LA Photographer Bridges Two Worlds in Afghanistan Book

Daniel Malikyar has photographed some of hip-hop's biggest names, but his new book "Afghanistan" might be his most important work yet.

The LA-based photographer, son of Afghan immigrants, recently traveled to remote communities in Afghanistan to document everyday life through a deeply personal lens. He brings the same intimate approach he used shooting portraits of Drake, Snoop Dogg, and Migos to capturing the stories of people in his ancestral homeland.

Malikyar sees no difference in how he photographs a celebrity versus a villager in Afghanistan. Both deserve the same respect, attention to detail, and humanity in front of his camera.

The project represents a bridge between two worlds that shaped him. Growing up in Los Angeles as the child of Afghan immigrants, Malikyar developed his craft in the city's vibrant subcultures before turning that eye toward understanding his heritage.

His diverse portfolio also includes "Weed Nuns," a striking black and white series documenting a fringe religious group of women in LA who grow their own cannabis. That series will expand with a showing at Art Basel in Miami later this year.

Why This Inspires

Malikyar's work shows how artists can honor multiple identities at once. He didn't abandon his roots to succeed in American culture, nor did he leave behind his artistic community to explore his heritage.

Instead, he's using the skills honed photographing music videos and album covers to tell stories that matter deeply to him. His camera becomes a tool for connection rather than separation.

The Afghanistan book arrives at a crucial time when nuanced, humanizing portrayals of the country are rare in Western media. Through Malikyar's lens, readers see communities, families, and individuals rather than headlines.

His success proves that the most powerful art often comes from embracing every part of who we are.