Istanbul street photography
In March 2025 I finally made it to Istanbul, a city I’d always wanted to visit and one that truly deserves its place among the best in the world for street photography. I travelled with fellow photographers and friends Kristian Leven and Jure Maticic, and together we explored the city’s endless layers of life and light.
Much of my time was spent on the ferries and along the waterfront—iconic elements of Istanbul that seemed to offer new possibilities with every crossing. I often found myself hopping on the same ferry multiple times, chasing that elusive frame that only reveals itself when you’re patient enough to wait.
Another unforgettable moment was witnessing the Prayer Friday before Ramadan at Eyüp Sultan Mosque. The atmosphere, the crowds, the energy—it all came together in a way that felt both powerful and humbling.
Istanbul left a mark, and it certainly won’t be my last time photographing its streets.
A Note on Gear and Simplicity
This trip was also about simplifying my process. The previous visit to India, I had travelled with a lot of equipment. This time, I stripped it back completely: one camera, one lens. I shot everything on a Fujifilm X-H2s with my trusty XF23mm lens (35mm equivalent)—the only focal length I’ve used for nearly 95% of my street photography over the years. Working with a single setup removes friction. There’s no second-guessing, no switching lenses—just reacting. It allows me to stay present and focus entirely on what’s unfolding in front of me. I did carry a backup, the Fujifilm X100F, but it never left the bag.
