Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mahnaz Demehri. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mahnaz, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

Corporate America often treats photography as a commodity, focusing on quantity over quality. This approach overlooks the value of personalization and genuine connection, which are crucial for impactful results. I worked with a client who initially chose a low-cost, high-volume solution for their rebranding, only to find the images lacked authenticity. When they came to me, I emphasized the importance of capturing their brand’s story through thoughtful photography, resulting in images that exceeded their expectations.

This is especially true for headshots, which are often a person’s first impression online. A good headshot conveys professionalism, builds trust, and creates an instant connection with your audience. It can differentiate you from competitors and increase engagement, ultimately leading to more sales. Investing in a quality headshot is investing in your brand’s success. Corporate America needs to recognize photography as a powerful tool that can significantly impact business outcomes when done right.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Mahnaz Demehri, a portrait photographer located in Orange County, CA with a passion for capturing the essence of people. I moved to the USA from Iran in 2008, originally trained as an architect, but my love for photography grew into a full-time profession by 2018. I’ve trained under renowned photographers like Sue Bryce, David Shukri, Felix Kunze, and Kara Marie.

Specializing in portrait photography, I help business owners, professionals, and everyday people shine through personalized sessions. My goal is to create a comfortable environment where clients feel confident, allowing me to capture their authentic stories. Whether it’s a professional headshot or a boudoir session, I focus on making my clients look and feel their best, helping them make strong first impressions and celebrate themselves.

My work is about more than just photography—it’s about empowerment, connection, and creating lasting memories. I’m here to tell your story through images that exceed expectations and make you shine in your best light.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Sure!

When I moved to the USA from Iran in 2008, I faced the challenge of starting over, as my architecture qualifications didn’t fully transfer. While working in architecture, I felt drawn to photography. Balancing my job and learning photography was tough, but I was determined. I began photographing friends and family, learning from online resources and workshops.

In 2014, I took a leap of faith and pursued photography seriously, training with renowned photographers. By 2018, I had built enough skill and confidence to make it my full-time profession. My resilience—adapting, learning, and persisting through challenges—was key to turning my passion into a successful career.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

Early in my photography career, I took a big risk by approaching a local private bank with an unconventional idea: offering professional headshots to their clients. I pitched the idea to the VP, bringing along an accordion card showcasing my work. At first, she was skeptical, but after seeing my portfolio, she agreed to a trial run.

The clients loved their headshots, and the bank saw the value, leading to a successful collaboration. The VP even kept my card on her desk and referred other business owners to me. This experience taught me the power of taking bold risks and believing in my vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mahnazphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahnaz.photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mahnazphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mahnazdemehri

Image Credits

Ewa janas