23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Wild Roots

A candid portrait of a second-hand goods seller captured at the bustling "Jomeh Bazar" (Friday Market) in Mashhad, Iran. Amidst the chaos of the market where old items find new owners, this man stood out. The image captures a striking visual coincidence: his wild, unkempt hair perfectly mimics the texture and shape of the tree branches directly behind him, creating a harmonious and slightly whimsical blend between the subject and his environment.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Mashhad, Iran
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Copyright: © Seyyed Mostafa Yousefi