Interview with Amirhossein Darafsheh: Exploring Street Photography and the Simera 35mm f/1.4

Editor Note:

Street photography shares a certain connection with Thypoch's DNA: Authentic, Exploratory, and Boundless. We are honored to have an interview with a professional photographer from Iran:  Amirhossein Darafsheh. His street photography focuses on storytelling, with each image serving as a sentence in a larger narrative. He shares his insights on how to choose a subject amidst the chaos of the street, and how he balances capturing candid moments with imposing his artistic vision onto the scene.

Personal Information

1、Thypoch: What's your job and where are you based?

Amirhossein Darafsheh: I am a photographer and graphic designer based in Tehran, Iran. My work focuses on blending visual storytelling with a graphic sensibility, often using the vibrant yet complex urban environment of Tehran as my canvas.

2、Thypoch: What does street photography mean to you personally? How do you define its boundaries?

Amirhossein Darafsheh: Street photography, to me, is an exploration of life's raw, unscripted moments. It's the art of finding beauty in the ordinary—a way to connect with the world and document its rhythm. In my photography, I aim to capture the essence of everyday life.

The boundaries of street photography are fluid; while it thrives in public spaces, its essence lies in authenticity and human connection rather than strict definitions of location or subject. In Tehran, however, street photography is not simply a matter of grabbing a camera and heading outside. In many parts of the city, photography is considered illegal, and people are often reluctant to be photographed. Street photography in Tehran is a direct confrontation with risk, but it's this very challenge that fuels my passion.

3、Thypoch: What draws your attention to a particular moment or subject in the chaos of the streets?

Amirhossein Darafsheh: I'm drawn to contrasts—light and shadow, movement and stillness, hope and despair. Often, it's a fleeting interaction, an expression, or a detail that tells a larger story. I look for moments that are unrepeatable, where the mundane becomes poetic or surreal.

4、Thypoch: How do you balance capturing candid moments with imposing your own artistic vision on a scene?

Amirhossein Darafsheh: It's a delicate balance between observation and intention. While I strive to let the moment unfold naturally, my artistic vision shapes how I frame, compose, and interpret the scene. It's about creating a dialogue between what is and what could be, respecting the integrity of the moment while embedding a layer of my perspective.

5、Thypoch: What role does storytelling play in your work?

Amirhossein Darafsheh: Storytelling is at the heart of my work. Each image is like a sentence in a larger narrative, whether it's about the character of a city, the resilience of its people, or the subtle drama of everyday life. I aim to evoke curiosity and emotion, allowing viewers to imagine the story behind the frame. Living and working in Tehran, a city with a turbulent and eventful history, I find that the very act of photographing here feels like documenting history as it unfolds.

6、Thypoch: How do you choose your locations? Are they significant to your narrative or purely visual?

Amirhossein Darafsheh: My choice of location is both intuitive and deliberate. Sometimes it's a place that resonates with the narrative I want to explore—a street with historical weight or a market buzzing with life. Other times, it's purely visual—a play of light, geometry, or texture that draws me in. In Tehran, however, choosing a location is often a careful decision influenced by its legality and the level of risk involved. The city and its geography demand a unique perspective, making it both a challenge and a privilege to work here.

7、Thypoch: Who or what has been the biggest influence on your street photography journey?

Amirhossein Darafsheh: The city of Tehran itself has been my greatest influence. Its contrasts—chaotic yet poetic, harsh yet tender—mirror the complexities of life and offer endless inspiration. Tehran and Iran as a whole are locations where not everyone can easily photograph, but for me, their challenges only deepen my connection to this work.

In terms of other influences, I draw inspiration from legendary street photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Joel Meyerowitz, Saul Leiter, Garry Winogrand, and Alex Webb. Their ability to capture life's complexities with depth and artistry resonates deeply with me.

I also cannot speak about my favorite photographers without mentioning the late Abbas Kiarostami, my dear mentor. Although he was primarily a minimalist photographer and known for his evocative images of nature, participating in his filmmaking workshop in 2008 was a transformative experience. He instilled in me a way of seeing that forever changed my perspective. His influence goes far beyond technique; he taught me how to feel and interpret the world through the lens, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Story with Thypoch

1、Thypoch: What's your overall impression of Thypoch?

