Murat Sengul
1. Congratulations on winning in the New York Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
I started taking photos to create stories. I have been a photojournalist for 17 years. I try to create stories in social events and work.
2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
I prepared this project during the period when Israel attacked Lebanon. I tried to convey the pain and destruction of war on people's faces, and I think I succeeded.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
It's important to me that the photo tells a story. If looking at the photo evokes an emotion, then it's an important photo.
4. What first made you pick up a camera?
Twenty-five years ago, on a vacation I went on, I wanted to create a story about my friends, so I picked up a camera on that trip.
5. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
I love photos where the focus is on people.
6. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
I would want to convey a feeling that would make someone look at my photograph for a long time.
7. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
Sharing the pain of people suffering in war and bearing witness to their stories was very painful and very difficult.
8. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
I have always been interested in social events because they concern people and life.
9. What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
They need to be close to the subject they are working on and not be at odds with that subject. They should work calmly and patiently.
10. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Be authentic.
11. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
In addition to the strength of the subject matter, it is also important to arrange the photos according to a timeline. I organize my work according to the flow of the subject matter. This makes it easier for me to understand and for my work to be understood.
12. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
I would like to study global warming thoroughly.
