Philanthropist, idealist, humanist, Reza left architecture in 1979, for a commitment: "photography in the service of humanity". Since then, he has traveled the world, photographing conflicts, revolutions and human catastrophes, but also the joys and sorrows of our humanity. Published by international media (National Geographic, Time Magazine, Stern, Newsweek, El País, Paris Match, Geo...), Reza exhibits and creates major art installations around the world, gives lectures in major universities and international organizations, and participates in the making of documentaries.
In parallel to his work as a photographer, Reza has been a committed volunteer since 1983, training young people and women in conflict-ridden societies and megacity suburbs in all continents in the language of images. The beneficiaries thus become the visual storytellers of their own destiny. His actions are carried out by his associations "Aina world" and "Reza Visual Academy". Author of thirty-five books, Reza has received numerous awards throughout his career and is a Senior Fellow of the Ashoka Foundation. He has received the World Press Photo, the Infinity Award from the International Center of Photography, the Lucy Award, the Medal of Honor from the University of Missouri, and the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from the American University in Paris. France awarded him the medal of Chevalier de l'Ordre national du Mérite.