Exploring Tehran in monochrome with Peyman Pustduzan

Life in Iran goes on in every second on the streets whole day. Everyone looks to be in a rush to get somewhere, just like other metropolis around the world. Modern life styles in opposite of traditional beliefs and ideas, makes a paradoxical situation and a permanent challenge for whom living in this big, crowded city and in another hand it's a great basis for photographers to present it.

And so our featured photographer this week is from Tehran, Iran - Peyman Pustduzan. I must confess that right from my childhood days I have had dreams of two countries that I wanted to visit, and Persia was always one of them. However, Peyman shows us a very different Iran through images which literally speak.

Dark side of the moon

Steps

So who is Peyman Pustuzan?
I am Peyman Pustduzan, born in Tehran-Iran, 1988, during the war between Iran and Iraq. I don't remember actually the general circumstances of Iran in that special period, but the important thing to say is that the effects of those years are remained in my mind.

Peyman Pustduzan

Peyman Pustduzan

I was a little boy with no dreams, totally alone, in any way! I grew up in a very lovely family but always had a problem! A feeling that i carry anywhere with my self, a feeling that says I'm wrong, and some thing is false or missed here.

So I started to discover, among all complicated words, known in philosophy, between hundreds of books and essays, but nothing special found!

Any specific inspirations?
I studied accounting in university by mistake, but I finished it in any way it could happen! :) Totally interested in anything related to art and philosophy of art, therefore I spent many hours in watching films, founding my way in life among Kieślowski, Angelopoulos, Truffaut and many European filmmakers as well. I was just 20!

Edge

Childhood

Father and the son

I think these backgrounds helped me to see my country, long time history and culture behind it and all opportunities hidden, that could help me to take pictures, freezing time! I started to discover and found well documented works made by Kaveh Golestan - the great Iranian photographer - and that was the time I found the way of mine. I will always appreciate him. 

I don't care about what Robert Frank says or anybody else, but I found my way in monochrome photography, colors are black and white, high contrast, playing with lights, shadows and lines, trying to see human being. Photography to me means walking around and watching people being themselves, so it's the time, I press the shutter, no plan, nothing, just capturing humanity among all darkness and lights beyond their mind!

Tell us more about your country Persia...
My country, Persia, with a long time history behind is really proper for photographers in any kind. Documentary photography in very small villages such as Abyaneh, Masuleh...with pure culture and life style as well as modern cities like Tehran. Capturing glorious Architectures in cities like Isfahan and specially Shiraz, for Persepolis, and all other historical and famous places around the country. Also great natural beauties such as mountains, deserts and deep forests are ready for those who interested.

Confusion

Untitled

I started photography with my DSLR two years age! Recently I changed to iPhone for daily life captures but I do take photos with my camera as well. Not married, still living in Tehran and working in a professional studio as an editor and photographer.

What's your dream Peyman?
Main goal for me is just being a human, a real one, that's the purpose in my life and my dream would always be stopping the time forever!

Chase

Cave

Travel in Iran

Traveling to Iran is a dream for me, and I am sure for many others as well. if you are planning a visit to the country here's some practical information about Iran for travelers. A friend also recently backpacked through the country and here's a guide to help you backpack through the country - Backpacking in Iran!