Shobeir Ansari
We are pleased to have with us a photographer who is currently a web favorite whom has been featured in quite a few blogs and photography orientated websites.
He was born and raised in Iran and currently lives in upstate New York where he keeps himself busy in his free-time photographing the outlying areas. He often seeks out rural areas to experience true wilderness away from crowds, cities, and the stress of everyday life.
Through landscape photography he has been able to combine his love of the outdoors and his desire to try to capture its beauty.
He has also recently developed a strong interest in Urban Exploration Photography. The unusual beauty that can be found only in neglected buildings amazes him every time he comes across a new urban subject.
His works are stunning and his darkroom process is neither too much or blindly done. His skill at not only presenting a scene to the viewer but also in passing on the visual poetry that he sees at the time of capture inspires and drives the viewer to want more. His photography has the skill of the fine artist and the boldness of an urbanest. Please meet Muslim Photographer Shobeir Ansari.
1-When you are out and about in the countryside do you seek the beauty and experience of it, and the fresh air or for the intention of creating a beautiful photograph?
For me, it is more finding something that belongs to the past. As a kid I grew up in a farm and also my mother’s side of the family comes from a rural area in Northern Iran, where I used to spend my summer vacations. The fragrance and sights of the countryside are familiar to me.
© 2007-2011 Shobeir Ansari
2-I understand that you have been experimenting with urban decay; can you tell us a little about that?
Taking photographs of urban decay is definitely challenging. There is something in urban decay that makes the photos so captivating, only if you are able to find and capture it in the right way. I also see it as a self-evaluation, to determine how trained your eyes are to seeing the beauty around you, even in the most unlikely places.
© 2007-2011 Shobeir Ansari
3-In comparison, which renders the best (or rather the most interesting) shots, urban decay or landscapes? And why?
To me, Urban decay. The feeling is a mix of excitement and fear. It’s also a reminder that nothing lasts forever; there is an ending for everything.
© 2007-2011 Shobeir Ansari
4-Did you ever try your hand at urban portraiture or street photography? If so how was it?
Even though I really enjoy watching high quality B&W Street Photography, I have done very few candid shots or urban portraitures. Street photography is an art and takes a lot of practice. But invading someone’s privacy is always an issue. So far it’s been the main reason for me to not be very active in that field.
© 2007-2011 Shobeir Ansari
5-Iran is one of the most versatile and beautiful places for photography in the world did you ever get to shoot there?
I started photography after I came to United State and because of that I have taken a very limited number of pictures in Iran. Every time I go home I spend the majority of my time with my family and of course photography always falls to the bottom of my list of priorities! During my last trip I got the opportunity to spend a half-day photographing a beautiful abandoned house in Isfahan, which was great.
© 2007-2011 Shobeir Ansari
6-When you are not photographing, what keeps you occupied?
Football injuries and my 15-month-old daughter.
© 2007-2011 Shobeir Ansari
7-If you could buddy-up with any photographer in the world or from history who would it be and why?
Steve McCurry. His book (In the Shadow of Mountain) about Afghanistan (portraits, landscapes & street photography) is my favorite book of photographs of all time. I believe he is one of the greatest photojournalists of our time.
© 2007-2011 Shobeir Ansari
8-Is there a Muslim photographer that you admire and what is it about their work that is so good?
Reza (Reza Deghati) is from my country, Iran. Not sure what religion he follows today (if any), but he’s not only a great photojournalist, but also a great humanitarian. What he does on educating children and empowering women in third world countries is really admiring.
© 2007-2011 Shobeir Ansari
9-What is your dream photography kit list?
A full-frame Nikon camera with a menu in Persian and a 10-300mm f1.8 lens, which is smaller than my current 10-20 mm!! I’m not very picky on the tripods.
© 2007-2011 Shobeir Ansari
10-What is in store for the future in regards to your photography?
Not sure. Certainly it will be my number one hobby for a long time. I hope it motivates me enough to travel more, explore the world, and to capture its beauty.
© 2007-2011 Shobeir Ansari
Thank you Brother Shobeir for sharing both your words and images with us and we pray for your success in the future inshallah.
We ask readers to comment and to share in our forum, and if there is a particular photographer that you would like to see here on muslim-photographer.com then please let us know via our contact form.
Jazakallah Kula Kir
Abu Bassam 23-02-2011
All images contained in this article are copyrighted to © 2007-2011 Shobeir Ansari.No form of reproduction, including copying or saving of digital image files, or the alteration or manipulation of said image files, is authorized unless written usage rights have been specifically negotiated and issued by Shobeir Ansari.For information regarding the use of the images, please contact Shobeir Ansari directly. Content other than images owned by Shobeir Ansari are copyright shared between this site’s author (stuart perry muslim-photographer.com ©) and Shobeir Ansari and permissions for republication can be had from either author or interviewee at their relevant websites. (Please quote URL on enquiry).2010-11 © muslim-photographer.com
Loading ...
