Meet Golnaz Shahmirzadi | Photographer & Videographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Golnaz Shahmirzadi and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Golnaz, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
One of my favorite novels was about the life of a photographer girl in San Francisco, and that story inspired me to move to the U.S. to pursue my passion for photography. That journey led me to earn my MFA in photography at academy of Art, and from there it felt natural to carve my own path and eventually build a business doing what I love.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is built on the idea that photography can be both artful and impactful. What sets me apart is the range of styles I bring together—commercial, fine art, lifestyle, and editorial—and the way I approach each with the same level of care and creativity. Whether I’m working with a brand, capturing a lifestyle moment, or creating fine art images, my goal is always to tell a story that feels authentic and meaningful.
I started my journey with a deep love for photography, which led me to pursue an MFA and ultimately carve out my own business. It hasn’t been easy—running a creative business comes with challenges like finding clients, balancing the artistic with the practical, and staying adaptable—but those hurdles have pushed me to grow stronger and more intentional.
What I’m most proud of today is building a practice that allows me to wear many hats: artist, collaborator, storyteller, and business owner. Every project is an opportunity to spark connection and create work that resonates beyond the image itself. At its core, my brand is about blending artistry with service, offering clients not just photos, but visuals that truly reflect who they are and what they stand for.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d definitely split the time between San Francisco and Orange County. In San Francisco, I’d take them straight to the Mission District—it’s the perfect blend of inspiration, amazing food, street art, and just the energy of the neighborhood. We’d spend a day exploring murals, grabbing tacos, and people-watching at Dolores Park.
In Orange County, nothing beats Laguna Beach. We’d wander through the art galleries, enjoy the ocean views, and spend lazy afternoons on the sand. Evenings would be about great food by the water and watching the sunset. Between the creativity of the Mission and the beauty of Laguna, I feel like that’s the best mix of culture, fun, and relaxation California has to offer.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Family!
Website: https://www.golnazshahmirzadi.com
Instagram: @golnazsh
Image Credits
Golnaz Shahmirzadi Photography
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