Kiyana Tehrani
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I specialize in conceptualizing and photographing people with a mixture of staged and candid moments.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I started shooting for fun in middle school and created a Tumblr blog to share my images. When I was 17, I started booking small jobs and began to take photography more seriously. My process has involved a lot experimenting and trial and error. However, my goal has always remained the same: to work as a high fashion experimental photographer.
How do you stand out in your field?
I always try my best. I’m aware this sounds superficial but I love to shoot things “not as real.” Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved the unrealistic look of fashion editorials that I saw in magazines. I think I stand out by staying authentic to what I like.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently, I’m working on trying to perfect my aesthetic and creating a trademark by taking more time to produce and create personal shoots, as well as finding clients who can share my dream vision.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I have a wide range of taste in style; I appreciate so many great aesthetics from over the top lighting in various mediums, to the simple bareness of great natural lighting. The first two photographers that have inspired me from day one are:
David La Chappelle - his over the top crazy large budget shoots with heavy editing.
Tim Walker - still out of this world creative with high budget shoots, but he works with natural light.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Photography is definitely my passion and first love, but through experiencing various set jobs and having friends in the film industry, I’ve discovered that I have a hidden passion for directing videos. Growing up, I never envisioned myself as the one to direct people and to relay instructions on my visions, but it turns out that focusing on coming up with concepts and making things happen is really fulfilling and fun. I’ve helped successful music video directors by directing small (short clip) promo videos. I really want to dive deeper into this in the near future.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
With photography, there is always something to work on. It can be difficult to balance commissioned work and personal projects. To be frank, I am frustrated by my own self-doubt, and feeling intimidated by how many talented photographers there are out there. However, my frustration is purely a personal issue and derives from not knowing which direction I should take in order to ensure I am moving closer to where I envision my career.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would hire a manager that knows who and how to contact the right people and companies. Additionally, a manager that is capable of handling negotiations.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I had more time to go back and tell myself that I should have worked a little bit differently and smarter about my expectations with my goals.
I would explain what it is that you would have tweaked in your work in the past
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would ask one of my many favorite successful fashion photographers HOW they made it and what their advice would be to get where I want to be with my career. Essentially, I’d like to ask what I’m doing wrong, and what I’m doing right.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m dreaming of opportunities with large budgets to shoot fashion editorials and campaigns for Gucci, YSL, Maison Margiela, Alexander Mqueen to publications like The Love Magazine and Vogue, and to shoot for Musicians and Actors. As well as showcasing my work in galleries. Just dreaming big.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client would be someone who trusts my process, but also has creative input. I love a good collaboration, and making a vision come true, so working with a team player and someone who is as passionate as I am would be great! My ideal job would be to travel to some tropical beach for a high fashion campaign with a talented creative crew! My ideal collaboration would be with the artist Retna and to have him paint on one of my images.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Everyone always needs something different with each project, and because I shoot with various mediums, my prices vary, just get in touch with me on email kiyanaphoto@gmail.com
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Just a good ol fashion email info@kiyanatehrani.com
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
This is cliché but I feel inspired by things like music, random scenarios I find myself in or that I witness in public, movies, books, magazines, stories, clothing, anything and everything, even Home Depot lol.
This member profile was originally published in February 2020, Updated May 2022.