Every once in a while I run across a photographer on Flickr.com whose photography just takes my breath away. Mehraj Mir is one excellent example.

From his profile on Flickr:

I Mehraj Mir was a trained video photojournalist but decided to switch career and took up photography as a profession. Grew up amid chaos and pendamonium in the strife-torn Kashmir, India. Witnessed many important events and incidents as a teenager.Also witnessed and covered live encounters between security forces and islamic rebels.To point the example of a live encounter,i got stuck in the middle of security forces and militants. I thought that was end, but God was there to save me. Despite heavy firing i managed to shoot some important pictures..I have covered the Kashmir conflict extensively for several years now. I feel his pictures should make people aware of the grass root situation of Indian Kashmir and tell stories on how life there affects its own people.

He somehow manages to capture both the beauty and horror taking place in his city:

I invite you to see more of Mehraj Mir’s photos here.

He is 20 years old and should be encouraged to continue his art.

This moth wears more eyeliner than Steven Tyler and is hairier than Robin Williams which means it’s probably very difficult for this moth to find a date.

I can take no credit for the blooming of this plant except to say that for a full year I avoided running it over with my car.

Perennial is Latin for “plant that withstands idiots”.

The parents of this little boy need to be commended for raising this child right.

I had the pleasure of spending the day with him and it was a complete joy. Not only is he content to go with the flow of activity in our home, he has a charming sense of humor. This wee little guy made us laugh non-stop with his facial expressions, his no-handed push ups, his recitation of the $5 Subway commercial and his complete adoration of Elly.

This child listens when you say “No”, eats peas and carrots without grimacing and doesn’t pull away when you wipe his face.  He even picks up his toys at the end of the day.

You can just tell when a parent has invested love, time, energy and attention into a child and raised them with a vision of what a decent human being should be.

He’s a lucky kid.

My brother, Jason, took this photo on his land. What a great shot! (literally!)