Meet Jani Grigoryan | Visual artist, Photo and Video

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jani Grigoryan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jani, what do you want people to remember about you?
Photography and videography have always been more than just visuals for me. They’re how I capture emotion, movement, and those small, often overlooked moments that carry real meaning. It’s about translating feeling into image.

If I think about legacy, I hope it’s in how I helped people see the world a little differently, through my lens. Whether I was backstage at New York Fashion Week, directing a music video for a major European artist, or documenting the National Symphony Orchestra of Armenia in New York, or simply capturing a bustling street, I’ve always been drawn to the raw, honest parts of life. That’s what I try to preserve in every frame.

I want people to remember my work not just for how it looked, but for how it made them feel. If even one person felt seen, understood, or inspired through something I created, that’s the kind of impact I’d be proud to leave behind.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Visual art, whether it’s photography or videography, is a lifelong journey.
For me, it’s about staying curious, evolving constantly, and finding new ways to tell stories that feel honest and human. I’m always learning, unlearning, and rediscovering my voice. And that’s what keeps it exciting.

What sets my work apart is the emotion I try to reveal in every frame. Whether I’m shooting a fashion editorial or a street portrait, I’m drawn to moments that feel raw and real. Some of my favorite projects, like the ones featured in Ellements and Mob Journal, explore identity and vulnerability, even within polished or highly styled environments.

Of course, the path hasn’t always been smooth. Like most artists, I’ve faced moments of uncertainty, creatively and professionally. But I’ve learned not to panic. I problem-solve. I’ve come to trust the process, even when the road isn’t clear. What keeps me grounded is my love for the craft, the passion, the vision, and the persistence that push me forward through the challenges.

At the end of the day, I just want to create work that feels real, that connects with people. If something I make can cause someone to pause, feel something, or see themselves differently, then I know I’m doing something meaningful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s a great question. Sometimes I catch myself thinking about it. If one of my close friends from overseas was here, where would I take them?

There’s no single answer. It really depends on the vibe. One day we might dive deep into Brooklyn, catching the raw energy in Bed-Stuy or Bushwick. Another day could be all about wandering around the Lower East Side in Manhattan, chasing street art, good coffee and the rhythm of the city. Or maybe we’d even end up in San Francisco just to explore a different side of the States.

For me, it’s not about ticking off landmarks. It’s about giving someone a sense of the pace, the people, the culture and the quiet in-between moments that make a city feel alive. That’s the kind of experience that leaves an impression. That’s what I’d want them to remember.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to thank my wife. She’s been my biggest supporter since day one. She’s believed in me during the quiet seasons when no one saw the work I was putting in, and stood by me during every creative leap I took. Her encouragement has been the foundation behind many of the risks I’ve taken, whether moving across countries, building my portfolio from scratch, or pursuing international collaborations.

Every project I’ve completed, every gallery, every fashion week, every music video, carries a piece of her faith in me. I’m incredibly lucky to have a partner who reminds me why I started and pushes me to keep growing.

Website: https://www.janigrigoryan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jani__grigoryan/

Image Credits
Photographer: Jani Grigoryan