Farhad Irani is an Iranian photographer and filmmaker born in June 1985 in Tehran. He was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the development of facial bones and tissues, a condition he inherited from his mother. From an early age, Farhad faced severe social exclusion rooted in prejudice and a lack of awareness surrounding facial difference. Reports from human rights and humanitarian organisations working in the field of rare diseases have documented how such discrimination can lead to isolation during childhood and long term social marginalisation. Farhad’s life stands as a counterpoint to this pattern, defined instead by resilience, determination, and creative agency.
His childhood difficulties began when he entered the Iranian education system. Due to cultural prejudice and ignorance surrounding his condition, he was initially denied access to school and was wrongly categorised as mentally disabled based solely on his appearance. After years of struggle, and through the persistent efforts of his mother alongside his own determination to belong, Farhad was finally accepted into a regular school at the age of nine. This moment marked his first major victory over the social barriers imposed by Treacher Collins syndrome.
Photography became the turning point in Farhad’s life. Driven by instinct and discipline, he pursued the craft through every resource available to him, including books, magazines, online materials, videos, and mentorship. His commitment led him to obtain an Australian TIF certificate in professional photography. Known for his ability to transform moments of reality into emotionally charged visual narratives, Farhad has become one of the most distinctive photographers in Iran. He has collaborated with leading Persian figures in the music and film industries, and his work has also been featured in an article published by The New York Times.
