Photography Usage and Attribution Notice:

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Please be informed that the majority of my photographic work is protected under the Creative Commons License - specifically, the Attribution 3.0 version, which I personally endorse. For each image's copyright details, kindly refer to the 'Additional Information' section on the corresponding Flickr page. Should you wish to utilize any of my photographs, proper attribution is required; this entails citing my name, "Hamed Saber", in English or "حامد صابر" in Persian, accompanied by a direct link to my Flickr profile at (flickr.com/hamed).

For your convenience, the full legal text of the Creative Commons License can be accessed here, and a more user-friendly summary is available here.

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About the Photographer:

Greetings, I am Hamed, an enthusiastic amateur photographer. The main part of my journey began in May 2006 with the purchase of my first camera, leading me to self-educate on the essentials of photography, supplemented by invaluable tips from experienced friends. The photographs in my earlier albums were captured using cameras generously lent to me.

In September 2008, I acquired a Nikon digital SLR, which has been instrumental in documenting the growth of my beloved daughter, Delaram. Concurrently, I developed a passion for scuba diving, venturing into underwater photography with modest point-and-shoot cameras.

My journey into photojournalism was unplanned, catalyzed by the events surrounding the 2009 Iranian presidential election. On June 15, amidst the fervor of the demonstrations, I captured images that marked my debut in this genre. The overwhelming response and viewership of these photographs inspired me to continue exploring this powerful medium of storytelling.

The following night, while documenting the scene at Vanak Square, I was detained. In a stroke of luck, I managed to conceal my DSLR camera, though my handy-cam was confiscated along with my car and identification. Released at dawn without my belongings, I retrieved my hidden camera and returned home.

On the day of my release, I was back on the streets, camera in hand, documenting another demonstration. The photos I took that day surpassed my initial attempts and were extensively featured across various media outlets. One image notably appeared on the cover of Spiegel magazine, used without my consent or credit. This experience has not only shaped my career but also underscored the profound impact of photojournalism.

During this period, restrictions were placed on foreign journalists and photographers, preventing them from covering the demonstrations. This left me, alongside fellow amateur photographers, as one of the few chroniclers of these historic events. The responsibility of being a primary visual documentarian was a significant factor in my decision to pursue this path with greater resolve.

My photojournalism journey continued until June 28, when I was detained for the second time, and my compact underwater camera was confiscated. I had chosen this camera over my larger DSLR for its discreet size, which made it less conspicuous in the tumultuous environment.

The camera was confiscated and never returned due to the sensitive content it contained, which included photographs and a video documenting the arrest of Taraneh Mousavi in the vicinity of Quba Mosque. She later found dead with tortured and sexually abused body, but the regime rejected even the existence of this daughter.

This incident highlights the challenges faced in areas where the freedom of press and personal expression may be restricted.

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I invite and appreciate any feedback on my photographs. Your insights are invaluable, and I welcome the opportunity to refine my craft through the shared wisdom and guidance of this community.