Insiya Syed is an independent photojournalist with nearly two decades of experience capturing compelling portraits and visual stories. Her work spans women’s issues, humanitarian crises, and climate emergencies, serving a diverse range of clients and international news agencies.

Syed’s portraits have been featured in publications such as The New York Times, TIME Magazine, Le Monde, Intelligent Life Magazine, NBC News, The Telegraph, The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, et al.

Syed’s work has been featured by leading global organizations, including the Aga Khan Development Network, capturing sensitive stories from flood-affected areas in Pakistan and the resilience of families rebuilding after the deluge; Human Rights Watch, documenting the barriers to education faced by girls with limited access, the World Bank, illustrating strategies to optimize education expenditures for children in Pakistan.

In 2016, her work featured in a compilation by Huffington Post called “35 Breathtaking Photos Taken By Women Throughout History”.

Syed has collaborated on numerous projects and campaigns that have won accolades from Cannes Lions Grand Prix, Clios, D&AD, Effies, Grand Prix Ad Stars, Spikes Asia, and Dubai Lynx. Her collaborative work has also been exhibited in the Tate Museum.

She’s currently on the World Press Photo, 2025 regional jury for West, Central and South Asia.

Workshops:

• The Foundry Photojournalism Workshop
  Sarajevo, Bosnia – 2013
  Assistant to photographer – Jason Eskenazi
  
• The Foundry Photojournalism Workshop
  Chiang Mai, Thailand – 2012
  Assistant to photographer – Andrea Bruce
  
• Angkor Photography Workshop
  Siem Reap, Cambodia – 2010
  
• The Foundry Photojournalism Workshop
  Istanbul, Turkey – 2010