If you’re planning to visit Iran, you’re in for a visual treat. Iran is filled with stunning architecture, vibrant bazaars, colorful mosques, and vast deserts. It’s the perfect place to capture amazing photos and videos. But you need to know where to go, when to shoot, and how to respect the local culture. This guide will help you get your best shots in Iran, even if you’re working with just a smartphone.
Best Locations for Photography in Iran
1. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (The Pink Mosque) – Shiraz
The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, is famous for its stained glass windows. To capture the best photos, visit early in the morning when the light shines through the colorful glass. It creates a rainbow effect on the walls and carpet. It’s a magical place, especially for wide-angle shots and close-ups of the vibrant details.
Remember to be quiet inside, as it’s a working mosque, and others may be praying. It’s respectful to cover your head and wear modest clothing if you’re a woman. You might have to wait for the mosque to clear out a bit if you want people-free shots, but it’s worth the wait!
2. Imam Mosque – Isfahan
The Imam Mosque in Isfahan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Iran’s most photogenic spots. The intricate tile work and large open courtyards make this a perfect spot for wide shots. You’ll want to visit during midday when the sunlight illuminates the mosque beautifully, but early morning or late afternoon works for fewer crowds.
Be mindful not to disrupt worshippers and avoid taking photos during prayer times. Always ask before taking close-up shots of people here.
3. Golestan Palace – Tehran
Golestan Palace is one of Tehran’s oldest palaces and a photographer’s dream. The mirror halls, gardens, and Persian architecture create excellent photo opportunities. Golden hour is the best time to get amazing shots of the palace exterior, while the interior is best captured with careful control of your ISO and aperture settings to handle the tricky lighting inside.
Tripods are not allowed inside most of the palace, so rely on steady hands or image stabilization in your camera. A wide-angle lens will help you capture the grandeur of this place.
4. Persian Deserts – Varzaneh Desert
Iran’s deserts are a must-visit for landscape photographers. The undulating dunes of the Varzaneh Desert are best photographed during sunset or sunrise when the low light casts beautiful shadows on the sand. The colors change from golden to red as the sun moves. You can create stunning timelapse videos while the light gradually vanishes.
If you’re shooting at night, the desert is perfect for astrophotography. Bring a tripod for long-exposure shots of the starry skies.
5. Persepolis – Shiraz
Persepolis is the ancient capital of the Persian Empire. It’s a jaw-dropping archaeological site filled with ruins that stand like giants under the sun. The best time to shoot here is early morning or late afternoon for softer light, but you’ll also want to capture the dramatic midday shadows cast by the pillars.
Keep your shots wide to show the scale of the site, but don’t forget the detailed carvings. A polarizing filter will help reduce glare from the stone on hot, sunny days.
Best Times of Day for Photography
Natural light changes throughout the day, and knowing when to shoot can make a big difference. In Iran, mid-morning and the late afternoon offer the best light for most architectural or city shots. However, deserts and landscapes look best around sunrise or sunset, often referred to as the “golden hour” in photography. During this time, the soft light gives buildings and landscapes a warmer, more appealing glow.
If you want moody, dramatic photos, try shooting right after sunrise or just before sunset during the “blue hour” when the sky takes a bluish tint, and the soft light brings out gorgeous details.
Cultural Considerations for Taking Photos
1. Always Ask for Permission
If you want to photograph people, especially women, always ask first. A simple smile and a polite “Can I take your photo?” will go a long way. Most Iranians are welcoming, but it’s just a matter of respect to check first. Some may say yes; others may prefer not to. Honor their decision.
2. Watch Out for Sensitive Locations
Photography is not allowed at certain government buildings, military sites, and some religious spaces. Always check for any “No Photography” signs or ask a local guide if you’re unsure. Take care at airports, border crossings, and especially in areas near military bases.
3. Dress Modestly
Respect the local culture by dressing modestly when photographing in religious areas. This applies even if you’re behind the camera. Women should wear a headscarf and longer, loose-fitting clothes that cover arms and legs. Men should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts.
Being respectful of the local customs will get you more smiles and less trouble. It might also help when asking people to pose for a photo.
Recommended Equipment
1. Cameras
You don’t need the most expensive camera to capture beautiful shots in Iran. A good mirrorless or DSLR camera will do the trick. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for landscapes and mosques, and a standard zoom lens (18-55mm) for other city shots.
If you want to travel lighter, a high-end compact camera like the Sony RX100 series or Canon Powershot G7 will give you great image quality without the bulk.
2. Tripod
A lightweight tripod is essential for long-exposure shots, especially in low-light situations or for night photography. It’s also useful for shooting timelapses and videos. However, be aware that in some places (like Golestan Palace), tripods may not be permitted.
3. Filters
A polarizing filter can reduce glare and bring out the colors in bright sunny areas, while a neutral density (ND) filter is great if you’re shooting waterfalls or want to get creative with long-exposure shots during the day.
4. Smartphone Tips
Smartphones can take great photos if used correctly. Use apps like Lightroom Mobile to adjust exposure, shadows, and highlights or VSCO to add beautiful filters. Modern phones also offer manual settings like ISO and shutter speed, so play around with these for tricky lighting situations.
If your phone lacks optical zoom, avoid zooming in digitally. Instead, get closer to your subject or crop the photo later. For videos, use a stabilizer or gimbal to avoid shaky footage. And, for better sound quality, consider plugging in an external microphone.
Extra Tips for Capturing Great Videos
1. Steady Hand or Stabilizer
Smooth, steady shots are key to good videos. If you’re recording while walking, try holding your camera or smartphone with both hands or use a gimbal for stabilization. This will help avoid the dreaded shaky footage that will make your videos harder to watch.
2. Frame Your Shots
Think about composition: use the rule of thirds and lead your viewers’ eyes into the scene. Move slowly with camera pans and ensure your subject is in focus. Switch up different perspectives—like wide shots to establish a setting and close-ups to capture details.
3. Capture Sound
Audio is just as important as video. When filming in busy locations like bazaars or cities, consider using an external microphone to avoid picking up too much background noise. Your viewers will appreciate clean, crisp sound that matches the quality of your visuals.
Final Thoughts
I hope these tips will help you capture Iran’s beauty in your photos and videos. Whether you’re walking through vibrant bazaars or standing in awe of ancient ruins, there’s always something to capture. Keep being respectful of the local culture, prepare your equipment ahead of time, and remember that it’s not just about the photos—you’re there to enjoy the experience too.
Leave a reply