Roshi Aba
- Anna Lilli Garai
- Aug 12
- 4 min read
Roshi Aba is an Iranian born photographer based in London. With a background in theatre and a long history of travel, she focuses on quiet, personal moments that reflect connection, identity and strength. Her series “Through Their Eyes” was photographed across Ethiopia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia and Central Asia, capturing the everyday presence of people often left out of global narratives. Her approach is slow and immersive, built on trust and shared experience. What matters to her is not perfection, but the feeling behind each gaze.
Q: What made you want to visit and photograph the places we see in “Through Their Eyes”?
A: My curiosity about people who live differently has always inspired me to see the world up close. I was never satisfied with just watching documentaries or looking at other photographers’ images. I needed to experience everything myself.
Despite the challenges of traveling as an Iranian woman, I made it happen and have now explored over 70 countries. Through my photography, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in people’s daily lives, understanding their beliefs, their family dynamics, and the love they share. This journey has truly enriched my understanding of the world, making it more vivid and meaningful.
Q: You write about capturing presence instead of perfection. What does that mean for you when you're behind the camera?
A: For me, capturing presence is far more important than striving for perfection. I know there are many photographers who excel technically, but for me, it’s never been about the type of camera or the latest technology. It’s about recognizing and capturing those authentic moments that truly reflect a person’s presence and emotions. Whether someone is in a bustling market or simply going about their daily routine, I look for those fleeting expressions and genuine interactions. Instead of focusing on creating a perfectly composed, painting-like image, I believe in capturing those ‘right moments’ that reveal the true essence of each individual.
Q: Many of your photos feel quiet but strong. What kind of strength do you notice most in the people you meet?
A: I find that the true strength of people often shines through their eyes. When I look into someone’s eyes, I feel like I can glimpse their heart, their struggles, and their history.
It’s as if their eyes are quietly asking or telling a story that words might not fully capture. In those moments, I aim to photograph that depth and authenticity, rather than just a surface image. For me, it’s about capturing those unspoken moments and the silent strength that resides within each person.
Q: How does your background in theatre shape the way you tell stories through images?
A: While the influence of theatre on my photography might seem subtle, it certainly shapes the way I see and capture the world. Theatre taught me to listen, to observe, and to honour the stage of human life, however small or grand.
I’m naturally drawn to scenes that have a dramatic, almost stage-like quality—a darkened doorway, a rich backdrop, or a figure framed in a way that adds depth and emotion to the image. Theatre has taught me to appreciate the visual drama in everyday life, and I’m often captivated by moments that feel like a performance, whether it’s people dressed in traditional attire for a ceremony or the natural, unguarded expressions that reveal their true selves. Ultimately, while theatre has given me an eye for the dramatic, my true passion lies in capturing the genuine emotions and stories that each person carries within them.
Q: Your photos feel very personal. How do you build trust with the people you photograph?
A: Building trust with the people I photograph is a deeply immersive and genuine process for me. Trust doesn’t come from a camera, it comes from connection. I spend time with the people I photograph. I sit with them, listen, eat with them, and often return again and again.
When I visit a tribe or a minority community, my first instinct is never to immediately start taking photos. Instead, I focus on getting to know them, spending time alongside them, and genuinely participating in their daily lives.
This way, the camera only comes out once a bond of trust and friendship has been formed. Sometimes, I might spend days living with a community and only take a handful of photos, but those images are filled with the authenticity and warmth that comes from real human connection. For me, it’s never about quickly capturing an image. It’s about honouring their lives and stories, and allowing that trust to shine through in each photograph.
Q: Looking back at “Through Their Eyes,” what moments have stayed with you the most?
A: When I look back at “Through Their Eyes,” the moments that have stayed with me the most are those of Aboush and Sapa. Aboush, the boy with striking blue eyes from Jinka, Ethiopia, and Sapa, the girl with heterochromia from Vietnam, both had eyes that were uniquely beautiful, but also carried a deep, silent pain. It struck me how, if they had been born just a few thousand kilometers away, their unique features might have opened doors to a life full of opportunities, maybe even becoming models or achieving great success. But instead, they were born into places where ignorance and superstition cast a shadow over their lives, forcing them into hardship and struggle. Their eyes, so full of unspoken stories, have left a lasting impression on me that I will never forget.
