My name is Mohammad Ali Runiassy, a 24-year-old wildlife photographer based in Hamedan, Iran — and for almost ten years now, my life has been tied to the wild. I’ve spent my youth hiking through valleys, deserts, marshlands, mountains, and every hidden corner of my country just to witness the raw beauty of the species that call Iran home. From tiny songbirds hopping through reeds to massive wild goats perched on impossible cliff edges, I’ve always believed that every creature has a story worth telling — and my camera is simply the voice that helps them speak.
Growing up, animals weren’t just “interesting” to me — they were everything. I wanted to understand them, observe them, and experience their world up close. So when I finally saved up and bought my first camera at age twelve, I had no idea that little decision would evolve into a full-blown calling. Today, after a decade of fieldwork, patience, and nonstop learning, my mission is crystal clear: use photography to protect and promote Iran’s wildlife.
Iran is home to some insanely diverse species — birds with wild personalities, mammals with ancient lineage, and ecosystems that shift dramatically from region to region. But many of these habitats are under threat. As I grew more aware of the challenges facing wildlife in my country and across the Middle East, photography stopped being just a passion and turned into a responsibility. Every frame became an opportunity to educate, inspire, and create empathy.
These 35 wildlife photos are a piece of that mission — scenes showing the beauty, fragility, and spirit of the wild. From powerful portraits to quiet intimate moments, each image celebrates nature’s soul the way I witnessed it: raw, honest, and alive.
You can find Mohammad Ali Runiassy on the web:
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How My Journey Into Wildlife Photography Began
My love for animals kicked in way before photography ever entered the picture. As a kid, I wasn’t watching cartoons — I was watching birds outside my window and flipping through animal encyclopedias like they were comic books. When I turned twelve, I finally saved enough to buy my first camera. It wasn’t fancy, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was that I could now zoom into a world I had only admired from afar.
I’d spend hours crawling through bushes, waiting quietly in fields, learning the habits of every creature I came across. What started as curiosity quickly turned into passion, then into something almost spiritual. Wildlife photography became the place where my love for nature and my need to express myself met perfectly. Looking back, that first camera was more than a tool — it was the beginning of the life I live today.
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What Inspires My Wild Soul Behind Every Photograph
Over time, my photography stopped being just about beautiful animals — it became about protecting them. Iran and the Middle East are home to countless species whose habitats are shrinking fast. Seeing that reality up close hit me hard, and it changed the way I photograph forever. Wildlife photography in my region isn’t just an art form; it’s a mission.
With images like the “Smiling Wild Boar,” “Big-Cheeked Ferruginous Duck,” “Blood-horned Wild Goat,” and a touching frame of a ground squirrel feeding its baby, I’ve tried to bring people closer to the wildlife they rarely see. When people connect emotionally, they care — and when they care, they protect. That’s why every time I lift the camera, I’m thinking about conservation, education, and awareness. My biggest motivation isn’t recognition; it’s giving these animals a fighting chance.
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Awards, Recognition, and What Matters More to Me
Yes, I’ve been honored with country-level photography awards in Iran, and I’m proud of every acknowledgment that has come my way. But here’s the truth — competitions are not the heart of my work. What drives me is real fieldwork, real encounters, and real conservation impact.
Iran’s wildlife needs voices more than trophies, and that’s why I choose to spend more time in swamps, cliffs, forests, and deserts than in award ceremonies. The mud on my shoes means more to me than a certificate on the wall. My goal is simple: document species in their natural habitat, raise awareness for their protection, and make people fall in love with the wild world around them. Awards feel good, but seeing an animal thrive in a safe environment feels unbeatable. That’s the recognition I chase every day.
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Photographers Who Inspire My Vision
Every photographer has creative heroes, and I’m no different. Two names consistently push my imagination and shape my approach to wildlife storytelling: Isaac Spotts (USA) and Mateusz Piesiak (Poland).
Isaac’s ability to capture emotion through powerful animal portraits is next-level. His images feel alive — like the animals are staring into your soul. Mateusz, on the other hand, has this incredible sensitivity to light, mood, and behavior. His bird photography is visual poetry.
From them, I learned that wildlife photography isn’t just about documenting a species — it’s about creating a connection. It’s about respecting nature, understanding behavior, and letting patience do the work. Their art inspires me to elevate mine, to push my own limits, and to continue telling the stories of Iran’s wildlife with authenticity and heart.
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The Camera Gear That Helps Me Tell Nature’s Story
Behind every wildlife shot is patience, timing, and the right gear to bring the moment alive. My current setup includes the Canon R7 and Canon R5, paired with the RF 100–500mm lens — a beast for wildlife photography. The reach, speed, and sharpness help me work with animals from safe, respectful distances while still capturing detail that feels almost unreal.
Before upgrading, I worked with a Canon 7D Mark II, a Sigma 150–600mm Sport, and a Canon 100mm Macro. Those setups taught me everything — how to deal with low light, how to track fast birds, how to stay patient, and how to make the absolute most out of what I had.
In the end, the gear helps, but the real magic comes from understanding the wild, respecting it, and knowing exactly when to press the shutter.
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A Heartfelt Conclusion: Why Wildlife Will Always Be My Greatest Teacher
When I look back at all these years in the field — the cold mornings, the long hikes, the silent waiting, the surprise encounters — I realize something deeper: wildlife has shaped the person I’ve become. Every bird, every fox, every shy little creature hiding in the reeds has taught me patience, humility, and respect. Nature doesn’t rush. It doesn’t pretend. It just exists, beautifully and honestly, and being allowed to witness that is the biggest gift of my life.
As a young photographer from Iran, my heart beats a little faster every time I see an animal step into the frame. It reminds me why I started this journey at 12 years old and why I’ll never stop. These beings don’t have a voice loud enough for the world to hear — but maybe my camera can help speak for them.
If my photos touch even one soul, inspire one person to care, or save one animal’s home… then every moment in the wild was worth it.
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