Exploring Humanitarian Photography in Eastern Iran

January 12, 2024In Workshop, News, Artist Talk

Second Chapter of Workshop Series

The second chapter of our workshop series unfolded across three eastern provinces of Iran, spearheaded by our seasoned instructor and lecturer, Pooyan Tabatabaei, alongside Mehran Mafi Bordbar, our photographer, instructor, and project coordinator. Covering a distance of over 960 kilometers, the team conducted three workshops, drawing in a remarkable total of 300 attendees. These workshops placed a special emphasis on the ethics of photography in humanitarian projects, long-term storytelling, and the art of identifying compelling narratives. Commencing in the sacred city of Mashhad, the capital of Khorasan Razavi Province, the team conducted a session in a historic venue renowned for hosting esteemed lecturers over the past five decades. The overwhelming turnout and fruitful discussions marked the success of the workshop. Moving forward, the team ventured to the enchanting city of Birjand, nestled in South Khorasan Province, where they delved deeper into the intricacies of storytelling through photography against the backdrop of its rich history.

The final workshop took place in the historic city of Zahedan, situated in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, a region grappling with the effects of drought and climate change over the past two decades. Here, the instructors not only explored photography but also delved into pressing issues such as climate-related challenges, poverty, and religion. The culmination of the workshops yielded overwhelming results, showcasing the impact of visual storytelling in shedding light on critical societal issues. While the instructors harbored a desire to prolong their stay for further exploration, commitments beckoned them back to Tehran, where they ushered in the New Year amidst the bustling capital. This section of the workshops was made possible through collaboration and sponsorship from esteemed partners including Binesh Institute, Iranian Youth Cinema Association, Jahad University of Mashhad, Mashhad Photo House, School of Photography of Birjand, and the Center of Independent Photographers of Sistan and Baluchestan.