After the article about his photographic work, Omer was so kind as to grant us an interview. You can get a glimpse of his photographic work here.
Could you please tell us something about yourself?
I was born in 1971, Istanbul. I graduated as a mechanical engineer and currently working in the automation industry. Photography is my prime hobby.
Can you briefly tell us about your photographic background? When did you start taking photographs, how did you start?
I started to take photography seriously in 2008 when I took a course at “40haramiler” group in Istanbul. Today, I am part of a large photographic community sharing experiences and know-how regularly.
What photographic style do you prefer? Would you like to specialize in a specific area, such as street photography or portrait / landscape photography?
In the beginning I did not concentrate on any topic. It took 2 years to decide what really attracts me and decided to focus on travel photography, especially portrait and street life.
Can you tell us how your work flows from the moment you get the idea to the stage of final presentation?
First, I plan potential trips well ahead, 6 to 12 months. Then carefully study significant local events or places. I also check out past reference photos from the target area to get some kind of inspiration. Once on the ground, everything is more or less spontaneous.
Could you possibly provide a tip to the amazing street photograph style, how much the pictures are processed afterwards, and what else one should take into consideration?
Do not hurry in the field, take your time, find the right background spot / light and wait for the main subject to move in. This is much more effective then wondering around. I do not apply much post processing; white balance, crop, levels adjustment and contrast. Finally a touch of sharpening and it’s done.
In your opinion, what constitutes the art of producing extraordinary street photographs, and what are the characteristics of a good picture in this field?
First, you need to have full control of your gear, in many cases you will only have 1-2 seconds to take a shot and it disappears forever. Either you took it or missed, no repetition.
Second, always keep up your motivation. In many cases, best pictures come up in worst physical conditions.
What equipment do you use and what are your favourite focal lengths?
I am a Nikon fan, currently own a D700 and D800. I use 17-35mm / 2.8 for street scenes, 50mm / 1.4 for anything at low light and 70-200mm / 2.8 for portraits. I do my best to limit the variety of lenses in order to focus more on taking photos then switching gear.
What characterizes your work in comparison to other street photographers / landscape photographers?
This can be better judged by viewers.
Were there interesting incidents in your photo shoots, whether funny, embarrassing or sad?
In particular, it was difficult to document cremation ceremonies in Varanasi, we are not used to it in western living style.
What are the most important experiences you had during your photographic career?
I was in Kumbh Mela, India beginning of 2013. In the main bathing day, 30 million pilgrims were on the field. Never seen anything like it before.
What advice would you give to a newbie for his/her photographic career?
Choose a topic you like, focus on it and specialize. Whether it is fashion, landscape or still life does not matter at all.
Were you inspired by other photographers, and if so, which ones?
Steve Mc Curry is surely my primary inspiration source. I also love to follow some photography sites such as magnum, big picture, denverpost etc.
Do you have a dream for photography that you would like to fulfil?
I wish to publish a photography book in near future, hope to complete it by the end of 2014.
Would you like to tell us about something that is important to you?
Enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy. This will guide you to success.
Thank you very much for this interview. We will follow your progress in photography and will continue to be inspired by it.
