04.04.2025 | Someone new, something new
Here are the first photos from these three photographers that instantly drew me in and made me fall in love with their work.
Hojjat Hamidi (@hojjathamidi)
This photo introduced me to Hojjat’s work, and I was instantly drawn to his captivating portraits of the people of Iran.
Born in Ardabil, Iran, Hojjat works as a firefighter but discovered photography four years ago through his cellphone. For him, photos aren’t just moments—they’re lessons and experiences.
Photography has taken him places he’d never have gone otherwise:
“I’ve shared in people’s joys and sorrows, and it’s made me a better person.”
A recurring theme in his work is the old man—whether familiar faces or strangers in cafés, on the streets, in traditional baths, or even statues. This theme runs through his series The Horse Story, capturing the bond between Northwestern Iran’s villagers and their horses, and Ardabil Bath, documenting the last traditional public bath in his hometown.
Yuhzni Sanatorium in Foros, Crimea, Ukraine on Aug. 26, 1993.
Ed Kashi (@edkashi)
Ed is a photojournalist, filmmaker, speaker, and educator with 40 years of experience. His work delves into social and political issues, driven by a deep connection with his subjects and a belief in photography’s power to create change.
The image above captures a Russian mobster with two sex workers at an exclusive Crimean resort in 1993. Ed credits his access to the scene to his Ukrainian fixer’s expertise—a reminder of how crucial local connections are in documentary work.
Gaining access to people’s lives is something I’ve been reflecting on, especially after watching I Am Martin Parr. In the past, photographers like Parr could simply walk into places like Prestwich Mental Hospital and build trust over time, creating deeply human images. Today, access requires even greater sensitivity, interpersonal skills, and the right intermediaries.
Ed himself admits that in unfamiliar cultures, he relies on local collaborators to communicate, understand customs, and navigate pathways into people’s lives. His and Parr’s approaches highlight that while photography is a personal expression, collaboration is essential for telling a deeper, collective story.
Navin Kumar (@navinvatsa)
Navin, a self-taught photographer from India with a background in computer science, spent over a decade working in academia. Though not a professional photographer, he has always loved capturing moments, starting with family photos on film and point-and-shoot cameras.
In 2016, he discovered his passion for storytelling through photography. By deeply connecting with his subjects, he creates compositions that go beyond the ordinary, revealing unnoticed stories from daily life. Roaming the streets of Delhi, he often finds reflections of his own journey in people, nature, and animals.
Navin’s approach to photography resonates with me deeply. Like him, I never made a conscious decision to pursue photography—it just became a natural response to the world around me. I can’t even pinpoint when it started, but it has always felt like the truest way to preserve a moment while still allowing room for self-expression.
