Innocent eyes, a photo from Fars, East

Photographer's Note

I was captivated by the eyes of these two young Iranian girls when visiting a television station in Shiraz last month to watch the production of a children’s programme. They were part of a group of 17 local children in traditional nomadic dress who were to participate in the programme. They looked a little apprehensive as they were waiting to be shown into the studio (which was when I took this shot) but once the costumed characters appeared on set, they forgot about their nervousness and it was a delight to see so many happy faces interacting with the characters.

I have posted to the workshop a photograph of the programme in production at the studios of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) which produces many hours of children’s programming at regional centres throughout Iran, as well as in Tehran. The Shiraz studios also produce animated feature films and I was amazed at the high quality of the productions – especially as their animation team numbers only about 10 people.

IRIB is a government broadcaster and has six national television networks, more than 20 provincial stations and nine national radio networks. Its television networks transmit 55,000 hours of programmes a year, with local productions making up about 80% of the programmes.

There are no private television stations in Iran, but some people do watch international channels like BBC and CNN with satellite dishes.

The image is slightly noisy as it was cropped actual size out of a much larger group photograph. For that reason I was hesitant to post it, but I like the look of innocence in these eyes. Unfortunately it will only be a few years before these kids come to realise that the people of the world are not as friendly to each other as the characters in the TV show in which they have just appeared.

dmarizz, sabyasachi1212, ramthakur, PJE, abdolrashidi, saamb, plimrn, ArtLook, fireflyz, axiotea has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

dcawker (5717) 2006-06-01 10:47

Beautiful framing & colors here. Well done! Regards, Doug

ramthakur (1559) 2006-06-01 14:01

Pretty Iranian girls, David. I share your fascination for innocence in children's eyes; they are yet unaware of the hate that festers this world.
Your note gives a good insight into the workings of TV in Iran.

sabyasachi1212 (19779) 2006-06-01 16:36

Hi David,
Splendid double portrait. Aptly named title. Great colours. I have run out of greenies but couldn't stop myself from applauding.
Well Done
Sabyasachi

PJE (20758) 2006-06-01 20:14

David you have a real wonderful capture here of these beautiful eyes on this girl. The other gal's face out of focus adds alot of drama to this shot. Very nicely done indeed...I love it..thanks for sharing!

kensimage (8563) 2006-06-02 1:57

They do indeed have great eyes, David. Great colors in this shot, too! I like the fact that just one girl is in sharp focus, to emphasize that the other one is looking on, although you could also have a double portrait with both sharp, of course. Regards, Ken.

saamb (1008) 2006-06-03 7:52

David,
very thanks about your useful note, but a remark: satellite is forbidden in iran, but persians disregard this law! ;-)
we see also, Arte, Vox, ZDF, persian chaneles form usa, uae, germany and ... other hotbird chaneles!
about photo: a excellent capture of nice faces and coloury dress. focus is very good. lovely
SAAM

s10001in (0) 2006-06-03 9:49

Wow,

David Astley

Magic photo.
So clear with cute small princess.
Green dressing is just impressive.
TFS,
Shailendra

plimrn (21344) 2006-06-03 10:18

Hi David,
The innocent eyes do carry the day; the quality is indeed worthy of posting. Thank you for the interesting story you share about Iranian television. I've always had a goal of making the world a more positive place in whatever ways I can, but it does seem like there is a rising tide of hatred...Pat

roconnell (327) 2006-06-03 12:53

Beautiful candid portrait of these lovely young ladies. There eyes are captivating and its a wonder what they will see as time goes by. Well done.

ArtLook (2348) 2006-06-03 14:44

Hello David,
Great colors. I like the title to this picture, and very good note... The green color, which dominating on this photo, - just attracts my eyes. Super. Very good shot, Bravo!
With BEST Reagrds,
Arthur

kevinos (7517) 2006-06-03 23:00

This is a very nice double portrait ,David. The colour is lovely and you have caught a wonderful expression on the face on the left. Somehow, I want the face of the second girl to be sharp too. I think it's because she fills half of the fram and is dominant-not secondary-in the composition.He expression is sweet too.

tifah (836) 2006-06-04 14:49

really beautiful double portrait, the comment you included is also great at giving us an insight into how the photo came to be made, and the characters in it now seam alot more real and alive to the viewer. The green material really emphasizes there brown eyes and olive skin and the image has a youthful hope in it. thank you for sharing

isabela_sor (47748) 2006-06-18 3:49

Excelent work!Wonderful lights, colors and sharp details here! Beautiful portraits!
All the best
Isabela

boaz (385) 2006-08-21 20:22 [Comment]

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axiotea (21651) 2006-08-28 3:35

Hi David,
Indeed pretty nice girls with beautiful big eyes..Great colors of their traditional nomadic dress, good framing and an interesting note as well...TFS...
Cheers,
Marilyn

fserajian (2299) 2006-11-20 1:09

Hi David,

Nice capture, very natural wih good framing. TFS:-)

Fara