Photo: @mrs.misc.art Model: @im.zulieka

From an early fascination with a childhood camera to becoming an accomplished visual storyteller, Mehgan Fallahi-Marzooni has always been captivated by the art of capturing life’s intricacies. Her journey, marked by a relentless pursuit of creative expression, reveals a deep passion not only for photography but for crafting unique moments that resonate beyond the frame. As a "craft queen" with a love for various forms of art—from poetry to painting—Mehgan seamlessly blends her diverse talents to bring authentic and emotionally charged stories to life. In this insightful interview, she shares how her artistic evolution continues to shape her voice, the power of storytelling, and the importance of pushing creative boundaries in an ever-evolving industry.

Interview with Mehgan Fallahi-Marzooni

What initially sparked your interest in photography, and how has that passion evolved over time?

"I've always been a creative person and got my first camera at age 10. I instantly fell in love with photography, but my creative spark has never died. I am a self-proclaimed 'craft queen' and dabble in many arts besides photography (poetry, crafting, painting, etc). Art allows me to express myself in a way that words cannot."

How do you approach developing a unique style or voice in your photography?

"I think developing your own style or voice in photography can be difficult. Photography is a competitive space; there are tons of photographers, and developing a signature look or style to your photography that stands out from what other creatives are doing is always a challenge. My style has evolved over time, but my 'voice' in photography is always trying to develop a relationship with my client, create a safe and comfortable space for them to create alongside me, and do my best to tell their story or convey emotions through images."

Can you share a particularly memorable photoshoot experience and what made it stand out?

"I think some of the most memorable photoshoot experiences I've had were with friends of mine. I have several friends that I've done shoots for fun, engagement photos, wedding photos, and maternity. The trust involved in allowing me to document such special moments in their lives warms my heart. It makes art worth it for me. They trusted me and gave me creative freedom with their memories, and for that I am truly grateful."

What role does storytelling play in your work, and how do you create narratives through your photos?

"Storytelling plays a large role in my work and I always do my best to capture the essence of the individual I'm working with. Many photographers try to limit the amount of shots they take and will only shoot a specific pose. Though it often creates extra work for me, I don't just shoot specific poses, but I shoot the moments in between. Some of the most beautiful images I've captured are candid moments that reflect raw emotion. That is life; life isn't perfectly posed. It's raw, and real, and those are my favorite stories to tell."

Who or what are some of your biggest influences in photography and beyond?

"Some of my biggest influences in photography is music. I often get inspired by songs or lyrics that help me create concepts for my art. I also find inspiration in every photographer and creative that I meet. Everyone has something to offer whether it's a different style or perspective. We all can learn from each other, regardless of how new or seasoned we are.

"How do you stay inspired and creative, especially during periods of creative block?

"Staying inspired during creative blocks can be hard, but I try to listen to music, browse Pinterest, read or write poetry, or engage in other types of crafts. I will also sometimes pick a concept or style I've been wanting to practice or learn and force myself to give it a try. Sometimes taking the initiative, even when you're feeling uninspired, is enough to kick start creativity."

What’s your process like when preparing for a new shoot, from concept to execution?

"Despite the fact I've been shooting for a long time, I always leave myself a little time to feel nervous before a photo shoot. I care deeply about my work, about the execution of my ideas, and about the model experience when working with me, so I always have to take some time to center myself to ensure I'm bringing the best version of myself to a photo session. I often storyboard out concepts, and spend a lot of time seeking a model, a location to shoot, and visualizing the end result. After executing the shoot, I leave time to reflect on the process, what could I have done differently or better, and of course leave some time for gratitude that I get to do something that I love so much."

How do you see the role of technology in photography evolving, and are there any specific tools or techniques you favor?

"As someone who has been shooting for close to 20 years, there have been some amazing advancements in technology. I can only see those continuing to improve. A lot of people are not fans of AI, but I personally really enjoy generative AI within Photoshop and Lightroom when it comes to removing unwanted objects from photos. Generative AI is not perfect, and sometimes you definitely get some funky generative fills, but overall I find it extremely helpful and to be a huge time saver. It used to be extremely difficult 10-15 years ago to remove a complex object from a photo, and it used to require advanced skills in Photoshop. I look forward to seeing what new technology emerges over the next couple decades."

What advice would you give aspiring photographers looking to make their mark in the industry?

"The advice that I have for new photographers is to do things that scare you. Go outside your comfort zone, push the limits, and be creative. I also highly recommend learning the technical sides of your camera, learning various lighting techniques, and learning how to edit. These are all very valuable skills that a lot of photographers take for granted. I, myself, was late to the game on a lot of the technicalities of photography. I am still learning, as it is an ever-evolving industry, but the best things you can do is have as many tools in your toolbelt as possible. Experiment and find what works best for you."

Do you have any upcoming projects or goals that you’re excited to explore?

"I have a few concept shoots that I am working on, and would like to do a couple of image series with those concepts. I'm very excited and look forward to further developing the ideas. I think some of these concepts will push me creatively and technically, and I will always take any opportunity to grow as a photographer."

Conclusion:

As Mehgan embarks on new projects and embraces the creative challenges ahead, her work continues to inspire and uplift, offering a refreshing perspective on the role of authenticity in art. Her commitment to telling stories through candid, heartfelt imagery stands as a testament to her enduring passion and dedication to her craft. With each new shoot, Mehgan captures the essence of life—unfiltered and beautifully raw—inviting us to see beyond the surface and feel the emotions woven into each frame. Her advice to aspiring photographers is a reminder of the endless potential in pushing one's creative limits, echoing her belief that true artistry lies in fearlessly exploring and embracing the unknown.

Mehgan Fallahi-Marzooni Interview