His story began with a competition of flower photography in Jordan in 1974, which was held under the patronage of Queen Alia. Zohrab’s entry clinched the first prize, for which he received a Canon camera and a step into an amazing and exciting journey that has led him to where he is today. “After the competition Their Majesties called me to their residence and asked me to become their official photographer,” said Zohrab. And that is what he became, attending many royal events to document official occasions and snap memories of happy ones.
Impressed with his work, Her Majesty the late Queen Alia suggested sending Zohrab abroad to hone his photography skills at a specialised school. Tragically, she passed away two weeks later; however, His Majesty the late King Hussein, determined to fulfil her wishes, supported the development of Zohrab’s career by sending him to the Germaine School of Photography in Manhattan in 1977 for two years. Zohrab excelled throughout his studies, receiving several prizes from the school during his time there and graduating with numerous honourary certificates.
Back in Jordan, Zohrab travelled all over the world with His Majesty the late King Hussein as the official palace photographer, working with him for 22 years. In due time, Zohrab presented the King with a book of photographs, the first of many to follow. “King and Country”, one of his renowned books, was an instant hit. Zohrab’s name was firmly established.
Since then, several of his images have been published in renowned magazines such as Newsweek, Time, People Magazine and other international publications. His photographs have also featured in a number of exhibitions around the world, including Amman, London and Los Angeles.
Zohrab’s photographic talents have won him other accolades. In 2005 he represented Jordan in the Aichi Expo in Japan. In 2004 he was single-handedly chosen to present Jordan for a program called ‘Inside the Middle East’ on CNN, which was viewed worldwide.
Today Zohrab is still doing what he loves most, seeking out more way to express his passion for photography; particularly that of the landscape of Jordan. He set up “i Magazine”, a monthly publication that combines unique visual and literary content and covers everything from Jordanian art and culture to the diverse geographic panorama, as well as the breathtaking environment in Jordan.
His latest project is one he is working with Her Royal Highness Princess Haya, which is to set up a new publication called Salam. Meaning ‘peace’ in Arabic, the purpose of this magazine is to build bridges between Arab and Islamic nations all around the world. Its content focuses on culture, art, tourism and landscapes in the region, and the publication is based in Jordan and Dubai. It will start with these to two markets, with the aim of eventually moving into the rest of the Arab and Islamic world. “Hopefully Salam will serve to build a bridge between the Arab and Islamic world and the western one by introducing the west to the natural, cultural and artistic features that we have to offer,” explains Zohrab. Salam is due to be launched in the beginning of 2008.
While Zohrab has addressed a range of subjects throughout his career, his recent move has seen him focusing on landscape photography. “I love nature and I look at photography like music. When you are young you listen to rock and hard music and the older you get the more you tend towards the classic,” he says. “For me landscape and nature is like classical music, and this is what I’m concentrating on now.”
To date Zohrab has published nine books about Jordan and the Royal Family.