Beat
I cover sports, politics and civil disturbances.
One Shot
“I was at a refugee crossing at the Turkish-Syrian border and saw an empty cradle. How is it possible to leave behind such a basic, and important, item? It seemed so lonely and sad, like it signified a kind of hopelessness.”
Profile
When I was a kid, soccer and photography were my two hobbies. At high school I took pictures during the school soccer tournaments.
While I was studying journalism and public relations at Istanbul University, I started working as an intern at a Turkish daily newspaper.
I learned by practising. On the sports desk I had the opportunity to practice indoor, outdoor and flash photography with a basic camera, using black and white film and slides.
I shot black and white pictures of an amateur league soccer match for my first assignment. I quickly learned where to stand, and managed to capture a goal being scored.
During the first siege of Fallujah in the Iraq war, I was initially the only embedded international media photographer there. The siege left a big impression on me.
I take inspiration from my surroundings. I’m constantly on my feet, exploring where I am.
My first edit is in my mind. I know which pictures I want to use before I download them to my laptop.
I’ve never considered what I would be if I wasn’t a photographer.
I never stop learning, especially to be patient.
I don't feel I’m getting older taking pictures, but growing with the work.