Hamid Reza Rahmani, known by his alias Danial f/16 is an Hazara Photographer born in 1991 in migration. He Despite the educational hurdles he faced as an immigrant in Iran, pursued his passion for photography, enrolling in independent training institutes in 2011 to refine his technical skills.

He has dedicated his passion and spent years exploring the art of photography, capturing the diverse essence of his homeland—from the raw, untamed beauty of nature to the stark, poignant realities of its streets. Through his unique perspective, he reveals a world of breathtaking landscapes and candid glimpses into everyday lives, each frame holding both the wonder and the weight of a land filled with contrasts.

During the years I was engaged in photography in Afghanistan, I became acquainted with different faces of this country. On the one hand, the pristine and eye-catching beauty of Afghanistan's nature overwhelmed me, and on the other hand, the heavy shadow of war, insecurity, and poverty was felt everywhere. For me, who had set foot in this land with a burden of identity crisis and a sense of wandering, the only way to escape from the bitter realities was to seek refuge in the arms of Mother Nature and record pure and beautiful moments with my camera. Photography had become both a mask for me to hide the wounds of my soul and a tool for curiosity and discovery of hidden truths.

This journey, full of contradictions and profound lessons, introduced me to myself and my roots more than ever before and opened new doors to my life.

EXHIBITIONS

The year 2015 marked a defining moment in Danial's journey, as he embarked on an inspiring adventure through the Different provinces of Afghanistan. His mission was to capture Afghanistan's awe-inspiring natural beauty, a vision that came to life in his debut solo exhibition, "Beautiful Afghanistan," proudly presented in collaboration with the Echo Cultural Institute in Tehran.

In 2016, Danial continued to push artistic boundaries with his second solo exhibition, "In Search of Peace," hosted at the Kabul House of Culture. This pivotal collection not only showcased his profound talent but also cemented his place as one of the most promising figures in contemporary photography.

Not seeing anything above? Reauthenticate

fb.me/e/5pflquRWU

"Beautiful Afghanistan"

My solo exhibition with the theme of nature

Tehran, Nov 2015

My first exhibition was held in Tehran, at the Eco Cultural and Artistic Institute Gallery. Unfortunately, for security reasons, I couldn't attend the exhibition.

In those years, since I objected to discrimination against immigrants in Iran, I was not able to attend the exhibition, and the exhibition was held in my absence and with the help of my friends.

"Looking for Peace"

my second solo photography exhibition at Farhang House in Kabul, 2016

"Induction"

Participating in the "Induction" Photo group exhibition

(with the theme of Abstract photography)

'استقرا'؛ نمایشگاه شش عکاس جوان در کابل - BBC News فارسیبا شروع سال ۹۷، از اتفاق‌های مثبت و سازنده فرهنگی-هنری در شهر کابل، بازدید اهالی فرهنگ و هنر این شهر از نمایشگاه استقرا بود؛نمایشگاه سی عکس از شش عکاس جوان و نوخاسته افغانستان.

HONORS AND PRIZES

Honestly, I’ve never put much faith in introducing a photographer through a long list of awards and certificates. Those kinds of résumés feel more like decorative shop windows than reflections of depth or sincerity. For me, real credibility comes from lived experience, captured moments, and human connection—not from shiny papers.

One of my certificates, in fact, has ended up as my sister’s mouse pad. The cover material is perfect—soft, smooth, and just right for everyday use. Maybe that’s the most honest use a certificate can have: when it serves a real purpose in daily life, rather than sitting in a frame trying to impress.

Rahmani's unwavering dedication and remarkable talent have earned him widespread recognition, as reflected in the numerous prestigious awards he has received over the years. Among his accolades are the top prizes in the UNESCO Photography Competition (Mobile Section) in Kabul in 2016, the Third Eye Photojournalist Center Competition in Kabul in 2017, and the 35Award International Photography Competition in Russia in 2018. These honors highlight Rahmani's mastery in the realms of landscape and street photography, where he excels in capturing the essence of human experiences amidst Afghanistan's rugged and ever-evolving landscapes.

Mail

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse