Nasir ol Molk Mosque, Shiraz, Fars Province. | Photo by Peter Langer

Upon returning to Iran after a decade, Langer was astonished to see the rapid change the country had undergone. What stood out most to him was the change in attitude as well as recently built infrastructure.

As part of SFU’s Saturday Forum, Peter Langer will give a free virtual tour of Iran on  Oct. 1.

Langer’s virtual tour will focus on Iran’s ancient Persian UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historic cities and will highlight Islamic architecture found in places such as Isfahan, Tabriz, Kashan and the Armenian Monastic Ensembles.

Recent shift in attitudes

“These days, there is palpable optimism in the air and foreigners are made to feel welcome once again,” Langer says.

Langer seized the opportunity to return with his camera to the Persian gardens, Persepolis, and numerous other sites to revisit and examine them from his unique point of view with a specific audience in mind.

“My work speaks to those who are interested in culture, art history, heritage, as well as nature,” he points out.

Moreover, he attempts to transport the viewer to an exact location in time.

“I try to convey an impression and concept as close to the original experience as possible,” he says.

Magic in the light

Langer aims to capture his subjects as they truly are to create emotional and accurate photographs. His quest to capture the essence of a place relies on techniques of simplicity, looking for what is unique and uncommon. He uses as little artificial lighting as he can. Langer was particularly struck by by the sight of the famous Gate of all Nations palace in Persepolis.

“Everything looks resplendent and fantastic in that wonderful evening light of a sunset,” he says.

Ultimately, Langer seeks truth through beauty.

“I believe that the most remarkable and memorable moments happen unexpectedly and with real visible emotion. Such an instant can make for unforgettable image that touches the senses and our own feelings,” he says.

Discovering Iran

The presentation will give general information, practical travel tips, a photographic and musical journey and a travel talk, opening with an overview of Iran and its history, geography, climate, population, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cultural aspects.

“Iranian governments have always been very conscious of preserving the country’s heritage and history,” says Langer.

He will also share practical travel tips regarding when to go, how to get there, local transportation, accommodations, food and other details. The highlight of the presentation will be the photographic and musical journey to the aforementioned places in Iran. A wealth of images is composed to appear and dissolve on the screen and accompanied by a soundtrack with cinematic fluidity and immediacy.

“You will almost get a feeling of having been there yourself,” says Langer.

During the closing travel talk and question and answer session, Langer will share further sightseeing highlights, interesting anecdotes and some of the lesser-known secrets Iran has to offer.

The ultimate traveler

In his roles as international travel photographer, geographer, audiovisual producer and award-winning travel writer, Langer has traveled to over 170 of the world’s 196 countries. He is also the managing director of Associated Media Group, which creates high quality images for public presentations. The Ultimate Traveler is the name of his current series of travel presentations in Canada and is a title Langer can rightfully also claim as his own.

During his presentations viewers can expect to be transported around the world as Langer employs a series of captions, music and the meticulous pacing of dissolves to heighten audience awareness and receptivity.

For more information, please visit www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/events/2016/10/virtual-tour-of-iran.html