You already might have seen some of his photos in Streetfashion MagZZine some months ago in our article about model and agency owner Laura Verloop. Today we like to show you more of his amazing photos and introduce to you Turkish photographer Deniz Kurt with an interview. |
Deniz, please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with. (How old are you, where were you born and where do you live now, what is your profession and do you have other besides photography?
My name is Deniz Kurt and I’m 33 years old. I was born in Sinop (Turkey) and now I live in beautiful Izmir. Which is paradise!
I own an advertisement company in Izmir and besides that i work as a fashion photographer. I love to travel and my job makes it possible for me to see the world and to organize international projects.
Have you been involved in the arts in some form other than photography?
Around 14 years ago when I started I focused on all kinds of different jobs. But 'art' is a big term. I think all kinds of photography can be called art. Most model photography can be very commercial, but it can also be very artistic. It is all about the concept you're working with..
Seeing your remarkable work, I am curious where your creativity comes from? In my younger days I was a very creative kid. Right now thanks to my parents and my job I had the opportunity to see the world and travel. I got a lot of inspiration from this. Could you share with us how you first became interested in photography? I think I always loved photography since I was a kid. I developed my passion after I started to work for a family member in Istanbul. He knew a lot about it and I got the chance to learn photography there. What equipment are you using now and with what did you get started? When I begin, I started with a lot of nice quality stuff, because I worked so hard and saved a lot of money. Especially when you have to start from the beginning and you work very hard so you can buy your own equipment it makes it so much more valuable. I use for example: Manfrotto, Lowepro and Hasselblad. What is your favorite lens? Hasselblad 100mm f/2.2, as this lens is more than plenty sharp and keeps up with even the 60mp backs Hassy has been churning out lately. Moreover, its small size and slight extra reach over the 80mm f/2.8 make it an ideal portrait lens. Can you tell us about your work flow from the point until you showcase the developed picture? