Landscape photogrpahy in Iran?

[dreed]

Yes, the subject is landscape photography in a middle east country that has a name starting with "I".

Has anyone here been there to shoot? If so, what were your experiences?

Are there any good references/guides to the country for landscape shooting?

One area that interests me is that around Mt Damavand (dormant volcano.) It rises up 2600m above Lar Lake and that kind of geography generally means there's bound to be some interesting subjects around.

Another is Mazandaran and Alladaghdar/Hashtrood.

Finally, no politics please.

[Rhossydd]

I've never been myself, but I know someone that has run several tours there in the past. He is always very enthusiastic about the possibilities.

Avoiding politics is effectively impossible. From what I've learnt it VERY advisable to go with a recognised tour operator with experience of operating in that region that employ good trustworthy local guides/fixers.
Going solo 'off piste' might be very risky unless you're fluent in Farsi.

[dreed]

I've never been myself, but I know someone that has run several tours there in the past. He is always very enthusiastic about the possibilities.

Do you have any references or pointers for help?

[Rhossydd]

My friend works for www.explore.co.uk but from their web site it doesn't look like they're planning any tours to Iran any time soon. Given that they do list Iraq and ran tours to North Korea last year, that should give you some idea of the difficulties or lack of enthusiasm for the destination.
Another major factor that will control if they run tours is UK Foreign office advice to travellers, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iran So right now holidaying there is out of the question and probably uninsurable.

I've emailed him a reference to this thread and if he's any time or anything helpful to add, I'm sure he'll make the effort.

[dreed]

Another major factor that will control if they run tours is UK Foreign office advice to travellers, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iran So right now holidaying there is out of the question and probably uninsurable.

And for Australians, it isn't a whole lot different:

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Iran
... but neither Egypt, Turkey or Israel are that much better, either, but I don't know how much an Australian would get tar'd and feather'd with UK stigma.

[davidwindsor]

I have led several tours to Iran. It is an incredible country to visit and I have never had any problems with taking photographs. The usual caveats would apply such as anything military-looking or strategic such as borders etc. (I did nearly get into trouble for taking pictures of the old US Embassy in Tehran but managed to talk my way out of it)
As has been said, the FCO has a country-wide travel advisory at the moment so if you did go then your insurance may be void. Also, there is no Iranian Embassy operating in the UK currently so you would have to get a visa from Paris or Dublin. All do-able for the determined and if you did go then you would find nothing but urbane, extremely hospitable people eager to show you their wonderful country.
If travelling independently, you may visa support from an Iranian travel company. One that I have used is www.welcometoiran.com - they also offer their own tours.
I have a hunch that diplomatic relations will be restored between UK and Iran fairly soon. If so, just GO - you will not regret it!
You can travel around the country freely using local buses as I have done (assuming that you are not a US citizen and also male!) It is not impossible as a female but can sometimes prove a bit of a problem using public transport.
I have a link to some of the images I took on my first visit.
http://www.photoboxgallery.com/imagesoftravel/collection?album_id=94099210

Hope this helps a bit.
David