Smoking is allowed in the workplace in Turkey
Mardin, Turkey is perched on a hill overlooking the border to Syria and the barren plains beyond. I enjoyed the bazaar, watching the locals sell and shop for foodstuffs. Behind the shops were the ‘factories’ where saddlers, metal workers, cheese-makers etc. plied their crafts. People were friendly and invited me in to take photos. I love when that happens.
Men with loaded donkeys stood outside in the alleyways waiting to unload. They were country folk and expressed surprise and pride when I lifted my camera. They stood tall with chests puffed out. They never asked for a copy of the photo, just to be chosen for a photograph was enough. I think it was a pleasure for both of us. I know it was a pleasure for me.
Sometimes I am asked how I get people portraits of strangers. Often I try to get the photo when the subject is unawares. I like the natural expression when people are unawares. Sometimes I ask people by pointing to my camera which I am holding up and I just say, “O.K?” Everyone understands. Most say yes. If they are hesitant, I say “Beautiful.” in their language. Maybe I point to what they are doing or I make it clear that I think they are beautiful. I apply the term to everything and everyone. I’m always sincere when I say it. It is an ice breaker. And sometimes, if I have my wide-angle lens on the camera, I just aim the camera at the vegetables or some nearby object that I want in the photo. The man or woman is also in the photo, due to the wide angle, but they don’t know it. These can be very interesting because they are somewhat distorted.
The man in the photo above invited us into the workshop as our guide knew him. He ignored us but chatted with our guide. We were free to get the viewpoint we wanted. A great opportunity. Don’t you love his cigarette and the cave like atmosphere of his workshop? Perfect.
Loves His Job
I took this with a wide-angle lens, but he knew I was photographing him. Look at that smile! I had a smile on my face just like that.