Erbil photographer defies expectations, turns creative passion into career success

ERBIL – At just 24 years old, Begard Sarbast is reshaping expectations in her community. Born and raised in Erbil, she has defied traditional gender roles, embracing a career in photography and editing that contrasts sharply with her academic background in physics. After graduating from Salahaddin University, Sarbast made the bold decision to follow her true passion for photography, a path often discouraged in a region where traditional roles limit such opportunities for women.

In the last two years, photography has evolved from a creative hobby to a sustainable livelihood for Begard. “It has become a primary source of income for me,” she shared, noting that her work for companies, events, and various groups provides her with a monthly income ranging from $800 to $1,500. Her projects span corporate advertising to documenting special events, but her true passion lies in capturing the intersection of nature, ancient history, and modern cityscapes.

“I’ve worked in offices and studios before, but I realized I prefer fieldwork, especially tasks that involve challenges,” Begard said. “Now, I focus more on outdoor projects. Currently, I’m working on a documentary about Khanaqa Street, an ancient cultural district in Erbil, comparing it with the city’s modern neighborhoods.”

Begard credits her success to the support of her family, particularly her father. “My family, especially my father, has been incredibly supportive,” she explained during an interview with 964media. Despite working in a male-dominated field, she has noticed a shift in how people perceive her abilities. “When I show up on site, people often doubt my abilities because I’m a woman. However, over time, this perception has changed, especially as my work has become more refined and visible.”

While many have encouraged her to choose a more traditional career path, Begard remains undeterred. “People tell me not to stray from the norm, but I see beauty in my work and found my vision early on,” she said.

Begard’s ambitions extend beyond her own success. She is committed to empowering other young women in Kurdistan to pursue their creative dreams. Through social media and seminars, she actively encourages other women to step into the creative industries. “There are many talented girls like me, and I give them hope to step forward and take part in this field. I learned early on what I wanted, and now I embrace the path I’ve chosen,” she said proudly.