Though I have had the opportunity to travel to many places as a photographer, Turkey holds a special place in my heart. It’s like a relationship, and every time I visit, I fall more in love. It’s not because of the breathtaking beauty or the diversity in landscape and culture; it’s about the people, what they teach me and their generosity of spirit. I always leave feeling humbled and deeply impressed by those I’ve met.

In my photographs, I try to focus on things that unify us. We are all tied together in an intricate web, whether we believe it or not, and the magic of this world is that we have more in common than we often realize. As a storyteller I believe the art of photography is not just about making beautiful images, but rather it is about telling stories. In Cappadocia I found a continuum that bridged past and present.

I think many people mistake taking pictures of exotic and beautiful places as being a committed photographer, but it’s not enough just to travel and take a few beautiful images. You have to go deeper and show something original and unexpected, something that teaches and surprises. I believe this takes patience, time and understanding.

Cappadocia is a place that has long held my fascination. Though it’s known as a touristic place, the challenge was to go for a very short time and to attempt to reveal something unique. I looked for things that represent the traditional culture and tried to illuminate the things that unite us as human beings. In the end I could only scratch the surface, but I hope I have the opportunity to return and reveal something more.

AMI VITALE

Ami Vitale’s journey as a photojournalist and now a filmmaker has taken her to more than 75 countries. She has witnessed civil unrest, poverty, destruction of life and unspeakable violence. But she has also experienced surreal beauty and the enduring power of the human spirit, and she is committed to highlighting the surprising and subtle similarities between cultures. Her award winning photographs have been exhibited around the world in museums and galleries and published in numerous international magazines including National Geographic, Geo, Newsweek, Time and Smithsonian. Now based in Montana, she is a contract photographer with National Geographic magazine and frequently gives workshops throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. She is currently continuing her film work and writing a book about the stories behind the images. www.todayszaman.com.tr