Tariq Zaidi's photography reveals authentic moments of human truth from around the world. Having lived in 10 countries and travelled to over 180, including 45 in Africa, he brings a deeply informed, multicultural perspective to his work. His images reflect dignity, resilience and humanity, inviting us to connect, belong, and see the world with renewed eyes. Through his lens, we gain enduring records of human experience, fostering greater understanding and broader perspectives.
Biography:
Tariq Zaidi is a freelance photographer based in the UK who left a senior management career in 2014 to pursue his passion for documenting people and their cultures. His work explores social issues, systemic inequalities, and marginalised communities worldwide. Known for his respectful, unobtrusive approach, he independently assigns, funds, researches and writes his own work. Widely published and exhibited internationally, his photographs document stories too often overlooked, inviting audiences towards a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.
In September 2020, Zaidi published his first book, Sapeurs: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Congo, which has received extensive recognition for its photography. The book was highly praised and selected as a finalist in the "Photography Book of the Year 2020" category by Pictures of the Year International, a prestigious photography competition. In September 2020, the book's work was showcased at the Visa Pour L'image International Festival of Photojournalism. Later that year, "Sapeurs" received further recognition and was included on Vogue's exclusive list of "Best Fashion Books of the Year 2020". In 2022, the book continued to gain acclaim and was named a finalist for the "Lucie Photo Book Prize" while also receiving a nomination for the "African Photobook of the Year Award". The book was designed by Stuart Smith, published by Kehrer Verlag Germany, and co-edition with Seigensha Art Publishing, Japan. It has since gone into its second printing.
Tariq's second book, Sin Salida (No Way Out), was published by GOST Books, UK in October 2021. The book documents the devastating impacts of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 gangs on El Salvador. Through depicting the gang members, police, murder sites, funerals, and the government's efforts to combat the gangs, Zaidi illustrates the control these groups have over Salvadoran society, the violence through which they operate and the grief and loss resulting from the violence. Tariq's commitment to human rights was recognised when his work on El Salvador earned first place in the Photojournalism Category at the 2020 Media Awards by Amnesty International. The photo book was also honoured with a first prize from the IPA (International Photography Awards, USA) in 2022 and was named a finalist for the Lucie Photo Book Prize. In March 2023, the book was chosen as a finalist in the "Photography Book of the Year" category by Pictures of the Year International.
Tariq Zaidi's third monograph, North Korea: The People’s Paradise, was published in November 2023, by Kehrer, Germany. This compelling work unveils North Korea, often obscured by Kim Jong Un's regime and state propaganda, through a vibrant, humanistic lens that transcends politics. In a world where most insights are superficial, Zaidi's photography delves deep, capturing the nation's intricate essence. Annually, approximately 5,000 non-Chinese tourists visit North Korea under strict regulations and photography restrictions, but Zaidi’s candid images break through these barriers, illuminating the everyday lives of North Koreans and the complex tapestry of their society. After three years of meticulous research and photography, this book challenges stereotypes and invites readers to gain a fresh perspective on North Korea. Featured in the New York Times Book Review and honoured as a NYTimes Editor’s Choice, its first edition quickly sold out, with a second printing scheduled for 2024. In September 2024, the book was awarded first prize in the Book Documentary category at the International Photography Awards (IPA), USA and in November, was chosen as a finalist for the Lucie Photo Book Prize.
Tariq's photography has gained international recognition, with his work appearing in over 1000 publications across 90 countries. His work has been featured by prominent names such as the BBC, The Guardian, The New York Times, National Geographic, Washington Post, Newsweek, CNN, Spiegel, Stern, El Pais, GEO, Los Angeles Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Chicago Tribune, Suddeutschen Zeitung, Zeit, Welt, Sydney Morning Herald, Vogue, Marie Claire, GQ, Esquire, Global Times China, Internazionale, VICE, Deutsche Welle, Corriere della Sera, National Geographic Traveler, Conde Nast Traveler, British Journal of Photography, Hindustan Times, Al Jazeera, 6Mois, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Independent, China Daily, Telegraph, Foreign Policy Magazine and Times of London and more. His work has led him to document stories in some of the most challenging environments, demonstrating his dedication and resilience. His coverage spans a diverse range of countries, including Afghanistan, Angola, Brazil, Cambodia, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Haiti, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mongolia, North Korea, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Yemen. These stories, images, and videos have appeared in magazines, online, and on television, showcasing Tariq's talent for capturing and presenting thought-provoking content to a global audience.
Tariq Zaidi is a highly-regarded photographer who has earned numerous accolades for his photography. With over 80 international photography awards to his name, Tariq's work has been acknowledged by industry leaders such as Pictures of the Year International, Sony World Photography Awards, Lucie Photo Book Prize, IPA, NPPA, PDN, UNICEF, and Amnesty International's Media Awards. His work has been recognised eleven times by Pictures of the Year International, including awards in the Premier categories of "Photographer of the Year International," "Photography Book of the Year" (twice), and the "World Understanding Award." The IPA named Tariq as one of the "Top 10 Travel Portrait Photographers" in 2016, and in 2018, he was honoured with the Marty Forscher Fellowship Fund for his exceptional humanistic photography by PDN and Parsons School of Design. Additionally, he was nominated for the Prix Pictet in 2019. Tariq's work has been displayed in over 100 international exhibitions, and he has completed projects in 27 countries across five continents.
Tariq is actively engaged in various projects, including his long-term personal project, "Capturing the Human Spirit," which showcases hope, dignity, and community through images from the poorest regions of the world. In 2018, the first three chapters from Haiti, Brazil, and Cambodia were shown at the Visa Pour L'image International Festival of Photojournalism.
Tariq Zaidi is a self-taught photographer with an M.Sc. from University College London (UCL). He is represented by Zuma Press, Caters News Agency and Getty Images, and is an alum of the Eddie Adams Workshop. His passion for education led him to teach courses on photojournalism, documentary photography and advanced photography at renowned institutions such as Central Saint Martins and London College of Communications. Tariq is a frequent speaker at conferences, seminars and universities and is constantly searching for unique images and stories through his travels. Contact him through his website, facebook page, twitter or instagram.