Pooyan Tabatabaei

GRANTEE

Pooyan Tabatabaei is a Toronto based Award-Wining Photojournalist/ Visual Journalist, which has produced images of conflict and humanitarian crisis that have made headlines around the world. Pooyan's passion for his profession has taken him around the globe, and since 1998 he has documented the lives of many incredible and unique people of different cultures, religions, beliefs, and value systems. By reflecting the true image of his subjects, his photographs aim to capture the essence of the persons in such a way that he hopes will impact the lives of those who see his photographs, and provoke the same impact as he felt whilst capturing the foresaid images.

As a founder of NVP Images photo agency, Pooyan's productions, which focus on cultural matters, and raising awareness for human rights, have been published by various magazines, dailies, and broadcasting companies such as: Time Magazine, Toronto Star, Panorama, BBC, and CBC. His work has appeared in the journalism industry as a result of prestigious local and international awards, namely the Magnum Foundation Scholarship and 2 times winner of the journalist award of the year from the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada. Pooyan has witnessed conflicts and news-breaking events around the Globe such as Libya, Iran, Egypt, and India.

Born in Tehran, Tabatabaei has formalized his training through programs at the Ershad University, in Management, Ontario College of Art and Design University, University of New York, Tisch School of Arts, with a specialization in Human Rights Photography, and Whistling Woods University in India (with a focus in Documentary). Pooyan has enriched his visual narrative skills via Magnum foundation as a Photography and Social Justice fellow and recently participated in 7 months unique Masterclass of VII Photo Agency.

By reflecting the true image of his subjects, his photographs aim to capture the essence of the persons in such a way that he hopes will impact the lives of those who see his photographs, and provoke the same impact as he felt whilst capturing the foresaid images.