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My name is Pascal Montagne and I am a television reporter for national and local television and photojournalist for the press.
I am always looking for a new subject to photograph and film. What drives me is meeting people, and bringing my own view of the world. Altruism, sensitivity, and desire to understand the world around me, and to share it, this is my daily photographic approach.
A few years ago, I decided to go to Iran, to show a variety of scenes of real life. Tradition, religion, and modernity are mixed in Iran.
More info: pascalmontagne.photos | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Nasir-Ol-Molk Mosque In Chiraz
Shruti Naik 7 years ago
So beautiful! As if the sun first shines through this Mosque before shining on the city!
I’m a photographer and journalist based in France. I am interested in otherness. This is the basis of my work, meeting other cultures, other thoughts, and other ways of living. For this reason, I decided to go to Iran to document life there.
I would like people who look at my pictures to understand that the other is not a danger, that other cultures have to be learned to be understood. You have to go towards the other.
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#2
A Student Learns Her Lessons. 60% Of Iranian Students Are Girls
Magdalina777 7 years ago
There's something so incredibly fascinating about this whole eastern atmosphere. The tile pattern on the floor, the window, the old wall...and a student who's studying just like millions of her kind all over the world:) There is a quiet charm in this one.
#3
Iranian Girls Taking A Selfie
Muffy Pease 3 years ago
I had several Persian friends in college. I think on average they are some of the prettiest women (and hottest guys) I have met.
Load More Replies... I take pleasure in capturing the image in such a way that it is aesthetic and informative.
A day as a photographer is a day of observation. You have to let things happen without interacting, without influencing, to better understand the meaning of what I photograph, to better understand the thinking of the other.
#4
A Girl Plays With A Skipping Rope At Home, While Her Mom Is Reading
Julia French 3 years ago
sad that what is an outdoor actviity elsewhere has to be done inside so she is unencumbered by extra clothes.
Johanna Kidd 7 years ago
Skipping inside? That has always been a no no for western kids&just look at all the things that could be damaged if the rope gets too close
Annie Bastian-Baldwin 7 years ago
Well, she's very restricted in where she can go so...
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#5
Shahrzad Needs An Islamic Veil In Iran, It's Mandatory Since The Islamic Revolution In 1979
But she prefers to remove her veil at home.
Emilie M 7 years ago
would be nice to have a whole series of this type of street/home portraits
The lion tamer 7 years ago
She probably took a great risk by letting these photos being taken.
Mo 2 years ago
This is stupid. I have Iranian friends and I’ve been to Iran myself. literally women everywhere dressed as westerners and no minds.
VerticallyChallenged 3 years ago
It might just be the lighting but why does she have highlights if she covers her head?
I traveled to Iran because it is one of the most unknown countries in the world. Iranian culture is thousands of years old, and the level of education in Iran is very high. It is very far from the idea that people have of Iran. I wanted to make my own impression of this country and share it with others.
#6
Moti Is One Of The Most Famous Instagramers In Iran
Pascal Montagne 7 years ago
Sure. it's https://www.instagram.com/motiheidari/
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Little Iranian Girl Waiting For Sweets
Lemonade Midnight 3 years ago
For some reason I really love her expression. Reminds me a little of myself when I was 6-7
wellwisher 3 years ago
At least some things never change. Let's hope they never do. Children being children.
Oromia is probably what left the biggest impression on me in Iran. It is a huge lake 10 times bigger than New York, totally dried up by bad water management. An ecological drama that is also very interesting to me.
#8
Imam Zadeh Saleh Mausoleum, In The Norh Of Tehran
#9
Iran Nowadays
#10
Cafe In Tehran. 70's Ambient
SETH KRIGBAUM 7 years ago
It just goes to show that the qoute "Facism is cured by reading, Racism is cured by traveling" (Miguel de Unamuno) is ever so true. Media can only show so much of a culture, and most of the news we here is negative in the first place with the news almost explicitily (Obviously there are exceptions) tragedies, murders, raps, mass shootings & heart wrench/breaking stories. To summarize what I mean. If you truly wish to have a non-bias opinion about something, experience it yourself, with an open mind and open heart.
