Bored Panda reached out to the photographer with some questions! Asked about what drives him to pursue street photography, Alper explained, "The possibility, dream, and hope of capturing photographs similar to those taken by master photographers I’ve seen or admired before are my main sources of inspiration. Additionally, the most important thing I’ve learned since I started street photography is that ‘the possibility of encountering that critical moment on the streets’ inspires me every time I go out to shoot. When I’m photographing with my senses fully alert on the street, I’m in a constant state of seeking, and as a result, I always find the images I’m looking for."
Reflecting on the influences that shape his style, he noted, "First and foremost, all the photos I’ve seen to date, whether from older or contemporary street photographers, along with the photos I’ve taken since I started my journey in street photography... All of these accumulate in my visual memory. Over the years, this accumulation enables me to capture the images I desire, even in the most chaotic environments, and helps me intuitively know where to focus in crowded places."
When asked about his process once he arrives at a location to shoot, Alper shared, "Once I arrive at the location where I want to take street photographs, all my attention and perception are open to the surprises in the environment—I am completely focused. In a way, I am consciously searching for these surprise photographs. Sometimes, I also capture them naturally at moments I least expect. In both cases, if I manage to take a photo that I like at that moment, it becomes the greatest gift for me."
One of his favorite shots involved a simple scene but was executed with precision. Alper recounted, "One of my favorite photos is the moment I captured a man walking with yellow plastic containers in his hand in front of a yellow municipal bus. I was incredibly excited throughout the entire process of seeing, waiting, and photographing that scene. I first noticed the man walking towards me from a short distance. At the same time, I spotted the yellow bus in the background. As I waited patiently, I kept wondering what I would do if the man changed direction. Fortunately, that didn’t happen, and he passed right in front of me exactly as I had hoped. I managed to take 2–3 consecutive shots. When I looked through the viewfinder afterward, I saw that I had captured the precise moment I wanted—the man passing by, looking straight at me. For me, that was an incredibly joyful moment."
For those new to street photography and seeking to improve, Alper suggested, "It is best to start photographing in crowded places where tourists gather, or at events like ceremonies, parades, festivals, etc., where taking people’s photos is easier. To avoid drawing attention to yourself and to move quickly without being weighed down by heavy equipment, it’s advisable to use a small camera and lens. Wearing simple clothing that doesn’t attract attention and won’t distract your subjects is also important. Most importantly, a comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must."
