Photo Series Spotlight - Türkiye - by Eren Çevik

First published:
November 2, 2022
Updated:
February 14, 2024

Photo Series Spotlight - Türkiye - by Eren Çevik

First published:
November 2, 2022
Updated:
February 14, 2024

A snowy day in Istanbul by Eren Çevik

İstanbul-based photographer Eren Çevik discusses the thoughts and processes behind his work and how the weather, spontaneity and emotion provide the inspiration for his images

Focus Editor Philip talks with photographer Eren Çevik on his striking series of images captured around Istanbul and the Anatolian Peninsula of Turkey:

Where did the idea originally come from to create your series? Tell us a little bit about the story behind your work

These are the photos that have been created as a result of the desire to capture moments I love; with a purely inner voice. I like to look at the sea when it snows, it's good for me, the photos I took exist as a reflection of this spontaneous love.

Winter time, Istanbul, Turkey
Winter love, Istanbul
"I like to look at the sea when it snows, it's good for me..."

Your images feature a lot of single figures such as people or animals, what was the reasoning behind this?

I love simplicity. In general, a busy scene drives me away from that special moment. People or animals exist together; we are all somewhere on a journey in this world and I like to capture that.

Turkey train ride, Erzurum
Cappadocia cat, Turkey
"People or animals exist together; we are all somewhere on a journey in this world - and I like to capture that."
A lone police officer in Istanbul

What was your process to get these shots, did you plan your images in advance or were the photos more opportunistic?

No, I don't plan them in advance. I just go and photograph the places I love, or think I might love in the weather conditions I like; I don't know what I'm going to shoot when I head out, I just have thoughts, dreams and ideas with me.

Sometimes, I can come back without taking a single picture from the places I visit; as it's all about finding the right conditions and feelings in the moment.

Snow in Galata Tower, Istanbul
"Sometimes, I can come back without taking a single picture from the places I visit; as it's all about finding the right conditions and feelings in the moment."
Winter road, Kars, Turkey

What were the difficulties or obstacles in creating this series?

The fact that you always have to keep your eyes open because you don't know what might come your way, and also the difficulty caused by not being able to stay outside for a long time - especially in winter, when I capture the vast majority of my photos.

Cappadocia, Turkey
Alone, Istanbul, Turkey

How did you choose the images for the final edit and what is your favourite photo?

It's all about what the feeling when I look the photo and the story behind it; those reasons are enough for me to choose them for my final edit.

My favourite photo is the lightning of Istanbul, where there is a lightning strike next to a tree (see below).

Istanbul in Lightning, 2018

Your images have a striking, cold, yet beautiful aesthetic running throughout, did you do anything in post-production to get the best look for your shots?

Since my photos are based mainly on feelings, the photos are completely finished at the shooting stage, I don't want anything to be artificial.

Home, Istanbul
Rainy day, Istanbul, Turkey

"I don't want anything to be artificial."

Bridge view in Istanbul

Have you any future plans to expand this series (such as books, exhibitions, more images etc)


I want to travel more, see the unseen. I have a few exhibition plans in mind, I hope I can do this in the coming years.

See more from the series below, and the full body of work in Eren's Picfair Store.

Underpass, Istanbul
Steamboat in Istanbul
"It's all about what the feeling when I look the photo and the story behind it; those reasons are enough for me to choose them for my final edit."
On the road, Ardahan, Turkey
Life in Istanbul
A rainy morning in Istanbul
Istanbul streets

More from this series in Eren's Picfair Store.

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