Milad Safabakhsh (born 5 April 1986) is an Iranian-born photographer and curator, currently based in Feldkirch, Austria. He is known for his minimalist photography, which emphasizes the beauty of simplicity and the subtle compositions found in everyday life. His work explores the relationship between light, shadow, and form, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the often-overlooked details of their surroundings.
Milad has been actively involved in promoting minimalist photography through various initiatives over the past decade. He founded BNW Minimalism Magazine, a platform dedicated to black and white minimalist photography, and the Minimalist Photography Awards, a prestigious and well-known competition that celebrates excellence in minimalist photography. Through these projects, Milad has inspired many photographers and brought greater attention to the art of minimalism, sparking widespread interest in the genre. Additionally, he launched Gamervision, a platform that connects the worlds of gaming and photography by showcasing the creativity of virtual photographers.
Milad’s work not only helps to highlight the talents of emerging photographers but also creates opportunities for them to share their perspectives with a global audience. He also curates exhibitions through Vorarlberg Projects, an initiative focused on bringing art exhibitions and creative activities to the Vorarlberg region of Austria.
Throughout his career, Milad has remained dedicated to his passion for minimalist photography, working to expand the reach and influence of this art form both locally and globally.
CV
Awards & Recognitions
- Bronze Prize – Open Award (Single Photo), Nikon Photo Contest 2018–2019 (23 July 2019)
- 1st Place – Crowd Winner, Digital Camera Photographer of the Year 2019, Abstract & Creative Category (13 December 2018)
- 1st Place – Abstract Category, 12th Pollux Awards, Professional Section (18 November 2018)
- 1st Place – Open & Street Category, 12th Pollux Awards, Professional Section (18 November 2018)
- Winner, LensCulture Emerging Talent Awards 2018 – Selected among Top 50 Emerging Photographers Worldwide (23 October 2018)
- 1st Place – Photomanipulation Photographer of the Year, Monochrome Awards 2017, Professional Section (13 January 2018)
- 1st Place – Abstract Category, PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris 2017, Non-Professional
- 1st Place – Fine Art Category, 4th Golden Orchid Photo Awards 2017
- Honorable Mention, Monovisions Awards 2017, Series – Street Photography
- Nominee, 2nd International Photography Grant, London (2017)
- 1st Place – Collage Category, IPA International Photography Awards 2016, Non-Professional
- 1st Place – Special Effects Category, IPA International Photography Awards 2016, Non-Professional
- 1st Place – Science/Other Category, Moscow International Foto Awards (MIFA) 2016, Non-Professional
- Top 100 Finalist, LensCulture Street Photography Awards 2016
- 2nd Place – Science Category, Moscow International Foto Awards (MIFA) 2016
- 1st Place, Motif Collective December 2016, Theme: "Shadow"
- 2nd Place – Silhouette Category, Black & White Spider Awards 2016, Non-Professional
- Honorable Mention – Monochrome Category, Siena International Photography Awards 2016 (Italy)
- Honorable Mention – Photography Category, London International Creative Competition 2016
- 4× Honorable Mentions, Monochrome Awards 2016
- 1× Honorable Mention, Tokyo International Photography Awards 2016
- 1× Honorable Mention, ND Awards (Neutral Density Awards) 2016
- 1st Place – Photomanipulation Category, IPOTY International Photographer of the Year 2015, Non-Professional
- 3rd Place – Digitally Enhanced Category, IPA International Photography Awards 2015, Non-Professional (×2 entries)
- 1st Place – People's Choice, 1X Photo Awards 2015, Abstract Category
- 3rd Place – Photomanipulation Category, Fine Art Photography Awards 2015, Non-Professional
- 2nd Place – Silhouette Category, 9th International Color Awards 2015, Non-Professional
- 3rd Place – Conceptual Category, Monochrome Awards 2015, Non-Professional
- 3rd Place – Photo Manipulation Category, ND Awards 2015, Non-Professional
- Winner, 35photo.ru Awards 2015 – Top 100 Best Art Photos
- Top 10 (Shortlist), Sony World Photography Awards 2015, Enhanced Category
- 3rd Place – Enhanced Category, One Eyeland Awards 2015, Student Category
- 2nd Place & RPS Medal, 3rd International Khayyam Photography Contest, Iran (2015)
- Finalist, HIPA 2015 "Life in Color", Night Photography Section
- 4× Honorable Mentions, IPA International Photography Awards 2015
- 1× Honorable Mention, ND Awards 2015
- 1× Honorable Mention, Monochrome Awards 2015