I have a few options. I wonder, “Which path is more appealing?” Every now and then, I come across things that pique my interest. An intriguing subject is like the captivating color of a landscape to me. I capture them simply in photos. Sometimes, when I grow weary of familiar paths, I explore new alleys. In these moments, when I am completely unfamiliar with the surroundings, like a tourist with a camera in hand, I persist in photographing the new and interesting things I encounter. This is Sari. The city I was born and raised in. Despite my affection for it, I cannot ignore the pervasive sense of loneliness that seems to permeate every corner I visit. I find solitude in the presence of animals, plants, people, objects, and even within myself.

ps: In this project, drawing inspiration from Joel Sternfield, I focused on the essence of Iran, exploring its landscapes, both natural and man-made, just as he did with America.

This series navigates the streets of Semnan, Iran, connecting the iconic Sa'di and Imam Reza squares. Born as an undergraduate project under the guidance of Professor Shabani, it demands a unique approach from each student within the documentary photography curriculum.

I chose to capture environmental portraits during the soft light of sunrise, seeking out moments of quiet before the city awakens. Engaging with each subject on a personal level, I posed the question: "Are you satisfied with your life?" Their unguarded reactions, captured in the immediate aftermath, form the heart of this project.

This series transcends a mere exercise; it's a tapestry woven from candid encounters, a glimpse into the diverse souls encountered along this well-worn path. Each portrait whispers a story, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of life in a dynamic urban landscape.

The initiation of this project coincided with the commencement of my studies at Semnan University. This collection not only embodies a documentary style but also endeavors to infuse an artistic perspective, serving as a medium to capture and express my emotions. The desert environment and the sensation of solitude are the central themes of this particular collection, characterized by the vintage vibe of analog photos and the film grains that define all "The Echoes" collections that I toke it's name from the song "Echoes" by Pink Floyd. The feeling of solitude is inspired by the vastness and isolation of the desert plains surrounding Semnan city. Upon my arrival in Semnan and the inception of this project, the city's most striking feature to me was its pervasive silence throughout most hours of the day.

Camera: Canon F1 
Film: Oriental Seagull Black & White Films (Pan 100 & 400)
Printed Paper: Ilford papers 12×16 - Axon Papers 12×16

This photo collection is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s “Man of the Crowd,” delving into urban alienation and the enigmatic nature of human beings. It explores the idea of the “flâneur”. Flâneur is a French word used by Baudelaire, literally meaning “stroller” or “loafer”. A detached urban observer, strolling with the purpose of absorbing modern life. Though, in this collection a “flâneur” is a curious observer wandering city streets, reflecting on being watched by another flâneur.

Gazing on other people’s reality with curiosity, with detachment, with professionalism, the ubiquitous photographer operates as if that activity transcends class interests, as if its perspective is universal. In fact, photography first comes into its own as an extension of the eye of the middle-class flâneur, whose sensibility was so accurately charted by Baudelaire. The photographer is an armed version of the solitary walker reconnoitering, stalking, cruising the urban inferno, the voyeuristic stroller who discovers the city as a landscape of voluptuous extremes. Adept of the joys of watching, connoisseur of empathy, the flâneur finds the world “picturesque.”

I believe that each individual has a unique story to share, and I am dedicated to capturing these stories through the art of portrait photography.

This portfolio features a wide variety of portraits, ranging from local fashion models, athletes, and actors to everyday people with captivating stories. I specialize in using natural light or studio lighting to capture a diverse range of styles that align with my clients' preferences, while also bringing my own artistic perspective to the process and capturing the genuine emotions of my subjects.

My approach goes beyond simply taking pictures; I work closely with clients to understand their vision and create portraits that authentically represent who they are. I carefully use lighting, composition, and editing techniques to produce images that are not only technically proficient but also deeply evocative.

This page showcases a diverse selection of my client projects, including logos, restaurant menus, event posters, and brochure templates.

Each project embodies a unique story, and I collaborate closely with clients to understand their needs and goals. I utilize my expertise in Photoshop and InDesign to bring their vision to life, paying meticulous attention to detail and design principles.

