Shiva Rasti is an accomplished female fashion photographer based in Dubai. She is also a producer, and creative director whose artistic brilliance spans across editorial, beauty, and photography sectors. Her work echoes the sophistication of simplicity, black and white aesthetics, and sprezzatura.

Commanding the lens with an eye for detail and a talent for capturing beauty in its many forms, she creates striking visual narratives that transcend borders. Her innovative approach to production underlines her reputation as a creative powerhouse, ensuring each project she undertakes is executed with precision, creativity, and an unparalleled aesthetic sense.

– Can you tell me about growing up in Iran and how that affected your vision as a photographer?

– Growing up in Iran with its particular social and cultural dynamics, for me translated into body of works that consciously rebels against conventional standards. My desire to showcase the beauty of female form became a form of personal and artistic rebellion, emphasizing the beauty and strength and the resilience of women despite external restrictions.

– Has your heritage influenced who you are as an artist or how you see the world?

– My heritage has provided me a distinct perspective that contrasts with and complements global trends which allows me to view photography through a unique lens. moreover my background instilled a desire to challenge both local and international norms. Having witnessed societal constraints first hand, made me driven to use my art to question and redefine standards of beauty, femininity, and identity.

– Have you always been a visual person with a form of creative expression?

– From a young age, I have been drawn to activities that involved visual creativity—drawing, painting which provided me a foundation for developing a deeper appreciation for visual aesthetics and creativity and led me to study art in university in order to enhance my skills and technical knowledge and eventually translate my personal creativity into professional work.

– As a female photographer, do you feel that you face any particular challenges? Do you feel that the industry is favourable towards women, or would you like to see any particular changes?

– Gender bias does affect the opportunities offered to female photographers, from hiring decisions to project assignments. sometimes it manifests in the type of work women are asked to do or in how their contributions are evaluated. When you show up to work looking all dressed up and pretty you might encounter comments like you are not the photographer because you don’t look like one.

– What kit do you shoot with and what would you say are your essentials to have on a shoot?

– Beside my Sony a7r Iv, depending on the shoot, a macro lens for detailed close-ups or a wide-angle lens for broader scenes are essential for my photography sessions.

– How do you personally access creative inspiration?

– Apart from constantly researching through history of fashion I often compile mood boards with historical fashion and costume design images, textures, colors, and themes that resonate with my vision for a particular shoot. This helps me in visualizing and refining the concept before the actual shoot.

– Do you think your photography has a certain style and look, or do you enjoy experimenting with different techniques and styles?

– I used to experiment with different styles and techniques in the beginning of my career, but over time, I have developed a signature style characterized by black and white and bold imagery which emits sophistication of simplicity.

– Is there a purpose that drives your work?

– My primary drive is a deep-seated passion for artistic expression. Fashion photography allows me to channel creativity and explore visual storytelling, helping me to express unique ideas and emotions through images.