Speaking of how Iranian girls like to be photographed, this series naturally comes to mind. We shot it with Wang Wei back during Ashura in 2023.
Shiraz. Among the twisted columns of the Vakil Mosque, built in the 18th century at the height of the city’s golden age, two beautiful girls are taking photos of each other. As soon as we walk in, they promptly hand their phone to Wang Wei — no surprise there, he’s the heart-throb Spanish guy of the two of us, the equally pretty Persepolis bookshop girl had already made a pass at him — and ask him to photograph them together. Meanwhile, I’m clicking away on my own initiative. They’re thrilled when they see my shots and order separate series as well. I email the photos to them that evening. When I ask whether I can publish them, they happily say yes.
The girl in yellow, later in green, is Sahar Bahari (her name means Spring Dawn), a fashion designer — her Instagram handle is saharbahari.clothing. The dresses in the photos are her own creations, which she wants to promote through these images.
The intended use of the pictures also shapes the poses: they’re meant as promotional shots, designed to resemble fashion magazine imagery. Hence the occasionally staged poses — ones Iranian girls wouldn’t usually strike in private photos.
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