We’re looking forward to introducing you to Emil Gasparian. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Emil, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What battle are you avoiding?
I’m consciously avoiding the battle of comparison. It’s so easy to get caught up in what other photographers are doing, comparing follower counts, or feeling like I need to mimic a popular trend. Instead of fighting that, I’m just focusing on my own creative journey and the stories I want to tell. It’s not a competition; it’s a personal expression.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a photographer who finds and tells stories through a lens. My work isn’t just about capturing a moment; it’s about exploring the human experience, the quiet moments, and the vibrant details that often go unnoticed. My journey started with a simple fascination for light and shadow, but it has grown into a passion for connecting with people and places. What makes my brand unique is the focus on authenticity over perfection. I’m not chasing flawless images; I’m chasing genuine emotion. Currently, I’m working on a long-term project that explores [briefly mention your current project, e.g., ‘the resilience of small communities’ or ‘the beauty of urban decay’], and I’m excited to share those stories with the world.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A few years ago, I was photographing in a bustling city when I saw an elderly man sitting alone on a park bench. He looked like he had a lifetime of stories etched onto his face. I hesitated, but I decided to approach him and ask if I could take his portrait. We didn’t speak the same language, but we communicated through gestures and smiles. He simply nodded and pointed to his heart, then to his surroundings. In that silent exchange, I realized that my camera was more than a tool; it was a bridge to connect with people and see their inner world. That moment taught me that every person has a story worth honoring, and my job as a photographer is to listen with my eyes.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Early in my career, the defining wound was one of self-doubt. I was constantly comparing my work to the seemingly perfect images I saw online, and I would get paralyzed by the fear that my photos weren’t ‘good enough.’ It was a constant internal battle, and it prevented me from sharing my most honest work.
The healing came when I finally understood that photography isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. I made a conscious decision to stop chasing trends and instead, focus on capturing stories that were personally meaningful to me. My camera became less of a tool for validation and more of a key to unlock the beauty in everyday life. In a way, every time I press the shutter with intention and without judgment, I’m healing that old wound. My work now is a testament to the belief that imperfection is where the real beauty lies.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
That’s a great question. The public version of me is absolutely me, but it’s not the entire me. The version you see online or in my interviews is the part of me that is passionate about photography, about storytelling, and about sharing that work with the world. It’s authentic, but it’s a curated authenticity, focused on my craft and my creative journey.
The ‘real me’ is a little messier—the person who struggles with imposter syndrome, who has a dozen half-finished projects, and who sometimes forgets to charge their batteries. I don’t hide those parts, but they’re not what I lead with publicly. So, in short, what you see is a sincere, genuine part of me, but not the complete picture. The public me is a glimpse into my creative soul, and I try to make sure that glimpse is as true to myself as possible.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If immortality were real, what would you build?
With infinite time, I would build an ever-evolving creative community. It would be a physical and digital space where artists, thinkers, and makers from all disciplines could come together to create and learn without the pressure of time or commercial success. We would not be bound by fleeting trends; we could spend a century mastering a single craft or a decade on a single collaborative project. The goal would be to cultivate a culture of pure creation and deep, patient learning. It would be a place where ideas could mature over generations, and where the only currency is curiosity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gasparianfoto.com
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- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GasparianFOTO
Image Credits
All Images Taken By GasparianFOTO
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