Shayan Sajadian

Shiraz (Iran), b.1994

شایان سجادیان

Shayan Sajadian is an Iranian photographer and filmmaker. He studied architecture at university and has been a professional photographer since 2016. Sajadian has a keen interest in cultural and social issues, particularly human rights. His first project involved documenting drug addiction in a historic area of Shiraz over a three-year period.

He is currently engaged in several projects, including one that explores crime and the lives of criminals in Iran. Another project, titled “Lost Identity,” depicts the lives of people living around the historic site of Persepolis. Additionally, he is focusing on Iranian women and girls, as well as exploring the subject of tattooing in Iran.

Shayan excels at portraying a diverse range of characters. His honest and non-judgmental approach reveals the essence of his subjects, often those on the fringes of society. He strives to humanize individuals who are frequently overlooked or marginalized.

My Best shot / The Guardian newspaper pre-selection

May 2025