One of the best ways to learn a new city is to wander the streets photographing people’s daily lives. Letting yourself be surprised, carried away by the circumstances of the day. The weather, the mood. The excuse to tour a city without the rush of breaking news, or the concentration required of an assignment, is a gift to any photographer.
Immediately I could see the gift I’d been given moving to Turkey, the mix of cultures, religions, traditions from two continents that make Istanbul a special – and complex – city.
I was based previously in Brussels, so much of my work centered on European political affairs. That means news conferences, meetings, summits, lots of handshakes.
Francisco Seco is AP’s chief photographer based in Turkey as of Oct. 1, 2021. He grew up in southern Spain and was previously based in Brussels.
The Shot is a monthly series showcasing top photojournalism from staff photographers at The Associated Press. Each month, AP photographers will share the stories behind some of their iconic imagery.
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Here, I’ll have the chance to explore not just politics but also the Turkish economy, migration, climate change, daily life, coronavirus developments and local traditions.
Already I am in love with the light here. I’ve been spending time by the sea as the birds fly over, documenting how the waterways define the people and their lives: Fishermen on the Galata Bridge or in Karakoy promenade, the ferries crossing the Bosphorus, passers-by feeding seagulls, a couple chatting intimately at the entrance to the Golden Horn on a rainy day.
Along the way I meet people like the barber and his client, who advised me on places to visit in Istanbul and explained the curiosities of its history.
Usually I prefer street photography, but sometimes I get permission to enter people’s private spaces. While the first photos won’t be useful because the people are too conscious of my presence, eventually they forget I’m there and go back to their business. That’s when the moments happen for me.
There are many days when I come home after a long walk and I haven’t made a good photograph. But those days are still successes because I have learned more about my new home. Best of all, I’ve just arrived and still have so much more to discover.
Spotlight is the blog of AP Images, the world’s largest collection of historical and contemporary photos.
Produced by AP News staff. The sponsor was not involved in the creation of this content.
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