May 28, 2025 – July 30, 2025
Valencia Public Library, 23743 Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355
The City of Santa Clarita announces a new exhibition, “Walk with Me” by photographer Nima Kharrazi, on view May 28, 2025 – July 30, 2025, at the Valencia Library. This captivating collection showcases Kharrazi’s deep appreciation for the natural world and the fleeting, breathtaking moments found within it. Through vivid landscapes and sun-drenched scenes, this exhibition invites viewers on a journey through forests, mountains, and coastlines — all captured in pursuit of light. From fiery sunsets to quiet trails, Kharrazi’s photography reminds us of the beauty and wonder that still surrounds us. His work serves as a visual reminder to pause, breathe, and be present with the world’s natural brilliance.
Q&A with Nima Kharrazi
Can you talk about a specific moment when you pulled over to photograph a scene? What caught your eye and what did it feel like to capture it?
“I was riding my bicycle to one of the trails and was overwhelmed by the simplicity of the beauty. It felt like seeing something that millions of other people had seen but not fully clocked. It was like finding a secret.”
How do you usually start your creative process?
“I usually walk, hike or ride my bicycle around town and find cool things to take photos of. Sometimes it’s travel related, and I’m noticing something that most people are snow-blind to.”
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received as an artist?
“I tend to be very self-dismissive when people ask me about my art. I say things like, “Oh, I just take pics from my iPhone” or “Oh, I was walking and saw something cool and snapped a quick pic”. But when it actually touches someone, that lets me see that everyone has their own interpretation of art – photos included. So, trust the process and believe in yourself.”
How do you know when your collection is finished?
“It’s never finished. I’ll keep finding things that stick out to me years later. 20 years ago, I took a picture of a Hermit Crab I found on the beach in Mexico. Then, 10 years ago I found another one in the Dominican Republic and snapped that picture. I’d love to have a collection, but whenever it happens. I’m not rushing to find them, they find me.”
Do you have a favorite photograph you’ve captured?
“My family lives in Effingham and they have horses and acres of land. When I go visit, there are a few places I love to see. One of them is the forest that connects them to Horsley. On your way there, you can see the Effingham Common which is a large swath of land that has a pond and a big tree with a rope swing. That is easily one of my favorite places.”
Do you have any tips for photographers starting out?
“Get either a smart phone with a lot of storage or a little digital camera with decent resolution and go shoot everything. One that helped me was doing daily “Gratitude Walks” where I walk around and find things I’m grateful for like rabbits, lizards, squirrels and grasshoppers. It helps you really look around and see what is around you. You find beauty where most people are just walking by. Just keep taking photos and you’ll find what inspires you most. For me, it’s mostly nature.”
What’s next for your photography journey? Are there any future series or new locations you’re excited to explore?
“I’m currently working on a Magnolia flower series. From green bud, white bloom, full bloom, brown petals and finally just the stamen. It would hang in a 5-piece frame, or 5 individual pieces hung next to each other. I’m really into this idea and I was inspired by my sister, Sarah, who said it would look cool.”
