The Incredible Journey Of Photographer Mano Yertanian

The solid Armenian heritage reflected in the photography of Mano Yertanian comes from his roots and upbringing. Capturing the beauty he sees in others has become his life’s work, something that beckoned him from the age of nine.

As Mano Yertanian prepares to present his Beauty Photography Workshop in Dubai on October 4th this year, many make-up artists look forward to learning from the man who works with some of the most famous beauty artists globally, including Hind Jaleel.

A World Steeped in Culture

Culture is the reflection of human intellectual achievement. Across the world, people from all walks of life mingle, yet despite maintaining their language, religion, values, and behaviors, we observe exciting fusions in faraway places.

Armenia, a tiny country straddling two continents with immense cultural traditions, is the perfect instance where one can witness the fusion of cultural and historical vibrancy in events that attract millions of tourists to this country with its rich heritage.

Yertanian captures the best moments across the Middle East: From Dubai, a global hub for modernism and international tourism, to Istanbul, which attracts close to 10 million tourists annually, thanks to a history that spans two great empires, to Armenia, Jordan, Tunisia and beyond. People weave around the stunning architecture, enjoying the designs of past and current marvels.

Around the country, tourists witness past influences from several fascinating cultural events. From Ahirkapi Hidirellez Festival, whirling Dervish dancers, and camel fights born out of the nomadic traditions of Anatolia, one can understand how the influences of several cultures inspired a Syrian-born Armenian to delve into the world of design and photography.

Starting an Incredible Journey

Mano Yertanian was born and raised in the once beautiful city of Aleppo in an Armenian family. He was just nine when he started experimenting with photography, something utterly unfamiliar to him at the time. At hand was a 24mm pocket camera and his rudimentary knowledge, but this didn’t prevent him from exploring the world of lighting and how to best capture his subjects.

Two years later, the opportunity arose for Yertanian to study photography with Hrant Zaitountsian, a professional photographer. At the impressionable age of 11, he absorbed as much knowledge as possible from his great tutor. He learned several photography techniques, including the art of black and white photography, video editing, and film development.

Copyright: Mano Yertanian

Moving to the UAE

After spending a few years in Italy, where he studied graphic and web design, Mano Yertanian returned to Syria. He focused on working as a photographer and in-house designer but soon decided to move to the UAE. Besides creating his own website, Mano has also presented workshops with reputable names in the industry with Sony and Godox as sponsors.

Mano’s experience grew in the UAE as he worked with several brands, but he decided to create a studio specializing in beauty and make-up photography. Instagram gave Yertanian an exciting chance when it introduced reels because he had the experience that helped him develop incomparable Instagram videos for local artists, including the globally known Hind Jaleel.

Hind Jaleel says, “Mano’s devotion to creating perfect lighting works wonders for showcasing my work perfectly.”

As a result, Mano travels the world to meet the demand for his exceptional photography and videography by other make-up artists across the Middle East, Armenia, and Algeria. Soon he is heading to Paris for a similar assignment there.

Creating in a Desert Paradise

Working in the UAE provides Mano Yertanian with immense creative inspiration. Surrounded by an old world filled with modern influences and glamor offers the perfect backdrop for his artistic nature.

Across the region, nature, the old souks, the modern designs, and the people create a hub of activity, ensuring the vibrancy reflected in all his work. Not one to keep his knowledge to himself, Yertanian created his beauty photography workshop for make-up artists relying on their photography and using single lighting.

As a portrait and beauty photographer, Dubai-based Mano Yertanian wants to impart his experience as a light master in the same spirit that his first tutor taught him – to understand lighting and use it creatively.

Final Take

Yertanian says, “Bringing out the best in others requires more than just knowledge. A passion for creating the correct lighting for photography and videos drives me to perfection.” This passion gives him a well-deserved place among the professionals in the world of beauty photography by just using their mobiles.

So, if you happen to be in the magical world of Dubai, visit all its major attractions, including its desert, the Dubai Aquarium, The Palm, and the Burj Khalifa. While there, make a point of finding out more about Mano Yertanian’s upcoming projects or book a session and experience for yourself the power of his photography.