Ali Matin was born in 1972 in Tehran, Iran. At 25, he picked up a camera for the first time — drawn in by the sheer beauty of Iran's nature. That fascination led him deeper, into a country layered with thousands of years of history, and he soon found himself equally captivated by its ancient monuments and architectural treasures. Largely self-taught, Ali had the privilege of being mentored by Professor Masood Masumi — a well-known photographer and CEO of Lorca Studio — whose guidance helped shape his artistic eye. He began collaborating with Iran's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, photographing ancient monuments and historic buildings across the country. That work naturally led him to studio photography, and eventually to an exclusive partnership with the National Museum of Iran and other museums in Iran, where he documented some of the country's most precious cultural masterpieces. Among his most significant projects in Iran was a contract with UNESCO to photograph Persepolis — one of the most renowned ancient sites in the world. Ali spent over a year on location, capturing the site from every angle across the changing seasons, including striking night photography that revealed the ruins in an entirely new light. He also undertook an ambitious documentary project comparing old and modern Tehran, which culminated in the book Tehran: Past to Present, published by Yassavoli Publications. His photographs have been published in leading news outlets around the world and in acclaimed books including Images of Iran, Persepolis: A Ghostly Grandeur, Western Azerbaijan, and Tehran: Past to Present, Iranian Vistas among others. After moving to the United States and settling in Los Angeles, Ali stepped away from photography for a time — the demands of building a new life in a new country taking precedence. It wasn't until 2023 that he picked up his camera again, rediscovering his passion and finding a new subject: people. The energy of daily life — on the street, at public gatherings, in unguarded moments — became his greatest fascination. That shift gave birth to a street photography practice that now sits at the heart of his work, alongside his continued coverage of news and cultural events across the city. Alongside his documentary and street work, Ali is available for commercial, product, and private event photography in the Los Angeles area — bringing the same careful eye to every project, whether personal or professional.