Personal one - Forough Yavari interview
How are you today?I’m doing well, thank you. It’s been a busy time with preparing for a group exhibition and a few projects I’m working on at the moment, but I always feel most alive when I’m creating.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer?
My name is Forough Yavari, and I’m a visual artist, fashion and portrait photographer based in Melbourne. My journey into photography began as a natural extension of my background in painting. I’ve always been drawn to visual storytelling, particularly stories of identity, women, and resilience. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong visual language that merges fine art with elements of fashion, using photography as a medium to explore deeper emotional and psychological narratives.
“ Seeing a wide range of styles and stories in any exhibition reminds me that photography has endless possibilities
How would you describe your style or approach to photography?My work is conceptual and emotive, often combining sculptural elements with dramatic lighting and styling. Whether I’m creating a fine art portrait or a fashion editorial, my approach is always rooted in purpose. Every pose, fabric fold, or beam of light is there to support the emotional core of the story. I’m fascinated by how the human body and materials interact, and I often design and build the physical elements in my images myself, like the sculpted forms in the series I'm presenting at this exhibition.
When did you first hear about this exhibition? I first heard about it a couple of years ago through Selena from MakePrints. It’s a beautifully curated platform, and I was excited to submit my work for the first time in 2024.
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before?
This is actually my second time participating, although I wasn’t able to attend in person the first time. I live in Melbourne and the exhibition takes place in Sydney, so last time I admired it from afar. But I’m hoping to attend in person this year, if all goes according to plan.
If you’ve attended in past years, what’s your strongest memory of the exhibition?
Even though I didn’t attend in person, I remember being so moved by the photos and stories shared from the show. Seeing such a diverse range of perspectives displayed together was incredibly inspiring. It reminded me of the strength and depth of our creative community in Australia.
“ Ask yourself what moves you, what keeps you up at night or makes your heart race, and build your work around that
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past editions? There’s something powerful about seeing your work not just as a standalone piece, but as part of a larger visual dialogue. It shifts the perspective from “my work” to “our collective voice”, and that’s a beautiful transformation.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition?
It’s an honour to stand alongside artists whose work challenges, comforts, and inspires. Collective exhibitions like this allow us to connect across disciplines, cultures, and experiences, especially when it’s for a great cause.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here?
I hope they pause. I hope they feel something. The piece I’m showing is from my series The Skin Around Me, a project that explores how physical materials can act as emotional armour or a second skin. It speaks to the quiet strength that often hides beneath beauty, and the vulnerability that comes with self, expression. If viewers feel even a flicker of that duality, I’ll be happy.
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through?
It’s incredibly dynamic and exciting. Younger generations are fearless in how they blur the lines between mediums and platforms. They’re not bound by tradition, and that kind of freedom is powerful if used wisely. At the same time, I think we’re seeing a renewed interest in craft and storytelling, which keeps the heart of photography alive.
Has the exhibition influenced or inspired your perspective on photography in any way? Seeing a wide range of styles and stories in any exhibition reminds me that photography has endless possibilities. It’s not about trends or gear, it’s about intention and perspective. Being part of that sharpens my awareness of what I want to say, and how I want to say it.
What projects have you been working on recently (If you can tell)?
I’ve been working on The Skin Around Me, which is the series featured in this exhibition. It’s been a rewarding and deeply personal body of work. I’m now in the early stages of planning my next exhibition, which will take place in October. It’s still taking shape, but I’m very excited about where it’s heading.
Is there a future project you’re particularly excited about and would like to share? I’m experimenting with combining photography, sculpture, and light installations for the October show, something I’ve touched on before, but this time I want to push it further. It will be a continuation of my ongoing exploration into memory and form.
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career?The Skin Around Me has definitely been a turning point. It brought together so many aspects of my creative world, photography, sculpture, storytelling. It also allowed me to express vulnerability in a new way, and that honesty has resonated deeply with my audience.
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today? In the beginning, I focused a lot on mastering technique, light, composition, colour theory. Over time, my focus has shifted toward meaning and emotional resonance. Now, everything I create starts with a feeling or a question I need to explore.
What inspires you right now, whether in photography or beyond? People. The world. Everything happening around us, the beauty, the chaos, the human resilience. Inspiration comes in so many forms: another artist’s work, a heritage building, a line of poetry. I try to stay open to all of it.
What equipment are you currently using, and why? I use Nikon Z8 and Z7 cameras, paired with Broncolor Siros L 800 and 400 lighting kits. For printing, I trust my EIZO 319X monitor for editing, and I use the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO, 2600. These tools give me the precision, consistency, and dynamic range I need to bring my visions to life, from studio lighting to high, end gallery prints.
How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for? It’s about trust and control. My gear allows me to focus on the concept and emotion of the work, knowing that the technical aspects will support me rather than limit me. It also gives me the freedom to experiment without worrying about compromise.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path? Artists like Caravaggio, Shirin Neshat, Paolo Roversi, and Nick Knight have had a lasting influence on my work. Caravaggio’s dramatic use of light and shadow has shaped the emotional atmosphere in my images. Shirin Neshat’s exploration of identity, exile, and the female body resonates with the personal and political themes I often explore. Paolo Roversi’s painterly softness and timeless intimacy influence my approach to mood and styling, while Nick Knight’s bold experimentation and fusion of fashion with fine art have inspired me to push boundaries and embrace visual risk in my creative process. What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition?Let your curiosity lead. Don’t worry about having the “right” gear or style. Ask yourself what moves you, what keeps you up at night or makes your heart race, and build your work around that. Photography is not just about what you see, but how you see. Anything you want to add?Just my gratitude. To the curators, the audience, and the artists, I’m grateful to be part of something that values creative expression so deeply.
That’s all from now. Thank you for your time, next stop Personal One on November 20th.Thank you, and I look forward to it!
If you want to see more here is Forough's web.
