Today we’d like to introduce you to Mimi Dabestani.
Hi Mimi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Northern Virginia, a place that quietly nurtured my many creative pursuits. From soccer fields and ballet studios to sketchbooks and canvases. I was always moving, creating, experimenting. But it was ballet, of all things, that led me to discover my passion for photography.
One day after class, I told my parents I wanted a camera. Without hesitation, they said yes. Their unwavering support gave me the confidence to explore a new kind of movement. Capturing motion instead of performing it. I knew I wasn’t destined to be a professional ballerina, but I fell in love with the way photography could freeze emotion, grace, and power in a single frame.
By high school, I was fully immersed. I joined the newspaper and yearbook staff and eventually became the photo editor for both. I managed a team of photographers, assigned shoots, and ensured our equipment was always ready to go. That experience gave me my first real taste of creative leadership, and it stuck with me.
Over the past 10+ years, I’ve built a career around telling stories through images. As a freelance photographer and video editor, I’ve worked with clients across industries and cultures. My time at Discovery Channel sharpened my skills in Avid as I prepped content for global markets, often during off-hours and tight deadlines. At National Geographic, I dove deep into post-production workflows, providing subtitles, quality control, and transcription for NatGeo Mundo. I also had the privilege of supporting work on Free Solo, a film that went on to win an Academy Award. That moment still stands as a highlight in my career.
My foundation in film and media was laid at American University, where I earned a degree in Film and Media Arts. My studies ranged from storyboarding and studio directing to operating sound boards and studio cameras. I was honored to be named Best Technical Director of my graduating class; a recognition that meant a lot to the little girl who used to direct imaginary music videos in her bedroom.
Currently, I work with the government contractor Steampunk Inc., where I’ve continued to expand my creative reach. In this role, I support multiple government agency clients, providing content strategy, communications planning, and full-spectrum media support. It’s allowed me to step more fully into writing and producing, balancing creative vision with strategic communication in fast-paced, mission-driven environments.
Looking back, I can see how every step from pirouettes to Premiere Pro has helped shape who I am as a visual storyteller. I still chase that same spark I felt as a teenager with my first camera in hand: the desire to capture a moment, and maybe even move someone with it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Freelancing for over a decade has been one of the most rewarding and simultaneously unpredictable parts of my journey. There were months I felt on top of the world, booking back-to-back shoots and editing projects. And there were others when I wondered if I’d chosen the right path navigating feast-or-famine cycles, chasing down invoices, or hearing “no” more than “yes.” Truly feeling the starving artist lifestyle.
Working in fast-paced media environments like Discovery Channel and National Geographic was a dream but it wasn’t without its pressures. Deadlines were non-negotiable. Schedules were intense. And as a woman in a technical and visual field, I often felt like I had to prove myself twice first through my work, and then by standing my ground. To say the least in a male dominated field.
When I stepped into my current role at Steampunk Inc., I was juggling not just creative production, but strategy, communications, and client relationships all across multiple government agencies. The learning curve was steep. I had to quickly adapt, delegate, and learn to speak different “languages” depending on the audience. Some days it felt like spinning plates, but I’ve come to see that as a strength: I can pivot, I can balance, and I can make it happen!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart is my ability to move seamlessly between creativity and logistics. I love the big-picture thinking, developing ideas, building out stories, understanding the “why”. But I’m also deeply detail-oriented when it comes to the technical craft. I’ve worn many hats: producer, shooter, editor, writer, manager and I bring that holistic understanding to every project. We are truly put on this earth to be with others and tell stories, and I hope to bring that to light every project I touch.
What I’m most proud of is not just the big-name credits, but the relationships I’ve built through my work. I care deeply about collaboration, about making people feel seen, and about crafting visuals that resonate. Whether I’m on set or behind a laptop, I show up with empathy, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose.
I’m very proud of my work life balance. I find inspirational from all different part of life but especially from the artist that came before. My favorite photography is Eugene Smith. The way his images tell a story not just a moment is what I live for.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m always on Pinterest, or instagram seeing other images and work.
I really love portrait photography especially that of Cindy Sherman, she is a whimsical artist and I find that I lean towards whimsy and surrealism. I love playing with the idea of is it really real?
I mean we have giraffes how can we not have unicorns?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mimidabestaniphotography.format.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimsdabs/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beheen-dabestani/
