📸 Photo series #13: Scarfs as a symbol of expression
Dive into the complexity of women head coverings as a mirror of their minds and souls.
Hello and happy Sunday everyone 👋🏻,
Yesterday was the world photography day. This annual worldwide celebration of the art and craft reminds us the meaning of photography: capturing memories, stories, emotions and beauty across the planet. Being into photography is also being part of a tight-knit community that support each other.
For this special event, we welcome Cenk, a multiple award winning photographer. He master the state of the art of street photography and makes us travel.
Make yourself comfortable with a good coffee and enjoy the photos! ☕️
Scarf_ace by Cenk Erdoğan
⏱️ Reading time: 4 min
Because of my profession, I am always observing and studying people and society, seeking out stories to capture and convey through photography. In this series, I have noticed that despite the assumption of gender equality in a Muslim society, women express immense wisdom, intensity, creativity, and vitality through their head coverings. These veils embody a colorful, mysterious, and vibrant life that mirrors their minds and souls.
Tags, stereotypes, cliches. All thought and behavior patterns claiming to leave a mark on life, to steer life…
Ultimately, life takes sides with real lives, not patterns; maybe more than anything. And you cannot prevent others from the most passionate journey of life, the journey to freedom. The steps of this journey can be different in each geography. Sometimes it penetrates to a stereotype and emerges as a riot of patterns and colors; turns into expression of hope, individuality, scars of life, and becomes the silent scream of objection to being perceived as a stereotype.
Written and shot by Cenk Erdoğan.
Who’s behind the lens?
Describe yourself as a photographer and where you are based
I am a Turkish designer & street photographer based in Istanbul, Turkey. I have been providing communication and branding design services to many national and international brands for 25 years. As a photography enthusiast and a shutterbug, I love capturing life moments and sharing visual stories. Some of my projects were published in various digital media, received degrees in competitions and had the opportunity to exhibit.
Your favorite camera and lens
I usually use Canon cameras and lenses for documentary work. However, the Ricoh GR III is always with me as my indispensable companion. I especially use it for street photography. I love working with the 28mm equivalent lens on the GR III, and I also enjoy using the 35mm and 50mm lenses. Each lens offers a unique perspective and allows me to capture different types of shots effectively.
Your favorite places to shoot
Istanbul is like a treasure trove and a jewel full of surprises for street photography. Being the only city that spans two continents, it captivates me, and the way people interact with the sea and the coast, the hustle and bustle of crowds, draws me to the shores of Istanbul.
According to you, what makes a good picture
You know photography is an art form, and what makes a photo "good" can vary from person to person. Ultimately, the most important thing is that the photo resonates with you and expresses your artistic vision. There are some common elements to be considered “good” is composition, light, emotion, technical…etc. But for me context & storytelling are paramount.
Your favorite photographers and where you get inspired.
My favorites are Alex Webb, Gary Winogrand, and Martin Parr because their photographs encompass humor, complexity, depth, and multiple stories all at once.
Portfolio and/or social media links
Portfolio : http://www.cenkerdogan.com
Instagram : @cenkerdogan
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Original work