The southern region of Iran, with its vibrant landscapes and resilient communities, has long been one of the country’s key tourist destinations. Mariam Khanlou is one of many who has found herself drawn to this enchanting area. Her journey began in 2022, when she first encountered photographs of southern Iran and decided to visit. This initial trip sparked a lasting connection to the region, and each subsequent year has seen her return, camera in hand.
Mariam’s story as a photographer began somewhat unexpectedly. On her first trip to Iran, she purchased a camera, despite having no prior knowledge of photography. Initially, it was simply a way to capture the beauty of the landscapes and her experiences. However, she soon discovered that having a camera in her hands changed how people interacted with her, people were more eager to show her the beauty of their community and land. The warmth and hospitality of the locals became even more pronounced, and this encouraged her to focus on photographing the people she met along the way.
It was during these trips that Mariam became particularly captivated by Balouchistan. Here, she encountered a community where surfing had become an integral part of daily life. Despite living in modest homes, the locals enjoyed a relatively expensive hobby, one that seemed out of place in such an economically challenged area. This contrast between simplicity and luxury intrigued Mariam, inspiring her to return the following year, during surfing season, to capture the talents of Iranian surfers. Through the sale of her travel photographs during a fundraiser she held, Mariam was able to fund the purchase of skateboards and surfboarfs for the local children. This act of giving back became a natural extension of her work, as it allowed her to continue supporting the community while also documenting their lives.
In every trip, Mariam strives to bring the often-overlooked talents and stories of Iran to the global stage. The Baloch people’s warm hospitality and the children’s eagerness to showcase their surfing skills made photographing their lives a seamless and enriching experience. Mariam notes that the process of capturing this unique collection of images has been deeply personal, and she has never faced significant challenges in her work. Her connection with the children, and the joy of watching them grow year after year, continues to draw her back to the southern coast of Iran.
In every trip, Mariam strives to bring the often-overlooked talents and stories of Iran to the global stage. The Baloch people’s warm hospitality and the children’s eagerness to showcase their surfing skills made photographing their lives a seamless and enriching experience. Mariam notes that the process of capturing this unique collection of images has been deeply personal, and she has never faced significant challenges in her work. Her connection with the children, and the joy of watching them grow year after year, continues to draw her back to the southern coast of Iran.
Mariam’s ongoing project, titled Nadr (meaning “darling” in Balouchi), showcases the surfing culture of Baloch youth alongside their traditions and way of life. The collection aims to portray Balouchistan in its most authentic form, capturing the essence of daily life through natural, unfiltered images. Each photograph tells a story, whether it’s of a moment of pure emotion captured with a handheld camera or a more stripped-down portrayal of surfers in action, with colors and distractions removed to focus on their struggle and movement. This collection, which has been photographed using various cameras to suit the mood of each moment, will soon be published in the form of a photo book. It is a tribute to the resilient and spirited people of Balouchistan.