Amirhossein Darafsheh: My overall impression of Thypoch is highly positive. The lens they provided me last year became an integral part of my work—so much so that it has not left my camera since. The build quality is excellent, and the image output has a unique character that I thoroughly enjoy. It feels like a tool that understands the nuances of a photographer's needs, enhancing not just the technical quality but also the artistic possibilities of my work.

Having experienced Thypoch lenses almost from the start, before their official sales began, I've had the privilege of witnessing the growth and success of this brand. Seeing their lenses, including the 50mm, 35mm, and 28mm models, gain recognition for their exceptional quality has been truly gratifying. What excites me even more is that renowned photographers are now choosing Thypoch lenses over even Leica lenses—a testament to their craftsmanship and performance.

2、Thypoch: What is your expectation for Thypoch's future development?

Amirhossein Darafsheh: I believe Thypoch has the potential to establish itself as a leader in the photography industry by continuing to innovate and refine its already excellent lenses. Watching the brand grow and seeing their products appreciated by the global photography community has been incredibly exciting.

I hope Thypoch continues to expand its range while maintaining the high standards they've set. Their lenses already meet the demands of many styles, but further developments could solidify their position as a go-to choice for photographers seeking versatility and creative freedom. If they stay true to their vision and the needs of photographers, I'm confident their upward trajectory will continue.

Thypoch: What's the most memorable encounter or reaction you've had during your street photography with the Simera 35mm f/1.4?

Amirhossein Darafsheh: The Simera 35mm f/1.4 lens always sparks curiosity due to its vintage-inspired design. Once, while shooting in a park, an older gentleman approached me and began reminiscing about his days using film cameras. He was captivated by how the lens looked like something from decades ago but was actually a modern piece of technology.

This sparked a long conversation about photography across generations, and he even shared a few stories about his experiences as a hobbyist photographer in the past. Moments like this make the Simera 35mm f/1.4 not just a tool for photography but also a bridge for connecting with people through a shared love for the craft.

3、Thypoch: Please offer 3 photos shot on the Thypoch lens and the stories behind them.

Amirhossein Darafsheh: Selecting favorites among my work is never easy, but these three photos stand out to me from the past year. Each one represents the essence of what I love most about street photography: capturing fleeting, unrepeatable moments.

The Red Shoes (Fujifilm X-pro3 + Simera 35mm f/1.4)
This photo captures a quiet yet powerful moment where chaos and simplicity coexist. The striking red shoes juxtaposed with the scattered flowers on the pavement tell an open-ended story. It's a fleeting moment of fragility in the mundane—a scene that existed only for a brief instant and will never look the same again. Finding and preserving such transient beauty is something I strive for in my work.

The Red Lady (Fujifilm X-pro3 + Simera 35mm f/1.4)
This image features a red-haired woman mid-stride, taking a photo against a dramatic wall of abstract figures. Her movement aligns perfectly with the mural, creating an almost accidental yet harmonious composition. It's one of those rare, unrepeatable moments when everything is just right—the right place, the right time. This image highlights the unique connection between people and their urban surroundings—something I'm always drawn to in my street photography.

The Kite (Fujifilm X-pro3 + Simera 35mm f/1.4)
This photograph captures a tender moment between a father and his daughter in the historic Naqsh-e Jahan Square of Isfahan. They are engrossed in the simple joy of flying a colorful kite, its vibrant hues standing out against the intricate blue tiles of the mosque and the warm tones of the surrounding architecture. The Thypoch lens truly shines here, with its remarkable color rendering bringing the scene to life and enhancing the vibrancy and contrast of the image. The lens's ability to faithfully capture these colors has helped make this moment even more captivating—a perfect blend of historical grandeur and everyday simplicity.

Find Amirhossein Darafsheh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daarafsh/

Shop Thypoch Simera 35mm f/1.4 here: https://www.thypoch.store/products