[singlepic id=186 w=640 h=480 float=]
Street Photography isn’t something that I have specifically tried before so after being inspired by a few friends who are more active I thought I would give it a go. A recent trip to test out my street photography in Istanbul in Turkey presented the ideal opportunity.
For this specific project, my goal was simple, to find pictures that tell the story of the surroundings. I had already decided that the series would be in black and white before starting but saying that, I don’t know if I actually took the time to thing about each shot as a black and white which I normally would like to do.
The first photo above is from a small square on the junction of Divan Yolu and Yerebatan close to Hagia Sophia. The photo is of an old gentleman sitting under a tree to keep out of the shade. His trade was shining shoes and he was sitting on a seat made with a piece of padded foam taped to a frame. I can imagine that this was his spot where he has positioned himself everyday for years. Everyone would know that he would be there and that he could be relied upon to shine shoes whenever needed.
[singlepic id=187 w=640 h=480 float=]
This second photo shows an old gentleman who presses fruit to make glasses of fresh juice. Stacks of pomegranate bid passers by to stop and ask for a glass knowing that it will be fresh. Positioned in a small square next to the Hagia Sofia, he would be assured of a steady stream of customers.
[singlepic id=190 w=640 h=960 float=]
This shot was taken on a cobbled side street leading to the grand bazaar. It shows a couple of traders porting goods to be sold in the array of shops in the bazaar.
[singlepic id=191 w=640 h=960 float=]
Down a not so busy side street in the Grand Bazaar I found this shop keeper looking around observing the passers by and wondering where his customers were.
[singlepic id=192 w=640 h=480 float=]
A photo taken of the crowds inside the grand bazaar. I am sure this place is always busy but this particular day the heavens had let loose torrents of rain after a sunny start and just about everyone in the area headed for the bazaar for cover.
[singlepic id=193 w=640 h=480 float=]
The busy square at Taksim Cumhuriyet Anıtı or Taskim Square as known by the tourists.
[singlepic id=194 w=640 h=480 float=]
Greek Orthodox Hagia Triada Church close to Taskim Square
[singlepic id=195 w=640 h=480 float=]
[singlepic id=197 w=640 h=480 float=]
I noticed The Galata Bridge when we were in the taxi on the way from the airport to our hotel in Ortakoy. I loved the liveliness with the people walking across and the number of people fishing, one can imagine, for the evening’s dinner. Under the bridge was another level with shops and cares packed with people. I just knew I would have to stop one day for photos .
[singlepic id=198 w=640 h=480 float=]