Photography Day with Faruk Akbas at Uzumlu

Introduction

We wanted to do something different and when a day out with a professional photographer was on offer we jumped at the chance, especially having looked through a copy of his book 'Fethiye Faces and Places' which was with all the other information in Gunay's Garden Bar. Faruk decided to take us to Uzumlu, a small town north east of Fethiya, where they still weave on looms in the front rooms of their houses. The opportunity to meet and photograph the local people was unmissable.

Our Day

What a very special day this turned out to be. Not only did we have the benefit of being inspired by Faruk but we had the privilege of meeting some wonderful people.

On our arrival at Uzumlu we were taken to the Co-operative, which is a project funded I believe through the EEC to encourage the continued manufacture of lengths of cloth for sale locally to tourists and potentially further afield. We were introduced to the manager, a lovely lady (whose name I am afraid I have forgotten) and Huseyin who doubled as a photographer's assistant with good humour. The warmth of welcome and hospitality was felt immediately as we were offered tea in the workshop.

It was like taking a step back in time. I found myself questioning our values and the pace of life we lead back home. We visited several households in the village, all old friends of Faruk, and had an amazing time photographing these friendly people in the their homes. The looms were set up in the front rooms leaving little space for anything else, including photography which became quite a contortionist act. Faruk suggested I need to acquire a fish eye lens for my camera.

I cannot single out anyone in particular, because each house and each person had something special. Faruk taught us about composition and the effects of good lighting. Gill had a marvellous time phographing photographers and catching some of the locals watching what we were up to. See the little guy below and Faruk taking five.

The warm welcome continued from house to house and I think it was the third house that the wine was brought out well camoflaged in plastic pop bottles. My request for a small glass was totally ignored as I was presented with a full coffee mug. We finished the morning with Turkish pancakes for lunch at one of the local cafes, washed down with the local yoghurt drink which fortunately had a neutralising effect on the wine.

We left Uzumlu early afternoon, touched by the welcome we had been given everywhere. The photography was both fun and educational in fantastic surroundings. We drove away having met some lovely people, taken some reasonable photgraphs and clutching a coke bottle full of local wine!

To finish the phographic tuition Faruk took us back along the coast, stopping at viewpointsof Fethiye to impart tips and advice on photographing landscapes.

Special Comments

What to say!! - great time - lovely people - and we even picked up a few photographing tips