Dervish, a photo from Agri, East Anatolia

Photographer's Note

Built on a high plateau during much of the eighteenth century, in eastern Turkey near Mount Ararat, Ishak Pasa Palace is a big complex whose construction started under the local governor Ishak Pasha, and finished 95 years later by his grandson Mehmet Pasha.

The palace with a dimension of 50m x 115m, is as large as a soccer field and includes a big courtyard, over 100 rooms and a mosque, whose minaret can be seen in the bakcground of the picture. It is a mixture of many styles: Ottoman with respect to its plan, Seljukid with its front door and Turkestani with its dome.

Source: http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=9361

When I met this elderly he was waiting for a bus in front of Ishak Pasa Palace. He looked as if he jumped out of a scene dating back to the 19th century. He was an exceptional model, I couldn’t miss the opportunity.

I sat next to him, shared some crackers. When I started small talk in order to create a friendly atmosphere, he turned to me and said, referring to a group of mountaineers who left minutes ago:

“Son, if you want to take pictures, take it, no problem. They all did...” :-)

Scanned from slide, cropped and increased sharpness and local brightness.

For a different perspective of Ishak Pasa:

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Middle_East/Turkey////photo1236398.htm

KLB, CLODO, BennyV, daddo, amazon ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

KLB (23723) 2010-09-23 0:48

Hello Erdem

First, let me say that I like your note describing the meeting and your emotion with a great sincerity. It's always important to have the context in which the shot was taken.

This man is beautiful. His profile is voluntary, and it emerges from his face a indescribable strength.
You captured a remarkable expression. His grey beard, his marked wrinkles, the hardness of his gaze tell a story.

The great quality of your shot, despite the fact it is a scann, reveals every details of the portrait, and the blurred Palace is a perfect background.

Compliments, it's a strong picture.

Regards
Karine

CLODO (45118) 2010-09-23 2:45

hello Erdem

A good portrait in profile enhanced by his situation close to a minaret. Nice brown hues and good use of a large aperture.
Kind regards
CLODO

BennyV (34780) 2010-09-23 6:17

Hello Erdem,

An excellent portrait. I like the sidewards-upwards glance of the man, and the out-of-focus background is jusst perfect. I also like the personal touch in your note.

Benny

ersoyyilmaz (2489) 2010-09-23 6:30

Epeyce güzel temiz bir çalışma, ustalıkla.

Selamlar

Morac (27725) 2010-09-23 6:55

Bonjour Erdem,
C'est un très beau portrait avec une expression du regard d'une grande intensité.
Amicalement
Marc

holmertz (103642) 2010-09-23 7:11

Hello Erdem,
A fine portrait with a superb background. The light has been very carefully handled.
Regards,
Gert

sayeed_rahman (6461) 2010-09-23 11:36

very controlled portrait, and i say that because this is not off the sensor, the soft finish is but classy..very documentary..his poise so graceful..

an oldie..anytime

sayeed

daddo (28748) 2010-09-28 0:57

Merhaba Erdem.Splendid profile and according to your note, a man who is aware of his charisma. Creative touch combining his 19th century appearance with the mosque, all under a bright Anatolian light. My compliments on the photo and appreciation on the lesson that a cracker can open many doors.Regards. Klaudio.

speedymanu (3701) 2010-10-25 3:54

Hello Erdem

a delicate portraint with a subtle composition, the bokeh quality is great as it suggests while refraining from interfering with the main subject.

Congratulations

Emmanuel

amazon (12112) 2010-11-24 0:01

erdem bey,
bir süre önce gezdiğim ishakpaşa sarayı'nın te'deki fotolarına bakmak için gezinirken gecikmeli de olsa karelerinizi gördüm ve bir hazine keşfettiğimi hissettim,anlaşılan galerinizi sık sık ziyaret edeeceğim,
selamlarımla,
iffet

raphaelhcm (792) 2011-02-21 21:00

Hey Erdem,

I visited your gallery: you make me visit a large part of the world with so many countries... and a lots of great shots!!!

Thanks for sharing your experience and meetings with population...

Best regards,

Raphael