Left Behind in Bosnia

My Scholarship entry - Left Behind in Bosnia

Bosnia & Herzegovina | Saturday, November 22, 2014 | 5 photos

Being a photographer was not my dream initially. As a female in the patriarchal Turkish society, I studied Mechanical Engineering instead, to make a statement about the capabilities of woman.

When I was 19, I founded a service organization, and started photographing the communities I was helping along the way. As I was photographing these communities, and I developed a relationship with my camera. Now, photography is the way I relate to other cultures, and the way I create bonds with people.

I want to follow my ambition and channel all of my time and energy to telling the stories of remote communities, and photographing for environmental causes, by becoming a full-time professional photographer. What I need the most at this transition period in my life is sincere guidance and feedback. I am always trying to improve my photography through online videos and books, but there is no interaction involved so it is a really challenging process. A hands-on field experience will provide what dry photography courses will never be able to, and also improve my reflexes as a photographer.

In my submission, I am searching for the traces of the Bosnian war. I hope you enjoy!