Ali Borovalı was born in Istanbul, Turkey. A graduate of Boğaziçi University Business Administration School, Istanbul, he took his masters degree (MBA) in Florida, USA, where he also received his education on photography. His quest for a specialized area in photography led him to the field of photo-reportage.

Ali Borovalı engages in personal projects ranging from a few weeks to several years long, with a commitment to maintain a creative perspective on human life and its environment. His photographs encompass the rather remote cultures of less revealed geographies, with areas of interest revolving around the colours and identity of local people and indigenous life. His works have been widely exhibited in national and international venues including Photokina (Cologne), Visa Pour L’Image (Perpignan), FotoArt festival (Poland) and published by leading publications such as Atlas, National Geographic Traveler, GEO, Discovery, Image Magazine, Le Monde2, Elle, Marie Claire. His work is held in private collections and has been the recipient of numerous prizes including two times the highly prestigious Artist of the Year Award for his contributions in photography. Borovalı has published photography books under Antartist, Khalkedon, Institut Français (Turkey), Militos, Mount Athos Center and Lambrakis Press (Greece) editions. His editorial work is available through Sipa Press, Paris.

Ali Borovalı lives and works in Istanbul.