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Hello,
I’m a Los-Angeles–based photographer and filmmaker with over 20 years of experience capturing portraits, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes stories across film, fashion, and community projects. My work blends cinematic framing, natural light, and strong human emotion, and I’ve collaborated with studios, artists, and organizations while also running my own brand, TheOmid Photography. I’m passionate about authentic storytelling, inclusivity, and turning everyday moments into powerful visual narratives.
On Photography
I capture the world with a normal photographic lens because I believe that the world is best seen with a human eye. Photos only make that memory eternal. It's not just my favorite thing to do, but it's the lens that I use to observe the world from the outside.
You might ask, why the outside? You see, I was born with Cerebral Palsy, and as a result, I couldn't participate in most activities. When my friends played soccer, I sat and watched them. When they made gestures, I sat and observed. I was right there, among all of them, but I only observed.
Naturally, I got good at it. Each moment became a photograph that I captured in my mind. When I sat at home, I missed observing people. I substituted them with movies. I began to break down these scenes into a single photo that stuck with me. I didn't know at the time that being stuck at home due to my disability would open a new avenue for me. I didn't know how much time I'd spend watching films, learning about universal culture, and reading poetry. I would even enact these scenes in front of the mirror and pretend to be an actor.
Fast forward a few years; my parents decided to visit India. I sacrificed a trip to India to buy a camera and pursue my passion.
We all remember that one moment that changed everything in our lives. For me, it was the time when a man in a small photo studio near my house criticized me for the first time. He said, "The photo isn't very good because it lacks clarity." I had clicked a picture of a homeless girl's picture. It meant so much, probably because my hope had, for the first time, the potential to become a reality. But, I realized then that it would take more than passion; it would take physical strengthening in my case.
Keeping my hands steady and clicking photos became a challenge, so I overcame it by going to occupational therapy and the gymnasium. Why was this moment significant? Because it made me fearless. If I could overcome the first challenge of holding a camera, I would overcome every other obstacle no matter what people believe. Since then, I have been unstoppable. I interned in a television series called Zero Degree Turn. Shortly after, I produced and directed my first movie 'Escape to Nowhere,' and then 'Kitchen's Symphony.' During my time at the Youth Cinema Association in Tehran, I served as a photographer to document creating two short films' Requiem for the Third Day" and 'Station.' I collaborated closely with the producer throughout the project. I produced his next two projects, 'In the Morning' and 'Time Out.' It was akin to an apprenticeship that taught me a lot about producing films.
My work explores themes such as; the human condition, displacement, reconciliation, and alternate realities. Every time I take a walk, I absorb the visual elements around me, capture them like a camera, and transform them into a story. My eyes help me interpret my surroundings just as a camera creates the frame for a photo.
I practice different types of photography, but I'm most passionate about portrait and street photography. My craft is inspired by nature as it forms the essence of everything around us. I differentiate myself by positioning my subjects to create beautiful mise en scenes. If you and I use the same device to click a picture, mine will be different. Why? Because I take advantage of natural light, which makes photos look very realistic. I re-capture pictures and go through multiple iterations until I find a story in that picture. I love how we can tell a story without using a single word. Although I have told you my story, my photographs will tell you more about me.
Join me now and experience this as I do. Think of your favorite place. Observe the surroundings – are there hills? Is the sun shining? What are people doing? Inhale, observe, exhale. Click.
As you can imagine, I advocate for people with disabilities. For instance, I'd like to make a documentary about cerebral palsy to give able-bodied people an insight into the condition. It will bring to light the physical difficulties that we go through working in the industry. My first action towards this is to encourage people to make disabled-friendly equipment available. I want the next young photographer to comfortably click the best shots and create authentic art without worrying about his physical condition.
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
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