Insomnia is a prevalent disorder in the modern era, which emerged following the industrial revolution and the widespread use of electricity. The advancement of technology, coupled with the luminous screens of our devices, including monitors, televisions, laptops, and mobile phones, has significantly impacted our sleep patterns, leading to a growing societal involvement with this issue. 
This collection, on the other hand, delves beyond sleeplessness to shed light on pressing societal issues within my generation and home country. Each image confronts a different challenge, using the universal language of sleeplessness to connect our struggles with the world.


In this project, I explore Persian carpets in urban landscapes, weaving narratives of tradition and modernity through bold visuals. The interplay of vibrant patterns and stark concrete ignites questions of identity, belonging, and cultural evolution.

Minimalist compositions and intentional framing invite contemplation, leaving interpretations open to individual perspectives.

This project transcends documentation, sparking dialogue about preserving heritage in the face of change.

This documentary series captures the bittersweet reality of vacations for Persian families in Sari. Seeking respite from urban complexities, they flock to the Caspian Sea shore for weekend escapes. Armed with picnic baskets and hopeful hearts, they yearn for connection with nature and each other. Yet, their desire for tranquility clashes with the reality of bustling crowds and limited space.

Despite their efforts to find solitude, the rhythm of city life echoes on the shore. Children's laughter blends with car horns, picnic blankets jostle for space, and the ever-present gaze of skyscrapers reminds them of their return. This project explores this paradox - the pursuit of escape within the inescapable.

This project is a foray into the soul of my hometown, Sari, captured through fleeting glimpses and candid encounters. Inspired by the introspective beauty and dynamic visual effects of Japanese street photographers like Tatsuo Suzuki and Takuma Nakahira. 
The concept of this collection is also inspired by American photographer, Robert Frank. Themes of his works contains the isolation and disconnection in American society, depicting people separated by class, race, or culture in vulnerable or bored moments. Inspired by his works, I too explored themes of isolation, urban observation, and the search for individual identity in my collection.

I used 2 Technical Approaches while taking photos of this project:

Candid Capture: Blending into the city's fabric, I utilized rapid flash and panning techniques to freeze moments before subjects were fully aware of my presence. This approach yielded raw honesty in expressions and postures, a stark contrast to staged portraits.

Visual Storytelling: Influenced by the pandemic's unsettling mood, I embraced compositional asymmetry, high contrasts, and motion blurs. These elements evoked a sense of disquiet and uncertainty, mirroring the global atmosphere while adding visual intrigue.

More than just technical exploration, this project was a window into the souls of my community. Observing people unaware revealed facets of their personalities and expressions rarely seen in posed shots. It deepened my understanding of their vulnerabilities and unspoken emotions, forging a stronger connection to my town's tapestry.

Looking past the surface, I sought to decipher unspoken narratives through nonverbal cues. Gender, age, and social class whispered stories through body language, facial expressions, attire, and everyday objects. This project became a visual ethnography, offering a glimpse into the diverse landscape of Sari's residents.

Sari, my birthplace and childhood haven, nestled in the humid, fertile heart of Mazandaran province. Its alleys, parks, bustling markets, and lively squares hold countless memories I revisit in this photo collection. Captured during a challenging year in 2023, these images resonate with a bittersweet nostalgia. Balancing language studies for my foreign university ambitions with moments of solitude, I found solace in wandering the city on my bike at night.

Inspired by this introspective introspection, I embraced the evocative nature of color film negatives. Their grainy texture and subtle imperfections lend a raw, emotional depth, mirroring the complexity of my journey. Armed with my trusty Canon F1 and Kodak Colorplus 200 film, I set out to capture the city's essence under the veil of night.

Camera: Canon F1
Film: Kodak Colorplus 200
Scanned from Film scanner

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when news reports painted a stark picture of isolation and struggle, I chose to step closer. This photo reportage, captured at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari, Iran, delves into the unwavering dedication of its medical staff – women navigating the double challenge of adhering to the Islamic hijab within the confines of stifling protective gear and a relentless workload. This series documents their daily battle against an invisible enemy, showcasing not only their tireless efforts, but also the profound resilience exhibited by healthcare workers around the world during this unprecedented crisis.

Photos by

Mohamadreza Esfahani

Collections