Alireza Bagheri Sani / LICC 2024 Winner

Interview with Alireza Bagheri Sani, LICC Winner in SHOOT (Photo/Video) in the Non-Professional category. In this conversation, Alireza shares the philosophy behind his creative motto, “Enough, but better,” and how it shapes his approach to visual storytelling through minimalism and meaning.

Minimal Cargo was created in the container area of Tehran Customs. How did this industrial setting influence your minimalist approach to photography? 

The container area of Tehran Customs is my workplace; I have been working there for seven years. My interest in photography and the minimalist style has made me constantly observe my surroundings. Since bringing a camera into customs is prohibited, I took all the photos in this series using my mobile phone. The industrial environment of customs, with its organized lines and repetitive objects, provides a unique space for creating minimalist works. It has pushed me to pay more attention to simplicity and details, and to use these very constraints to create new works. 

Your work is deeply influenced by the philosophy of minimalism. Can you elaborate on how this philosophy shapes your artistic vision and the themes you explore in your photography? 

I have been researching the minimalist lifestyle and the philosophy of minimalism for many years, and I have even held workshops on this topic in Iran. My motto has always been: “Enough, but better.” This means my focus is not just on reducing, but on presenting what is sufficient in a better, more meaningful way. This perspective consistently helps me seek deeper simplicity and meaning within the fewest elements. 

As a photographer who began professionally in 2019, how did your background in filmmaking contribute to your photographic style and technique? 

Filmmaking taught me the importance of focusing heavily on pre-production. Sometimes, before executing an idea, I visit the location and try to create a storyboard. My photography, just like a film, consists of three stages: pre-production, production (shooting), and post-production.

This approach has resulted in my work being more cohesive, deliberate, and planned.

Best in SHOOT (Non-Professional): “Minimal Cargo” by Alireza Bagheri Sani

What do you hope viewers take away from your work, both visually and conceptually?

I want viewers to feel a sense of majestic solitude from my work. I believe that self-love and embracing the feeling of being alone is not a negative experience; rather, it can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and even improve our relationships with others. I want the viewer to understand that solitude can be beautiful and meaningful, bringing a sense of calm and self-discovery. 

Winning the LICC award is a significant achievement. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally, and how does it influence your future projects? 

I considered the LICC competition to be very professional and high-level, and I participated with great motivation. Winning this award has significantly increased my drive and enthusiasm. I believe that only ten percent of my abilities and creativity have bloomed so far, and I still have a long way to go for growth. This achievement has motivated me to produce stronger and more impactful photo series in the future, and you can definitely expect new and distinct works from me. 

Looking ahead, what themes or concepts are you interested in exploring in your future photographic endeavors? 

I have prepared various concepts and ideas for my future works and will execute them soon. Among the topics that interest me is self-discovery and exploring different dimensions of human existence. You will certainly see my interest in these themes reflected more prominently in my future projects.