The year is 2013 and I'm headed to Istanbul for my first photography trip. A local friend warned me that strong protests and civil unrest had recently erupted to contest a wide range of concerns at the core of which were issues of freedom of the press, of expression and of assembly, as well as the AKP government's erosion of Turkey's secularism.
The moment I landed in Istanbul I could feel the tension and I felt quite intimidated by the vast police presence all over the city.
The moment I landed in Istanbul I could feel the tension and I felt quite intimidated by the vast police presence all over the city.
As for my first photography trip, I must say I had no idea what I was doing. I went to Turkey with no expectations and I really had no idea what the outcome of the trip would be. When I returned home, I remember going through the photos not really knowing how to put them all together. Or if there would ever be a series, or worst case scenario I just built some memories and gained a bit of experience with the camera. But the truth is that I have been coming back to this work from time to time, always with a different look and a deeper perspective as I got more experience and developed myself as a photographer. My practice soon turned towards architecture and urban photography so this has been my only trip centered around street photography.
For some reason I never paid enough attention to this photo above. However, it's one that keeps coming to my mind. The contrast between the kid's exhaustion and low morale, the smiley icon from the bag next to him and the vigilante look of the policemen in the background reflect such a wide range of emotions within a single frame.
Life didn't stop with the protests though. A city as vibrant as Istanbul is always busy and full of vitality. Specially among children, who take over the streets.
Thank you all!
Limited edition prints available.
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