TigranHayrapetyan

How would you describe your photographic style, and how has it evolved over time?
My style is a pursuit of perfection: patient, scrupulous, and continuously evolving through experimentation. My palette is built from the colours of nature—light, shadow, texture, and atmosphere. Over the years, this approach has helped me refine a visual language that is both simple and expressive.

Who or what has had the biggest influence on your artistic vision?
My education in fine arts and design has had the strongest influence. It trained me to see composition, lines, rhythm, and—most importantly—to look at the world from unexpected angles even before I raise the camera. Equally powerful are the rugged and endlessly varied landscapes of Armenia; they are my constant teacher, pushing me to find fresh ways to express their immense scale, shifting moods, and unbreakable spirit.

What is your relationship with your camera and equipment?
My camera isn’t just a tool—it’s an extension of my curiosity and freedom. I work with both analogue (medium format) and digital systems, which gives me the flexibility to choose what the moment demands. I try to let the camera capture not only what I see, but also what I feel.

About the Winning Photo

The photo was taken in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region, known for its ancient and rich winemaking traditions. My intention was to showcase the topography, terroir, and natural beauty of this extraordinary landscape. I didn’t plan the shot in advance—on that day, the weather and the land decided everything.

Choosing to shoot in a panoramic format was essential. The Arpa Canyon is vast and majestic; a standard frame simply couldn’t convey its scale or the breathtaking flow of the terrain. 

The evening light after a brief rain became my muse—soft, diffused, and warm. It bathed the canyon in golden tones and gentle shadows, creating a mood of quiet renewal and allowing the landscape to speak in its own voice.

About Vision and the Future

What does photography mean to you on a personal level?
Photography is a lifestyle for me. It is how I explore, observe, and unwind. It helps me step away from the daily rush and find true freedom within a single frame. Through it, I don’t just show what I see—I share how I feel the world around me.

What was your first reaction when you found out you won a NIPA award?
I was truly honored and quietly thrilled. Photography can feel solitary, so this recognition from NIPA was a beautiful reminder that my emotions are reaching hearts around the world.

What are your thoughts on NIPA, and do you have any suggestions for the future?
I deeply appreciate the opportunity NIPA gives photographers worldwide—to be recognized, to share their vision, and to connect with an international community.
It would be wonderful to see NIPA organize physical exhibitions of the winning works, allowing artists to engage more directly with audiences and with one another.