I love reading about how photographers got started, what they are involved in, their challenges and struggles as they pursue their dreams of becoming a photographer. For that reason, I thought it would be fun to feature photographers that I know who are inspiring and doing some great work.
In December 2009 I began taking a photo a day and posting to a website called Blipfoto. If you know me or follow me on my Facebook page you know this, as I have shared this many times. In fact, several friends have seen my posts or “blips” on my personal Facebook page and now have their own Blipfoto accounts!
One thing that I really love about Blipfoto is the connections and friends we meet through the website. Many of the contacts and friendships made are with people outside the US, from other countries. I’m very proud to introduce my first featured photographer, Hadi Asgari whom I met through Blipfoto.
Hadi has some amazing people portraits and incredible macro shots that are very captivating. He is a very popular photographer on Blipfoto. He not only is a very well liked photographer, but he has a very caring personality. He is always willing to help out other people wanting to learn different photography techniques. He is a Photoshop wizard and enjoys post production as much as taking the photo itself. I’ve noticed a real passion in his work, especially within the last 6 months.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m Hadi Asgari, 23 years old. I live in Iran, in a relatively small town Abhar. I’ve studied computer software but it never was my passion.
How long have you been taking photos?
I had a canon powershot digital camera for a few years but I was using it just for family photos or occasional snapshots. Until I joined blipfoto at December 2009, I started blipping daily and I had no idea soon it’s gonna change my world. I really didn’t know anything about photography but I think it was the support and help I received from community that made me realize maybe there’s something there and i should take it more seriously so i decided to buy a DSLR. It was a risk at the moment but I’m happy I took it.
How did you learn photography?
After I got my DSLR I just knew I wanted to learn so fast. I didn’t know even the basics so I started experimenting with my camera. I used to look at other photographers’ work and try to imagine what they’ve done while photographing and post processing and I used to do my best to take similar shots and luckily there were always blippers to give me tips which I really needed. I learned most of photography rules and techniques by just looking into professional photographer’s work. I haven’t taken any course or either read any book on photography to day; I don’t suggest that to other photographers but that’s what’s worked for me so far. But I highly recommend reading photography magazines, there’s a variety of brief and useful tips in a magazine which I could get and use in a short time.
What is your favorite type of photography, what do you enjoy shooting the most?
Photographing people, especially strangers. i enjoy going to small villages and capture its people’s lives in a frame. I always try to make friends, have a few words, listen to their stories then ask if I could photograph them. In that way I think I could bring more of their lives into the picture. one of the things that is really important when photographing a stranger is take the best you can in the least shots possible. So you have to get all model’s attention and everything should be right for that moment, focus, exposure, composition.
What type of camera do you shoot with? What type of gear do you have?
I use a Canon 500D, a Tamron 18-200mm, a Canon 50mm f1.8 and a Nissin Di622 MKII flash.
I bought the Tamron lens with the camera and I used for all kind of pictures and it never disappointed me. After awhile when I got interested in portraits I got a 50mm f1.8 and since then I’ve very rarely used the Tamron lens. I use the 50mm for both portraits and macros (reversed) and I gotta tell you can get way more from it than what you pay for it!
What are your favorite photography accessories?
5D MKII, 35mm f1.4, 24-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8 for portraits, Canon MP-E 65mm for macros.
What can you tell someone just starting out in photography that might be helpful?
This might sound like a cliche but first I’d tell them, believe in yourself. There’s nothing impossible in photography, it’s all about you exercising your skills. If you watch carefully you can take a memorable picture out of anything. Go out there and take pictures, studying is useful but only when you put them in action. Don’t be afraid of experimenting and don’t miss out on viewing other photographers’ work, you can get a lot of inspiration by that.
Do you always ask permission to photograph people?
Yes, without any exception. I figure It’d be best for both of us. It’s their choice to let me photograph them or not, and I’d be in charge of the situation. I could photograph them from any angle or distance so I could have a chance to take a better photograph.
Most of your portraits are in Black and white, why is that?
Black and white gives you a quality in portraits that color does not. You can show more of your model’s character and concentrate more attention on it in black and white. And in street photography it shows its effect even more.
Do you use any lighting equipment for your portraits?
No, I just love shooting in natural light. You just need to find the right angle and location to get the best out of the natural light. The best time of the day to shoot in natural light is after 5 or 6 pm when there is a soft golden light which I mostly try to shoot in that time of day. Even at home I use the doorway of hall to the yard as my tiny studio. In most hours of day I can get a soft indirect light with a dark background.
Which photographers work do you admire?
I love James Nachtwey and Steve Mccurry’s work.
Where do you want to go with your photography? Your dreams and wishes as a photographer?
My dream is to travel freely around the world and capture people’s lives. I would love work as a professional photojournalist one day.
Where can people follow you to find out more about your work?
You can see my work at my Blipfoto account, Flickr account and can follow me on Facebook.
http://www.blipfoto.com/visualbinam
http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualbinam
http://www.facebook.com/visualbinam
I want to thank Hadi for being my first featured photographer on my blog! If you find this blog post inspiring or you have any questions for Hadi, please leave a comment below.
Hospitable Lady
Faces
Haunting Eyes
Thinker
Cheeky
Waiting for the Train
Looking at these images, some I’ve never seen before, reminds me what a great talent he is
The one (third down from top) of the child’s head cradled in the old person’s hands is very beautiful, and an interesting pose/arrangement; very intimate and trusting. Bravo.
This is beautiful and amazing work! Black and White photography is my favorite for the exact reasons Hadi says. Thank you for spotlighting the work of this great photographer!
gorgeous
Wow, these shots are fantastic. I am so inspired by your passion and how you approach your art. Keep it up!
What talent. Amazing images. What a nice feature.
Fantastic idea Pat! And well done Hadi. Loving your self portrait and the images are definitely some of my favorites! I feel so blessed to know you both. :) (And don’t forget you are on 500px now too.)
What a fantastic idea, Pat! And how wonderful that you chose Hadi for your first subject. He is such a passionate photographer and a great blipfoto friend. It is good to see such talent recognized.
I love his photography and am amazed how much he learned in such a small time and put his knowledge into skillful and compassionate works of art!!!
A fascinating interview! I’ve long admired his photos and am glad to read about him.
A really fantastic interview and a genuine artist! His work is so engaging! Thanks for sharing :-)