Sulaiman "Sully" Enayatzada – On Embracing Differences and Finding Belonging in Creativity

For Sully, embracing his unique path and identity has not only shaped his creative journey and the impactful work he produces, but it also aligns with our shared values of individuality and innovation. His journey, from career shifts to cultural influences and a relentless passion for storytelling, illustrates how embracing differences can ignite creativity, foster community, and transform a sense of belonging into a source of strength.

Sully’s path into photography wasn’t linear. He ventured through careers in politics, coffee roasting, and more before discovering his passion behind the lens. 

These varied experiences weren’t detours but rather stepping stones; shaping the attentive, collaborative, and detail-oriented creative he is today. “Politics taught me how to liaise with people constructively and collaboratively, how to mitigate risk and to drive projects to success. Coffee roasting taught me to be alert, attentive to details and to honour my raw materials (green coffee vs RAW unedited images),” Sully explains. 

Sully is entirely self-taught, a route that, while daunting, has given him unparalleled creative freedom. Without formal guidelines to constrain him, he’s free to experiment with his craft, allowing himself to learn from his mistakes. 

“I’m always trying new things, different techniques, different styles and so on. In essence, having no formal training has freed me to just create and to let the mistakes and achievements along the way be my teachers,” he says.

This unconventional journey gave Sully an edge, helping him develop an aesthetic so distinct that peers could identify his work instantly. This early recognition bolstered his confidence and laid the foundation for his unique voice as a photographer.

However, this freedom hasn’t been without challenges, including the ever-present specter of imposter syndrome. Rather than allowing it to hinder him, Sully reframes this feeling as motivation:

“I appreciate the imposter syndrome to be honest. It keeps me humble and I use it as motivation to do more, to explore more and to keep momentum going.”

For Sully, openness to learning and sharing knowledge lies at the heart of his creative ethos. By rejecting gatekeeping, he actively contributes to fostering the next generation of creatives.

“It keeps me connected as I play somewhat of a role in somebody else’s creative journey, which is a beautiful thought!” Sully says. “The least I could do is give back and further the advancement of the creative community.”

This commitment reflects Sully’s gratitude for the opportunities he’s received and his dedication to nurturing a sense of belonging within the creative community.

Embracing his Afghan heritage and Australian upbringing, Sully’s cultural duality deeply influences his work. Growing up “in the middle,” neither fully belonging to one culture nor the other, shaped his worldview and artistic voice. This perspective allows him to celebrate individuality in his photography, often capturing solitary subjects that embody quiet resilience and self-assuredness.

One of his most meaningful projects involved an Afghan model in traditional attire, shot in the culturally rich suburb of Dandenong, Melbourne. “The project was meaningful as all the cast and crew were Afghan, and the narrative being told was informed by an Afghan also. It’s so important to honor the autonomy of those from different cultural backgrounds,” Sully shares.

For Sully, creative work has become a space where he, and others raised between cultures, can find belonging. It’s a testament to the strength of “third culture” kids, who craft their own spaces of acceptance and creativity.

Having no formal training has freed me to just create and to let the mistakes and achievements along the way be my teachers.

From personal projects to high-profile collaborations with brands like The North Face and Off-White, Sully’s work reflects both his distinct style and a deep respect for his collaborators’ goals.

“It takes a lot of discernment and a healthy amount of compromise. You need to be selfless and selfish at the same time,” he explains how he balances his sense of belongingness—feeling connected and valued as a creative—within his client’s creative vision and culture.

This balance extends to his gear as well. While he’s drawn to medium-format cameras, inspired by icons like Annie Leibovitz, Sully emphasises that the magic lies not in the equipment but in the ability to translate ideas into reality. His practical approach reminds budding creatives that storytelling transcends tools. “Gear is just gear, it’s a tool to bring ideas to life. But you don’t need the latest and greatest to make amazing work. [...] It’s about your ability to translate your ideas to reality with what you have at your disposal.”

For Sully, creativity isn’t just about producing art—it’s a journey of belonging. Whether he’s driving his iconic yellow van (an extension of his playful "Lazy Fair" brand) or mentoring emerging photographers, Sully’s work is a celebration of individuality and community.

His advice to young creatives struggling to find their place? “Just be unabashedly yourself. The people who resonate with you will be there and those that don’t will not and that’s okay. That’s life, just make sure that your work fulfills you.”

Sully’s story is a testament to the power of embracing differences, finding strength in individuality, and creating belonging through shared experiences. It’s a reminder that the creative journey, while personal, is deeply enriched by the connections we make along the way.

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Sulaiman “Sully” Enayatzada is a Melbourne-based conceptual and editorial photographer known for his ability to blend individuality and storytelling through his striking visuals. Explore more of Sully’s work and connect with him through his website and Instagram under his moniker @lazyfairr.