Mahyar Etedal

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Beyond the Sutter

Beyond the Sutter

I wish it were only about taking pictures, but photography is much more technical than that. Sometimes I don’t even pick up the camera—not because I lack inspiration, but because I dread the process that follows. Transferring files feels like using a floppy disk: removing memory cards, manually

You’re in Harlem, respect it.

You’re in Harlem, respect it.

Harlem is a symbol of Black culture, creativity, and activism. It’s the birthplace of the Harlem Renaissance — a 1920s movement that gave rise to legendary writers, artists, and musicians like Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, and Zora Neale Hurston.

If you’re going through hell, keep going.

If you’re going through hell, keep going.

Finding artistic inspiration in Churchill’s words may feel ironic, but for an artist pushing through fear and doubt, ‘keep going’ becomes a quiet act of growth.

Emotional Constipation

Emotional Constipation

Creating and sharing a photo doesn’t undo the chaos, but it carves out a small, defiant space for clarity.

The Power of the Unplanned

The Power of the Unplanned

While listening to a guide at the National Gallery in London describe how Caravaggio staged his paintings using live models, props, and dramatic lighting, it struck me: painting during the Renaissance wasn’t just an act of solitary expression — it was closer to directing a movie. Artists set up elaborate

Portraits in Passing

Portraits in Passing

Philip-Lorca diCorcia is known for his powerful street portraits that look like scenes from a movie. In his Heads series, he photographed random people walking through Times Square using hidden flashes, turning ordinary moments into dramatic, emotional portraits—without the people even knowing they were being photographed. One man sued

Create. Share. Repeat. Let others catch up later

Create. Share. Repeat. Let others catch up later

I’m still trying to figure out why I take photos at all. But I came across this quote that really stuck with me: “Don’t think about making art. Just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate

Birdwatching Through the Lens: A Snowy Adventure

Birdwatching Through the Lens: A Snowy Adventure

Over the MLK weekend, I spent most of my time exploring new photography ideas. One of the highlights was visiting a nearby pond to photograph wildlife. The fresh snow made the scene even more beautiful, and I was excited to capture some bird shots. Among the many geese and ducks,

Steps Into Serenity

Steps Into Serenity

The essence of any structure lies in its stairs, for they can lift you closer to the sky or guide you toward descent.

Walking Through the Frame

Walking Through the Frame

It matters who treads upon which path, and where they go—but even more, what drives their journey.

Whispers of the Streets

Whispers of the Streets

Street signs hold whispers of past transgressions and glimpses of future ones, their presence a testament to stories untold.

Expressions in Light

Expressions in Light

Everyone is the star of their own story, and I find joy in capturing the elegance that defines their brilliance.

Sunlit Ascent

When light hits the lens at an unexpected angle, it reveals a hidden world, showing things you hadn’t noticed before.