Through the Lens: My Journey as a Photographer
Through the Lens: My Journey as a Photographer
(by Ramazan Esen)
When I first picked up a camera, I wasn’t thinking about light, composition, or gear. I was chasing a feeling — the kind of feeling you get when you freeze a real, unfiltered moment and it suddenly becomes timeless.
My name is Ramazan Esen, and I’m a freelance photographer based in Istanbul, Turkey. But that’s just the surface. What I really do is observe, connect, and transform moments into visual stories.
I didn’t grow up around cameras. I wasn’t born into a studio or mentored by a master. What I had was curiosity — a need to document energy, character, and subtle emotion. That curiosity eventually became a skill, then a craft, and now… a career.
In the beginning, I shot everything: streets, friends, shadows, strangers. Over time, my focus narrowed — and deepened — into portraiture, fashion, lifestyle, sports, and product photography. Not just because they’re visually exciting, but because they all require different types of listening and seeing.
I believe photography is about collaboration. It’s not just about what I see through the lens — it’s about what we create together in that moment. A great portrait isn’t just well-lit; it’s honest. A great fashion image isn’t just stylish; it has attitude. A great sports photo doesn’t just freeze action; it shows intent.
That’s the kind of depth I look for. Not perfection — presence.
Whether I’m photographing a model in a controlled studio or an athlete mid-game under harsh court lights, my approach remains the same: minimal direction, maximum authenticity.
I love strong contrast, bold framing, and the kind of energy that lives between poses. I respect light, but I’m not afraid of shadow. I use professional gear (Nikon Z7II, Sigma ART lenses, full lighting setups), but I don’t let it define the image. What matters is: does the frame feel alive?
People often ask, “Don’t you get tired of always shooting?”
My answer is: I’m not shooting the same thing. I’m always chasing something new.
Every person I photograph brings a different energy. Every project challenges me to adapt. That’s what keeps it exciting. That’s why I’ll never be done.
If you’re someone who values visuals — not just pretty pictures but real, crafted, expressive visuals — then we’re already speaking the same language.
Thanks for reading my story.
Let’s tell yours next.
Ramazan Esen