“Everyone has their own story about photography. This is my story about my idol Ara Güler. About ten years ago, my wife gifted me with one of his books. This was when my interest in photography was born. His genre had a great impact on my work. His black and white photography gives the streets a completely different look, because removing colour from an image helps the viewer to concentrate on the emotional state of a motif - and Ara Güler can do that like no other.
First of all, I was not sure if I could meet with him, because he was a reclusive person; but I had the opportunity to meet him by chance in a cafe he often visited. I also had the chance to photograph him while he was drinking his coffee. It was a rare opportunity that not everyone got, so I consider myself very lucky. I remember that, at that time, the photos I took did not satisfy me; but later on I noticed that they were more beautiful than I had thought. It was a moment that I will never forget. Rest in peace master.”
Text and image: © Mehmet Esen
Equipment: Leica Q, Summilux 28/1.7 Asph
Read our obituary for Ara Güler here.
First of all, I was not sure if I could meet with him, because he was a reclusive person; but I had the opportunity to meet him by chance in a cafe he often visited. I also had the chance to photograph him while he was drinking his coffee. It was a rare opportunity that not everyone got, so I consider myself very lucky. I remember that, at that time, the photos I took did not satisfy me; but later on I noticed that they were more beautiful than I had thought. It was a moment that I will never forget. Rest in peace master.”
Text and image: © Mehmet Esen
Equipment: Leica Q, Summilux 28/1.7 Asph
Read our obituary for Ara Güler here.
© Atahan Akkaya
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