography by self-teaching digital photography and studio lighting, eventually becoming a skilled commercial photographer.

The initial photograph I took was of my classmate who was holding their camera while simultaneously taking photos of me.

I have a fondness for studio photography and my primary tool for controlling light are studio strobes. All of my lighting kits are manufactured by Profoto and I use a Sony camera with a selection of lenses for my studio work.

Regarding my goal of producing photographs that leave a lasting impact on people, I believe that photography has the power to move people in profound ways. When people see an image that resonates with them, it can evoke powerful emotions and leave a lasting impression. As a photographer, I aspire to create images that have this kind of impact - images that stay with people long after they've seen them.

In terms of my passion for sharing my knowledge with emerging photographers, I believe that it's important to give back to the community and help others grow and develop. I've been fortunate enough to have mentors who have guided me along the way and I want to pay it forward by sharing what I've learned with others.

Whether it's through teaching workshops, writing articles, or simply having conversations with other photographers, I find great fulfillment in helping others improve their craft.

Overall, my goal as a photographer is to create meaningful work that connects with people on a deep level while also contributing to the growth and development of the photography community as a whole.

Regarding compliments, I find it's important to not become overly attached to them or let them define my self-worth. If I receive a compliment, I try to acknowledge it graciously and move on. Similarly, if I receive criticism, I try to take it constructively and learn from it, rather than letting it bring me down.

That being said, there have been certain compliments that have touched me deeply. For example, if someone compliments me on my design or communication skills, it reinforces my passion for these areas and motivates me to continue improving. Alternatively, if someone compliments me on my kindness or empathy, it serves as a reminder to prioritize these qualities in my interactions with others.

Ultimately, I believe that focusing on my goals and values is more fulfilling than seeking validation from others through compliments. By staying true to myself and what brings me joy, I can maintain a sense of inner peace and purpose regardless of external opinions.

Regarding music, I find that certain genres or songs can evoke specific emotions or imagery in my mind. For example, a melancholic melody might inspire me to create a moody image with subdued colors while an upbeat rhythm might inspire me to create something more vibrant and energetic. I often listen to music while brainstorming ideas or working on a project as I find that it helps me stay focused and inspired.

In terms of colors, I believe that they can be incredibly powerful in storytelling. Different colors can convey different moods or emotions, and can help to create a cohesive visual narrative. When I'm creating a piece, I often start by choosing a color palette that fits the mood or message I'm trying to convey. From there, I'll build the image or story around those colors, using them to guide my creative decisions.

Overall, I believe that my unique storytelling style comes from a combination of various influences, including music, colors, and my own personal experiences and perspectives. By drawing on these sources of inspiration, I strive to create work that is both meaningful and impactful.

I would describe my photography style as neat, vivid and straightforward.

Thank you! Winning this award is a tremendous honor, especially given the exceptional caliber of talent among the other photographers who were also recognized.

The work I submitted was a commercial/product shot of a watch, featuring the brand's slogan ‘Speed And Intelligence’ in a visually striking way. This project has received several accolades in the past which inspired me to enter it into the NY Photography Awards and see how it would fare in this competition.

Winning an award in any field can serve as evidence of one's talent, hard work, and dedication. This recognition can boost one's credibility and reputation within their industry, and open up new opportunities for collaboration, networking, and career advancement.

Additionally, winning an award can also inspire individuals to set higher goals for themselves, and push beyond their comfort zones to achieve even greater success. The motivation and confidence gained from receiving recognition can help individuals take calculated risks, pursue new ventures and expand their skill set.

Furthermore, winning an award can also generate buzz and publicity, helping individuals gain exposure and build a larger audience for their work. This increased visibility can lead to more job offers, projects, and partnerships, further accelerating one's career growth.

Overall, winning an award can have a significant impact on a person's career by elevating their profile, inspiring them to aim higher and opening up new opportunities for growth and success.

I have drawn inspiration from several photographers, including Joe McNally, Karl Taylor, and Tim Wallace.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received was that the best camera is the one that you have with you.

This statement emphasizes the importance of being able to capture moments and opportunities as they arise, regardless of whether you have the ‘best’ or most expensive camera equipment. It encourages photographers to focus on their creativity and the moment itself, rather than getting caught up in the technical details of their gear.

Furthermore, this advice also highlights the importance of mastering the tools that you have at your disposal, rather than obsessing over acquiring the latest and greatest equipment. With practice, even a basic camera can produce stunning results in the hands of a skilled photographer.

Overall, the advice that ‘the best camera is the one that you have with you’ encourages photographers to focus on their creativity, resourcefulness, and skill, rather than relying solely on their equipment to capture great images.

Becoming a successful photographer involves more than just having the latest and greatest equipment. While high-quality gear is important, it's not the only factor that determines your success in this field. To truly excel, you need to develop a range of skills, including technical photography skills, business acumen, and communication skills.

Investing in education can help you develop these skills and build a solid foundation for your career. This might involve attending a photography school or workshop, taking online courses, or even pursuing a degree in photography or a related field. By doing so, you'll learn about the technical aspects of photography, such as lighting, composition, and post-processing, as well as gain business and marketing skills that will help you succeed as a professional photographer.

Of course, it's still important to have good equipment, but it's important to recognize that gear alone won't make you a great photographer. Instead, it's your skills and creativity that will set you apart from the competition. By investing in education and prioritizing the development of your skills, you'll be better equipped to handle any photography job that comes your way, and you'll be more likely to succeed in this competitive field.

Continuous learning is an ongoing process of acquiring new knowledge and skills throughout one's life. It involves actively seeking out new experiences and seeking to understand the world around us. There are many benefits to lifelong learning, including personal growth, increased job satisfaction, and more opportunities for career advancement.

When it comes to success, I believe that a commitment to continuous learning is essential. In today's rapidly changing world, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your field. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to adapt to changing circumstances and take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.

Furthermore, continuous learning can help you develop new ideas and approaches to problem-solving, which can be invaluable in any profession. It can also help you stay motivated and engaged in your work, as you continue to explore new topics and expand your horizons.

In short, a commitment to lifelong learning can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. By staying curious, open-minded, and committed to learning, you can unlock your full potential and achieve your goals, whatever they may be.

My photography constantly drives me to learn and improve. I am never fully satisfied with my work, which motivates me to seek out new knowledge and techniques that can help me grow as a photographer. As Henri Cartier-Bresson famously said, "Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst," so I continue to strive for improvement with every shot I take.

Before we wrap up the interview, I'd like to express my gratitude to the New York Photography Awards and the jury for selecting my photo as the Silver Winner. It's an honor to be recognized among such talented photographers, and I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to speak with you today as a result.