Marta Puig Orriols 7 years ago
wow I just want to go to this coffe place. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL
#11
Iranian Citizens Are Intense Users Of Smartphones. Social Networks And Internet Is A Unique Space Of Liberty
#12
A Man Washes A Carpet In Isfahan Backyard Bazar
Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago
Isfahan patterns are my favourite and often very different from those of other areas.
Krásnoočko 3 years ago (edited)
Isfahan is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited. ❤️
Abhisek Chakraborty 7 years ago
I wonder how intricate and difficult must it be to weave such a beautiful carpet.
#13
In The Tehran Subway. A Reserved Compartment For Women To Avoid Promiscuity With Men
Paul Beebe 3 years ago
I ask myself that question all the time. You'll see a family and the dad and sons are dressed comfortable in shorts and basketball jerseys... Meanwhile the mom and daughters are wrapped up like burritos... It's just all misogyny...
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Sumet Phosophon 7 years ago
Been there. There are seat in women compartment like other compartment and women can use the men compartment if they want to, usually a couple will be together in men compartment.
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Zahra Mohaveri 3 years ago
As a woman you can choose to travel in that section or not. It's there to save them from sexual harassment not to avoid "Promiscuity With Men". Still sad; but don't misrepresent the facts.
Blue Cicada 7 years ago
We don't like the idea of separate sections in the West, but it would be nice to have the _option_ of less testosterone-ey cars!
Pascal Montagne 7 years ago
Tehran subway is like Tokyo subway : very clean, very quiet, it's really different from Paris subway!.
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#14
A Father And His Daughter Pray Together In The Mosque
Blue Cicada 7 years ago
It is technically forbidden to prohibit women from using the mosque!! Many cultures or countries will try to find workarounds to bar women anyway, including having the women's section "under construction" continuously, or guilting women into staying behind to take care of the home, or frightening them w reminders about the dangers of men and their uncontrollable urges* (*yeah, that last bit is a bunch of bullsh**).
LPurdy 3 years ago
I've never understood why men are not held accountable for controlling these urges, and instead the burden falls to the women to be modest, chaste, covered up. So...is there something medically wrong with these men that they cannot control their primal instincts like a deer in rut? Are they not capable of clear thought and civilized behaviour? (The last 2 questions are sarcasm, in case anyone thought I was seriously wondering.)
Load More Replies... Blue Cicada 7 years ago
If you want to see an example of Muslims actually _ knowing_ the laws and theology of their religion and actually _living_ a normal Muslim, non-extremist lifestyle, visit mosques and Muslim homes in the US, Canada, the UK or Australia. The reason potential terrorists are identified, investigated and apprehended is because the _Muslims_ in these communities won't put up with that sinful terrorist sh**, and they will report your sinful a** to the authorities.
the shapeshifter and the witch (Young Avengers) 7 years ago
The majority of people in predominantly Muslim countries are not extremists. I bet most of them hate the few who turn to violence because those people are the only ones we pay attention to. The 1% of Muslims a******s like you choose to pay attention to do not reflect the opinions of all the people of their countries
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So_cat Socrate 7 years ago
She looks really happy to be there XD Reminds me the church when I was a little girl ^^
Magdalina777 7 years ago
Aren't women not allowed in mosques? Or does that not include not kids?
Iris Omri-Engler 7 years ago
In most mosques women have a separate entrance and part where they can pray and study. Small children before puberty can stay with the father or the mother no matter boys or girls.
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Justin Kochikuzhyil 3 years ago
So if they're circumcised, have recited the shahada, abstain from pork and alcohol, and follow the Five Pillars, they're still not Muslims just because they believe Ali was Muhammad's true successor instead of Abu Bakr?
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#15
Girls And Flowers
#16
A Woman Walks In Kashan
#17
Theater Is A Meaning Of Expression For Young People In A Very Conservative Society
#18
Three Dummies In The Secret Cia Meeting Room, In The Former United States Embassy In Tehran
dari 7 years ago
For a minute I thought the dummies were real people and they were insulting them, but then I realized, haha
Johanna Kidd 7 years ago
Guess that says lots, after all you cant get real politicians to sit for hours&years( could you?)
