Shahar Arviv, Photographer and IDF Soldier

Shahar Arviv, now 27, was born and raised in the small but close-knit community of Beit Dagan, Israel. Growing up in a family with a strong tradition of service to the State of Israel, Shahar’s values were shaped from an early age. His father and grandfather, both veterans who had dedicated their lives to the defense of their homeland, instilled in Shahar a profound sense of responsibility, duty, and commitment to his country. It was clear from his childhood that Shahar would follow in their footsteps, but in his own unique way.

Even as a young boy, Shahar had a natural eye for beauty and composition. By the time he was 16, his passion for photography had fully taken root, and he decided to pursue it professionally. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a career, with Shahar developing a signature style focused on capturing the raw beauty of his subjects, whether they were in front of the camera for fashion shoots or intimate portraits. His ability to see beyond the surface and bring out the emotional depth in his images set him apart as a rising talent in the Israeli photography scene.

In March 2016, following in his family’s tradition, Shahar enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where he served in the elite Egoz Unit, a specialized force that operates in some of the most challenging environments. His time in the IDF was not only a continuation of his family’s legacy, but also a deeply personal journey, one that broadened his understanding of the complexities of life in Israel and the Middle East.

While Shahar’s military service was fulfilling, his passion for photography never left him. In fact, the intensity of his experiences during his service further fueled his desire to use his art to tell powerful stories—stories that often went unseen. But it wasn’t until October 7 that Shahar’s life took a dramatic and tragic turn. While he was in New York for a photography project, news broke of a devastating attack by Hamas that claimed the lives of seven of his closest friends. The shock and grief of losing so many dear friends at once left an indelible mark on Shahar’s heart and mind.

Without hesitation, Shahar cut short his time in New York and immediately flew back to Israel. The loss of his friends strengthened his resolve, and he rejoined the IDF with a renewed sense of purpose. Initially stationed in the northern part of the country, Shahar was later deployed to the Gaza Strip with his team, where he served for two months amidst intense conflict and uncertainty.

It was during his time in Gaza that Shahar found a new calling within his photography. No longer content to focus solely on fashion and portrait work, he turned his lens toward the men and women who were risking their lives to protect their homeland. Shahar realized that his camera could serve as a powerful tool to capture not just images, but the untold stories of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience that defined the soldiers around him. His work from this period is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Through his photography, Shahar sought to document the realities of life on the frontlines—how soldiers endured, how they fought not just for survival, but for the safety and future of their country. Each image tells a deeply personal story, one that reveals both the strength and vulnerability of the soldiers who serve in the IDF. His photos offer viewers a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of these men and women, capturing moments of humanity amid the chaos of war.

Shahar’s journey from a small town in Israel to the frontlines of Gaza, and from fashion shoots to conflict photography, has been one of profound transformation. His work continues to evolve, but at its core remains a deep commitment to telling the stories that matter—the stories of people, their struggles, their triumphs, and the unseen moments that define their lives. Today, Shahar’s photography stands as a tribute to those who serve, and a reminder of the power of art to bring light to the darkest corners of the human experience.