W h a t M o t i v a t e s M e
I'm driven by curiosity about the world and captivated by photography's storytelling potential. My work, from abstract to straightforward, captures moments with the perfect angle and lighting. Photography fuels my imagination and offers therapeutic fulfillment. I hope my images inspire you to find your own stories.
The extraordinary exists in the ordinary.
It is a matter of perspective and curiosity that allows us to see it...
A r t i s t B i o
Raffi Bashlian's photography captures the resilience and depth of human experiences. Born to Armenian parents in Beirut and later moving to England, he trained as a nurse and earned a master’s degree from NYU before pursuing photography in the US, which unexpectedly blossomed into success. His art is influenced by his multicultural background, rooted in the vibrant landscapes of Beirut, San Francisco, London, New York, and now Paris, reflecting a unique blend of scientific precision and emotional depth.
Drawing inspiration from the contrasts of Lebanon's civil war—destruction and renewal—Raffi's work invites audiences to discover the hidden beauty in everyday life. Each photograph serves as a testament to survival and transformation, encouraging viewers to appreciate the elegance in both simplicity and complexity. His diverse, award-winning portfolio spans various genres, ignited by a transformative safari in Africa in 2013 that awakened his passion for capturing the beauty of wildlife, cityscapes, and street scenes.
With a keen eye for composition and balance, Raffi embraces both black-and-white imagery and vibrant colors. For him, photography transcends mere image capture; it’s about expressing a distinct artistic voice and inviting viewers to explore the extraordinary within the ordinary, celebrating the hidden treasures that surround us.
My Journey Through the Lens
I never planned to become a photographer. It all started with a trip that changed everything—a safari I took to escape my routine life. I remember standing in the middle of the vast plains, watching the sunrise paint the sky in gold and orange. In that moment, I lifted a borrowed camera and pressed the shutter. The sound clicked like a heartbeat. Something inside me woke up.
That single photo became the start of my journey. At first, I was just taking pictures. But slowly, I realized I was searching for something deeper—myself. My photography reflects my journey of self-discovery, showcasing a collection of images that highlight the diverse facets of my evolving artistic voice.
I chose photography as my primary medium because it captures fleeting moments and emotions. It allows me to document life as it unfolds—to hold onto the things that disappear too fast. Every photo I take feels like a piece of memory I can touch, a bridge between who I was and who I’m becoming.
As I learned more, I looked up to the masters—Henri Cartier-Bresson and Sebastião Salgado. They taught me to wait for the decisive moment, that tiny second when everything aligns. From Van Gogh, I learned about emotion and color, how even a simple scene can glow with feeling. Like him, I want my photos to have a painterly quality—to show resilience, transformation, and the beauty in everyday life.
I never wanted to limit myself. I became a generalist, exploring portraits, landscapes, street life, and stillness. I learned that black and white photos reveal truth in a pure way, while colors bring out energy and emotion. Both are important—like two sides of the same story.
Every time I go out with my camera, I feel like I’m back on that first safari. The world is wild and unpredictable, full of light and shadow. I chase the extraordinary hidden in the ordinary—a child’s laughter, an old man’s tired eyes, the way sunlight hits a wall at dusk.
My journey as a photographer is far from over. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to see beauty in their surroundings, to pause and notice what they might have missed. I want people to feel more connected—to the world, to each other, and to themselves.
Because for me, photography isn’t just about pictures.
It’s about finding life—again and again—through the lens.
