Garo Varjabedian began to work as an apprentice with Alexandria-based photographer Apkar Retian in 1930 (according to Varjabedian’s son, Vahe). Later he moved to Cairo where he met Aram Alban, another major Egyptian/Armenian photographer. Varjabedian’s work came into its own during the 1950s and 60s, when his classically clean and regal portrait style was much in favor with Egypt’s elite and rulling parties whom he frequently photographed. His studio – self titled ‘Garo’ – became prominent for its exceptionally high quality colour photography.