852. A Day in the Life–What's It Really Like to Be an lnternational Photographer?

Parish Kohanim

Parish Kohanim is a self-taught photographer with a degree in film, who started his career by photographing hundreds of advertising campaigns for major clients both domestic and international. His paradigm and commitment for his personal life and career is “to stay original, diverse, timeless and unique while capturing beauty. I feel privileged and fortunate to be able to spend time capturing the infinite and sublime beauty of creation. A gift that humbles and centers me, letting me escape from the excessive noise in our world.” Recipient of many prestigious awards, Parish has been committed to focus on his true calling to stay fresh and inventive to photograph a broad range of fine art photos.

The Most Impactful Turning Point?

“I came to the United States when I was 18 and planned to continue my education at San Francisco State University in geology, which I had been fascinated with during my boyhood in Iran where we lived so close to nature. Early on I realized that geology did not interest me any longer. So, I took photography as a last resort, as my final elective. My photography professor was highly supportive, encouraged me and was a great guide and muse. Basically I abandoned what I came here for and thanks to him set off on a career that has been my life’s work and passion ever since.”

The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?

I was born in Shiraz, Iran, a beautiful city much like Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was called “the city of nightingales and flowers.” My parents constantly took us out and connected us with nature, which has informed every aspect of my life.
My father had a darkroom for his photography and I would watch him work even though I wasn’t into photography as a young man. That experience elevated my appreciation of beauty and trained my eye to be a visual person.
After building a successful career in commercial photography working with large agencies representing international clients, I came to realize that I had to listen to my own voice and execute my own ideas. That’s when I got into doing fine art photography.
After 7 years in San Francisco and a short stint in New York with one of the top fashion photographers, I wanted more nature in my life. I came to Atlanta for a visit in the springtime of 1979, when Atlanta is in full bloom with its dogwood trees and myriad flowers, and I have been here ever since.