TIFA 2021 Book / People

The Zoroastrian Portrait Project

  • Prize
    Silver in Book/People
  • Photographer
    Shahzad Bhiwandiwala
  • Technical Info
    Shot In-studio On Fujifilm Gfx 100 With Profoto Lighting
  • Photo Date
    June 2021

Zoroastrianism, is among the oldest monotheistic faiths, reaching near 6M followers. Today, there’s under 200,000. Many fled to India during the ethnic cleansing of Iran regimed by the invading Ottomans. Aided by technology, we’re reuniting after 1400 years of separation. The Zoroastrian Portrait Project is a visual celebration of California’s Bay Area Zoroastrians – Parsis in traditional garb with Indian influences, & Iranians in western influenced garb. The images, a body of stoic, posed portraits evocative of ancestral portraits contrasted with truer to life emotions of love, joy & family.