Women smoking indoors by Hossein Fatemi.

Iran has been a place of mystery for many years now with Westerners, with relations often standing on an icy precipice with its neighbours. This is what makes Iranian photographer Hossein Fatemi's photo documentation of the secret lives of many Iranians so special. Giving us a glimpse of the alternative Iran, one not covered by the foreign or domestic media and hiding underneath one of the world's most infamous dictatorships.

Fatemi says there is a 'semi-hidden part of the country' behind closed doors, something which he clearly aimed to bring to the fore in this project. That is not to say his mission was not without challenges, taking the photographer months to gain access to some of these facilities, with subjects often cancelling appointments for fear of losing their jobs or from retribution elsewhere. Pushing the boundaries of what is socially acceptable in Iran and exploring the lives of those who challenge the current status quo, 'An Iranian Journey' by Hossein Fatemi makes for both fascinating and informative viewing.