Morteza Khobzi: Reclusion
CALEB SCHAFTLEIN,
1. Could you please give us a little introduction and tell us about your first experience with photography? Who or what inspired you to begin photography?
I am a 34 years old portrait and fine art photographer based in Karaj, Iran. I have been shooting for almost 4 years now. Starting with nature photography and random shoots, I found portrait photography extremely interesting and expressive nearly 2 years ago. So, everything you see in my photographs is self-taught and based on trial and error. Apart from that, I study and follow old masters’ paintings and great photographers for my inspiration and guidelines.
2. From your point of view, what are the most exciting aspects of professional photography?
There is one big challenging part of photography, and this is thinking on your toes. It doesn’t matter how much you have planned and thought about your work, you will always have to alleviate a problem or two at the time of shooting all impromptu!
3. As the expert you are, what distinguishes your work from other photographers?
I find it quite a compliment. However, I am discovering my personal voice in photography. The Key elements in photography are all about understanding lights and shadows, colors, and finally the purpose of your shoots. Of course, before all these, you need to have a good grasp of the fundamentals of photography!
4. What type of models do you prefer to shoot with? Why?
I prefer to shoot with natural-looking models, those with even imperfections, yet dramatic, and moody expressions. Of course, you as the photographer do the most in creating those moods and emotions, however, you need a starting point to begin with.
5. Are there any other photographers you look up to? Who?
Yes, there are. I love Chris knight, Richard Avedon, Nick Knight, Annie Leibovitz, Gemmy Woud Binnendijk, Ali Falak, Peyman Naderi, and more.
6. Can you walk us through your planning process for this photoshoot and how you conducted it?
Well, as I said, I plan on my toes, at least, sometimes. For some photoshoots you need to make a mood board, for others, you plan as you go! For this photoshoot, I was hoping for a simple, moody, and dramatic portraiture, however, I found the model to be extremely obsessed and attached to her cigarette, so I let her do her things with her cigarette as I went about shooting her!
7. What are your upcoming projects?
I am still discovering photography. I do personal projects at least once a week. And my all-time goal including the future one is to create arts that last forever, those that stop you for a second and trap you in their own world!
Photographer: @morteza._khobzi, Model: @blackswan__.__
8. Where can we see more of your works and get connected with you?
The best place to find my work is Instagram. You can find me at @morteza._khobzi.
Credits:
Photographer: @morteza._khobzi
Model: @blackswan__.__
