Langara Photography alum Marjan Yazdi turned homesickness into art and built a career that led to features in National Geographic. Learn how Langara’s Photography Program helped launch her path.
Marjan Yazdi, an accomplished Iranian Canadian documentary photographer, has carved a niche for herself in the world of visual storytelling. A proud alum of Langara College's Photography program, her work has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, NPR, OZY, and Buzzfeed. Yazdi’s journey is a testament to how a strong educational foundation can propel an artist into the spotlight and amplify unheard stories.
A welcoming place to grow
Yazdi’s first experience at Langara wasn’t in the photography studio, it was in the English program. Immediately, she felt a connection to the campus and to the community it fostered. "Langara College felt like a second home," she recalls. "The building, the teachers, and the students were all friendly and welcoming."
That sense of belonging sparked a creative fire and when feelings of homesickness crept in, Yazdi picked up a camera. “I decided to take the camera I had purchased out to the streets and explore the world through its lens,” she explains. That first click of the shutter opened the door to a new way of seeing and sharing her surrounding, and ultimately shaping her artistic vision.
Discovering her passion through Langara’s Photography Program
It wasn’t long before Yazdi transitioned into Langara’s Professional Photography program, where she developed the technical foundation that supports her work today. “I was fortunate to receive the best and most professional training,” she says.
The training I received in the program helped me build a strong technical foundation, for which I am incredibly grateful.
This combination of personal expression and technical excellence gave Yazdi the tools to create emotionally compelling and socially conscious work, which are qualities that now define her career as a documentary photographer.
Capturing culture, climate, and connection
Her work often explores the intersection of history, culture, and the environment, particularly concerning her homeland, Iran. Yazdi’s projects highlight the pressing issues of climate change and its effects on communities. She notes, “the rich, beautiful, and authentic history of Iran has been one of my main motivations for choosing my stories there.” By documenting the impacts of human actions on the environment, she aims to raise awareness and provoke thought through her images.
One of her significant projects, "From Poacher to Protector," documents the human impact of environmental change and highlights how people can be part of the solution. For Yazdi, creating meaningful connections with her subjects is essential. “These connections and experiences were everything I was looking for,” she reflects. This long-term engagement not only enriches her storytelling but also reinforces her commitment to her craft.
Advocacy behind the camera
Beyond photography, Yazdi is a vocal advocate for representation and equity in visual media. She is a member of organizations like Women Photograph, Native Photo, and Diversify Photo, which advocate for diversity in the field. She emphasizes the importance of creating work that leaves a strong impression on the audience. “I hope my photos can create an emotional connection with the audience,” she states. This desire to evoke feelings and foster connections is at the heart of her artistic mission.
Today, Yazdi continues to use her lens to spotlight critical issues and tell powerful human stories. Her career proves what’s possible when passion meets preparation, and when aspiring creatives find the right place to grow.
Start your photography journey at Langara
Langara College’s Department of Professional Photography is the only one of its kind in British Columbia, offering a two-year diploma with intakes starting every September and January. Visit the program website for more details.
For more about her work, visit Marjan Yazdi's website and/or follow her on Instagram.
