Portrait photography is more than just capturing faces—it’s about unveiling emotions, stories, and the essence of a person in a single frame. Among the talented participants in our Portrait Photography Contest, one photographer stood out, not just for their technical skill but for their ability to connect with their subjects on a profound level.
In this feature, we delve into the journey of our best portrait photographer, Erçin Ertürk. Discover the inspirations behind their stunning images, the challenges they faced, and the creative process that brought their work to life. Their story is a testament to the art of portraiture and the power of photography to reveal the soul.
Erçin Ertürk
Tell us about you:
I work as a senior photojournalist at Anadolu Agency.
I have won significant awards in many national and international photography competitions (such as Siena Awards, Poyasia, Lensculture). My photographs mainly focus on politics, conflict, and disaster.
Personally, I am also interested in sports photography. My photos have been featured in prominent international media outlets such as The Guardian, The Atlantic, The Telegraph, Time, and Stern.
How did you get interested in photography?
The war in Iraq broke out when I was in high school in 2003, so I was curious and searched for the photos. That's how I found out about this profession and decided to study it. I was driven by the will to document and report on wars and other news across the world. The idea of capturing photos of legendary events became very exciting. The most important part was being able to say, "I've been there, I've seen it all."
What is your favorite type of photography?
I consider myself a field and documentary photographer. Less is more: I believe high-quality performance can be delivered with less equipment. This is my go-to style. I tend to capture emotions and truth at the same time.
What are your aspirations as a photographer?
I want to deliver a memorable message to humanity, and I think photography is one of the best ways to do it. Clarifying the complexity of the truth with just one shot is important, and I hope to have this privilege to tell people the truth.
For you what is photography? And what are you thinking when you are shooting?
In photography, the primary criterion should be originality. Simplicity and spontaneity (not focusing on the scene) are among the most important characteristics of a photograph. Photos that reflect intense emotions are the most valuable to me. Those that touch the soul and reveal the truth are always precious in my eyes.
You can follow me on Instagram or X (Twitter) to know more about me and my work.
Don't forget to take a look to our other open photo contests for more opportunities to showcase your skills and creativity. Explore them here: www.theartistgallery.art/open-contests.
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