All images by Eliza Malkhasyan. Used with Creative Commons permission.
When we speak of street photography (or even travel photography to some degree), the first thing that comes to mind is documenting all the action and activity of a place. It’s a popular approach because it definitely leads to some interesting images. However, there’s also a certain charm to the more quiet captures. The latest to show us how is Armenian photographer and graphic designer Eliza Malkhasyan.
A quick peek at Eliza’s portfolio tells us that her Iran photos are consistent with her hushed and mostly moody approach to street photography. Everything in the frame, from the quiet locations, to the muted colors, to the often lone subjects demonstrate this take. The result is a visual story that feels like a relaxed stroll along the country’s streets, maybe even stopping once in a while to say hello to the locals she photographed.
The “busiest” of Eliza’s shots in fact is the spice market shot. The colors are so vibrant. The lights – especially the neon shop sign – lead the eyes up then to the right, and the sacks of spices pull your attention down then right to left. At least, that’s how the visual journey in this particular shot went for me, and I found it really interesting.
As for the rest of the shots, it’s also impressive how Eliza makes your eyes focus on a single spot in the frame. It works well, whether it’s a sudden splash of color against a drab-hued background, a flash of light hitting a subject, a lone subject peeking from the frame, or an interesting juxtaposition.
My only complaint about this set? I wish she would have taken more photos! After seeing everything, I felt that my relaxed stroll has just begun, and there’s more of those unassuming corners to explore.
Don’t forget to check out Eliza Malkhashyan’s Behance portfolio and follow her on Instagram to see more of her photography.
