Photographing in Iran.

I understand that you want to get 'natural' photos but I think it's rude to take photos of people without asking them. They are not animals in a zoo.

Dear Kali737

So people are not animals in a zoo! Ok, it's a good thing you confirmed that for me because I wasn't quite sure. I always mix those two together.
You have no reason to assume that I wouldn't pay people enough respect! I'm only asking a lot of questions so that I would better know how safe the situation is!
Now if you have anything useful to add that would be much appreciated.

Vic

Dear my friend:

As you want to know about all your questions coz I am a tour guide I will answer all of them:

1) Taking pictures of people is ok but whenever they are in public or I mean in outdoors but anyway it is ok if we speak with them so it is ok all the time.
2) Taking pictures of women is allowed but the culture made it difficult I mean that one year ago I was with a Swiss tourist (professional photographer so he wanted to take a pic from a woman who was driving but she shouted and I also told him that she does not like to take photo from her. So again is ok whenever you are in public but you must be careful. But if you speak to them and convince them even you can film from them .ok?

3) taking pic of a military base is not allowed but from a governmental building is ok no matter, but for entering the military bases you must provide the necessary authorizations from the Iranian government,

4) Taking photo from the demonstrations or even protests is free for all domestic or even foreign photographers but remember you must tell them that you are not going work for CNN or FOX NEWS or U.S. news networks.

5) Taking photos from a private property is not allowed or you should speak with them and satisfy them to make film or take some photos. And about the religious ceremonies is ok but again that ceremony must be in or for public .but as a whole is ok.

6) As about the pilgrim is ok but again you have to satisfy or tell him the reason or the purpose of your action. But if you satisfy and make friends with them can be ok.

7) As you said about the expensive camera in rural areas it is ok but when you go to a rural or far place you must know the area well because there are a lot of places in Iran that are far from cities as you know Kavir Desert & Lut Desert are the most famous of them.

8) As for the long hair, in my opinion, you’d better to shorten them, to tell you the truth it is not bad in public you are free but is better to shorten them.

At the end I hope that you will have a safe / secure and great trip to Iran by the way, I have sent you a private message for you pls check.

As any real photographer knows, authorities and sometimes even non-authorities often interfere with photography even when the law does not support their position. I have run into more problems taking photographs in the US than in Iran and so have many other photographers (see sites such as PhotoPermit.org for examples of this sort of thing)

I was once temporarily prevented from taking photographs in a park on a mountain hiking trail. After some debate, the man in charge said that the real reason was that often, boys and girls would come to meet each other at the park in secret, and he didn't want their photos to be seen in the news since their families may not approve! I swear this is true! I had to promise him that I would not take photos of people, just nature. So when I arrived there, everyone had cameras and was busy taking photos of everyone else. In fact a number if couples gave me their camera and asked me to take their photos together. (I saw some interesting cameras - usual digital stuff, and a Zenit!)

A lot of people take a lot of photographs in Iran (See Flickr for examples) however Iran (as with other countries) requires news and professional photographers to be licensed and have the proper news person visas and permits from the righ ministries. If you raise suspicions that you're a professional or news photographer, then you will be required to abide by the laws. In my experiences in Europe, this suspicion can be created simply by using a fancy camera.

Legally in Iran you can photograph everything that is in public unless it is specifically prohibited. Embassies and consulates usually have signs that ban photography. Shopping malls often ban photography due to the fear of burglary. Military bases and airports, as you can expect. Cameras are also not permitted in some religious sites which is unfortunate because I have seen beautiful scenes in some mosques. Mosques which are open to tourists, however, like the mosques in isfahan - no problem.

Women? legally, yes if she's in public. In practice, she and possibly others will object seriously if you shove a camera into someone's face without her approval. In many cases, people will be happy to allow you to take photos, and will appreciate it too.

You have to understand that Iranians have very detailed and formal rituals of "politeness" and you should respect them. I remember a man who sat in front of me on a bus, who turned around and apologized for having his back towards me! (But, if you drive in Tehran, you're free to be a madman and a danger to everyone!)

A bazaar is usually not private property by the way. And in my experience, using a tripod attracts too much attention -- too many people show up and want to pose! Police don't mind as long as you're not interfering with traffic. Just smile and be polite. Learning a few farsi phrases may help to - Salam (hello) Merci (thank you) Aks? (Photo?)

As an LF and MF photographer, I have often left with many rolls of film. I often beg and plead the airport authorities not to scan the film in the x-ray machine (Never had a problem but why risk it?) One time, I was able to convince them to only scan a few randomly chosen rolls instead of all of them.

Oh, and one thing that WILL look "suspicious" is if you take pictures surreptiously or in a hidden manner! So, let your cameras hang out, make it obvious that you're a photographer.

Edited by: hassani1387

Vic there is no need for sarcasm.

At times when I've had cameras stuck in my face by strangers in the street i found it offensive and treating me like a zoo animal, hence my comment. Therefore I don't think it's acceptable behaviour.

hi,
I see. You are detailed oriented and would love to write long essays, right?lol.
anyway, to answer some of your questions:
a) dont take anyone's pic without asking him or her first. I think perhaps taking 'group photos' where bunch of average people are sitting, chatting or walking together in a public place, is fine and you would not need to really ask their permission. But, for example, if there is this young made up gal sitting on a bench in a city park while talking to his boyfriend? then ... you know. I do not think if you zoom on them with you powerful camera they would be very happy about it if they knew.
b) dont take photos of military installations or the Police or any one in military looking (armed forces) uniforms.
c) Most if not all shop owners would not not allow you to take photos from inside, while you are in! of course there is not much they can do is you take their photos from across the street. I personally think this has to do, at least to some degree, with the fact that by and large this is an excessively paranoid and cynical society where people hardly trust each other, constantly worry what if and often think of the worst possible scenarios for anything imaginable.
d) take a nice, small digital camera if you can! and yes, bringing along 60 rolls of films might and probably would raise suspicion at airport immigration unless you good in convincing others like Iranian authorities! Remember you may not travel to Iran on a tourist visa for any purpose other than simple tourism and sightseeing. So, if the Iran Govt at some time comes to conclusion that you are in fact something like a photo journalist, freelance or whatever, and not a mere tourist then you would be in trouble! By the way, I am sure you know Iran is very tough on issuing press visa and hence foreign journalist especially Americans hardly ever get to come here. and once and if they do get visa they tend to be on short tight leech during their stays here until they they go back home. I have even read in local papers that there is this large, special committee at Ershad Minisitry which keeps track of everything they write or publish on Iran thereafter!

d) it is summer and it would not hurt if you cut your hair a little although not necessary. and watch out for your camera because you will never see it again if stolen. Please see my private message. Good luck.Bye.

Dear Muhammad110, Hassani1387, Amiriniran & Kali737

Thank's very much for great advice, I think I will cut my hair if that'll make things easier.

Vic