[ July 2011, Ventura California = FILM ]

“The truth is no portrait of substance has people smiling. Look at the history of painting, Rembrandt, Titian, Goya, Velasquez, Sargent, Vermeer, DaVinci, etc., the subjects gaze to the viewer is neutral at best, neither inviting nor forbidding. It is there for the viewer to see and feel. Smiling is like much of American popular culture, superficial and misleading. It is part of our vernacular, but it should be expunged in photographs.”

– Rodney Smith

[ October 2010 - University Club - Palo Alto, California - FILM ]

Ali and I attended a cousin’s wedding in October 2010 in Palo Alto, California. I used an uncle’s film camera and shot just one roll. I like the way these uncorrected images turned out. I don’t remember what kind of film I used; the color is definitely off but the photos convey the exact mood of the elaborate spread and the boisterous family celebration. Persian weddings are my favorite!

The Sofreye Aghd Wedding Spread (sohfreh/sofreh) is a collection of symbolic and beautiful elements spread before the couple. I love the ancient traditions brought forward in today’s Iranian wedding ceremonies; you can tell from these photos that I spent most of my roll of film on the photogenic table spread!

[ July 2011, Malibu California ]

[film: ilford hp5plus]

[film: CVS brand]

One of Ali’s aunties in Iran sent us a sweet email upon hearing that we are expecting a boy:

“I appreciate your feeling. it shows you’re satisfied and running a joyful life. How is our lovely sweetie? I’ve heard that it is a baby boy. Congratulations. Boys are more serious than girls so dealing with them are easier and also they are more naughty so you can not have a chance to rest. prepare yourself.”

[Moreno Valley, California - July 2011 - Ilford HP5 film]