Photographer Spotlight: Houman Katoozi
Behind every photograph is a way of seeing a rhythm of thought, emotion, and light. Photographer Spotlight is a continuing series from The Monochrome Collective, featuring conversations with photographers who use their craft to explore the world in shades of black and white.
Each interview delves into the artist’s artistic style, creative process and the inspiration that shapes their work. From quiet studies of everyday life to ambitious documentary projects, these voices remind us that photography is not just about what is seen but about how we choose to see.
Through these spotlights, we celebrate the diversity of vision within our community the subtle, the bold, and the deeply personal illuminating the artistry that connects us all.
Today we are spotlighting fine art street photographer Houman Katoozi.
Here is our interview:
Credit: Houman Katoozi
In the noisy, colorful world of modern photography, it takes a unique eye to slow things down, strip away the distractions, and capture the raw, emotional truth of urban life. Enter Houman Katoozi, a fine art street photographer whose work is immediately recognizable for its stark, compelling black and white aesthetic.
Houman’s photographic journey is as unique as his images. Born in Tehran, Iran, and surrounded by rich culture and striking architecture, his perspective shifted dramatically when he moved to America at age 12 and first picked up a camera at 15. That early exposure to contrasting cultures shaped his artistic style.
Now residing in the vast metropolis of Sydney, Australia, Houman is naturally drawn to how humans interact with massive, man made environments. He sees the world in shades of gray, finding beauty in everyday moments and transforming ordinary city scenes into dramatic, twitchy masterpieces that capture the true essence of life.
ARTISTIC STYLE
What draws you to photography?
Photography feels essential to me. If I go a day or two without shooting, it is as if something inside me is missing. Creating is a fundamental human need, and photography is the way I know how to express myself, observe the world, and stay connected to my creativity.
How would you describe your style in three words?
Emotive, cinematic, and timeless.
What subjects or scenes are you most drawn to?
Light is my paint, and I use a black canvas to paint on. With the right light, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Without amazing light, I focus more on human emotion, gestures, moments, expressions, and the composition that brings those elements together.
Is there a story behind your favorite photo?
My favorite images will probably always be the candid moments of my children. They merge the two parts of my life I love most: family and photography.
What emotions do you try to capture in your work?
Mystery and curiosity. I want people to feel what I felt when I pressed the shutter or feel that there is something to wonder about within the frame.
CREATIVE PROCESS
What gear do you shoot with?
I mostly shoot digitally with the Leica M11 Monochrom. That is my daily camera. For film, I use the Leica MP.
How much do you plan versus shoot spontaneously?
Almost everything I shoot is spontaneous. My work and family life are structured and planned, so photography is where I allow myself freedom. I walk, observe, and let instinct and the environment guide what I create.
What is one editing tool or trick that you use?
My editing is very minimal, mostly small adjustments to exposure and contrast. I would rather spend more time on the street and get the image as close to finished in camera as possible.
Film or digital and why?
Both. I prefer to photograph beaches on black and white film because the tonality, grain, and texture add a nostalgic depth that digital cannot quite replicate. But for ultra high contrast scenes, digital gives me the control to expose for the highlights and embrace deep rich shadows with no detail.
What is something you are currently working on improving?
I am experimenting with a 90mm focal length, learning what scenes it excels in and how to compose more deliberately with it.
INSPIRATION
Who or what inspires your photography?
Henri Cartier Bresson and Trent Parke have been huge inspirations to me, both in how they see and in how they translate life into images.
Any photographers or artists that influenced your style?
Henri Cartier Bresson and Trent Parke have shaped a lot of my visual language.
What is one non photography source that fuels your creativity?
Cinema. Films with exceptional cinematography are a massive source of inspiration for me the storytelling, the lighting, the emotion conveyed in a single frame.
You can learn more about Houman Katoozi by visiting his website www.houmankatoozi.com.
Houman is also the host of Coffee & Cameras on Youtube. Here is a link to his channel.
