Photo Live Magazine First Issue Photo live - cat's add in 2017 versioin | Page 79

You’ re a busy street photographer. How did that begin?
I was inspired by a street photographer I know. At the beginning, I was rather interested in birds, She was into people and stories. Once we photographed the city together. I saw her taking the picture of an old lady. I found it a bit odd, because I thought old people are not interesting. But she said“ I wonder about her story... What does she do... where does she live... who does she love?” It struck me. I realized that I could empathize with people I don’ t know. And things around me took a different meaning as I started to read people’ s stories. My photography was elevated to a new level after this experience. That’ s why I owe her so much.
How is Turkey for street photography? Are there laws or regulations?
Street photography is about capturing people in unstaged environments, in moments which can’ t be repeated. So, wherever there are people, there’ s potential for street photography. You just need to be polite and learn about the life styles and worldviews of the people.
Istanbul is a vibrant city with huge paradoxes; tragedy and joy, poverty and abundance living side by side. It is a perfect place for great street photography. On a sunny or snowy day, you can spot dozens of amateur photographers shooting people. Istanbulers are usually very permissive and indifferent to being photographed. I had an experience in rural Anatolia as well though, people can be much more scrutinizing there. You get stopped by some people, asking you why you take pictures, or why you don’ t take other things like old mosques or sunset rather than people. But when I explained the reason and asked how they were doing, they smiled and offered me a glass of tea. This is why I love this country.
How often are you out shooting? And what do you take on a typical day of shooting- camera and lens?? I keep seeing pictures everywhere. So I take pictures quite often, sometimes in most unexpected places. Many of my pictures were taken while commuting. Once a month I take photo walks. I can take a dozen decent shots on a good day of photo walk. I don’ t own expensive gear. I have a midrange mirrorless camera, and a standard 35mm lens. I like it because its unobtrusive, lightweight, and hassle free. I prefer to use the camera rather than the phone because of its speed.
Who inspires your photography?
When I think about my library, I see many books about architecture, modern art, classic paintings, cinema, mathematics. I have followed fashion and photography magazines. They probably influenced me. I was also influenced by the dozens of great photographers I met on Instagram. But also, as I just mentioned, by my beloved city, its bosphorus, its people and its birds.
Finally where can your readers go to see more of your work?
I have an Instagram page with the nickname: @ ayhanton. I’ m always happy when people visit my page and even leave some comments.
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