#19
Girl Stuff In Tehran
#21
During The Hussein Memorial Days, Iranian Men Hit Their Chest In Sign Of Repentance
chama bensmail 7 years ago
Not only their chest but also they cut themselves with swords and other objects... What is sad is that they let their children do that too. I don't know any other culture that explicitly express their masochism like these people. And by the way. I am muslim and therefore i don't feel obliged to be politically correct. Lol.
Lightbringer 7 years ago
I am Iranian and what you are saying is banned in Iran.
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Krásnoočko 3 years ago (edited)
I've been to Iran during the weeks following Ashura and saw multiple gatherings like this, some people were even self-flagellating. It sounds really weird and violent but you would have to be there to understand. It really is a deeply spiritual, emotional experience and I felt really moved just watching. Full disclosure, I might feel closer to rituals like this because I'm catholic and our rituals are quite "corporeal" too. Also yes, there are people who hijack the ceremony and seriously self-harm with blades or even firearms during it to show off how tough they are to their peers and fellow gang members. Muslims who take the rituals seriously really hate them. And I think it's illegal too.
#22
Bassidjis, The Islamic Milice, Starts A Demonstration With Pasdarans
These guys are not friendly with foreigners.
#23
Islamic Propaganda
Blue Cicada 7 years ago
Rather, propaganda posted by the religious "authorities," trying to dictate the private lives of Iranians. An important aspect of Islam is the "niyaat," the intention to fulfill the religious act. Doing something because you are forced to (such as covering your hair,) not because your WANT to and have the INTENTION to actually nullifies the act. You're making your society superficially _look_ religious, but you might be (probably are) creating citizens who lack respect for you and the religion you are trying to enforce.
Elham Mozafari 7 years ago
I'm iranian and this collection is totally biased and does not show the real truth of Iran. I hope no one believes in your dark image of Iran.
Mario M 7 years ago
but, these photos seem very neutral to me. i do not see anything dark in them...
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#24
Imam Hussein Mourning. Mourners Are Beating Their Chests For Imam Hussein Shahadat (Martyr) Anniversary
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Kristin Connon 7 years ago
What a beautiful country! I may not agree with all of their beliefs, but it is still an interesting and beautiful culture.
Pascal Montagne (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you Kristin. Despite beliefs, the Iran people are very open minded, and highly educated
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lunagoth 7 years ago
Iran has more female engineers than any other countries in the world. This country isn't actually that bad, just need a little bit more of female rights added. But still women here are brave, even in my place where women are alllowed to choose to wear hijab, or not, no one has ever dare to burn their hijab and call for no hijab day
albernistuff 4sale 3 years ago
I have known several Iranian ex-pats, and while not ideal for women, it is still better than the absolute BS spewed by the US (BSofA?). Goebbels would be proud of how US is managing their campaign against Iran.
Justin Dodson 7 years ago
have you heard of Aycin Bayrakt? She is my favorite photographer and is from Iran. She photos similar stuff. You should look her up but I assume you already know of her. Her instagram is (@abayrakt)
Pascal Montagne (Post author) 7 years ago
Iranian are very well educated, very far from occidental stereotype
Load More Replies... Kristin Connon 7 years ago
What a beautiful country! I may not agree with all of their beliefs, but it is still an interesting and beautiful culture.
Pascal Montagne (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you Kristin. Despite beliefs, the Iran people are very open minded, and highly educated
Load More Replies... lunagoth 7 years ago
Iran has more female engineers than any other countries in the world. This country isn't actually that bad, just need a little bit more of female rights added. But still women here are brave, even in my place where women are alllowed to choose to wear hijab, or not, no one has ever dare to burn their hijab and call for no hijab day
albernistuff 4sale 3 years ago
I have known several Iranian ex-pats, and while not ideal for women, it is still better than the absolute BS spewed by the US (BSofA?). Goebbels would be proud of how US is managing their campaign against Iran.
Justin Dodson 7 years ago
have you heard of Aycin Bayrakt? She is my favorite photographer and is from Iran. She photos similar stuff. You should look her up but I assume you already know of her. Her instagram is (@abayrakt)
Pascal Montagne (Post author) 7 years ago
Iranian are very well educated, very far from occidental stereotype
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