Qubad Talabany, politician, diplomat...photographer?? Yes friends, over the past few years, I have developed a passion for photography. In my day job however, I serve as the Representative to the U.S. of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq. For those of you not following international policy issues, I represent the stable part of Iraq, predominantly inhabited by Kurds, an ethnic community that has existed for millennia who after decades of hardship, genocide and violence are enjoying freedom, and progress towards democracy.

But enough about politics, because when I have my camera with me, its all about the beauty that the eye can see, and that which the camera attempts to capture. No image can be as beautiful as what your eyes can see, but with effort, hard work and a lot of learning, you can try to preserve that moment, that view, that ambience with the camera.

Currently residing in Washington DC, I am fortunate to travel to fascinating places for work, and occasionally for fun when I can get away with my lovely wife. I am fortunate to be a native of one of the worlds most naturally beautiful places...no not Washington DC, but Kurdistan. Kurdistan with her majestic peaks, her glorious valleys and her breathtaking vistas is a photographer’s paradise. Every mountain tells a story, some tragic, some triumphant, while every face has seen both gigantic melancholies, and gigantic mirth.

I hope to share with you some of what I see on my travels, and eventually when I get savvy enough to further build up this site (and yes, I have done this myself, no tech wizards or web design gurus working for me!) to include a comments section, I would welcome your thoughts, critiques and suggestions.

Until then, enjoy!