About the Image(s)

Sony A7R, lens Sony FE 16-35mm F4 @ 24mm, 10 sec, f/14, ISO 1

In 2015, during the thaw over the negotiations of the nuclear deal., my wife and I joined a twelve-day tour of Iran by the World Affairs Council. Isfahan is an exceptionally beautiful city, with mosques and other buildings covered in ceramic tile with geometric patterns. The Zayandeh River is normally dry most of the year since its water has been diverted for agriculture. Luckily, there was flowing water when we were there. I did something that nowadays I would be hesitant to do: I left the group at dinner, took my cameras and tripod, and walked down to the river by myself to photograph. There were many people enjoying the warm evening, and they were welcoming and friendly. Young people addressed me to practice their English. Nevertheless, if a cop had showed up…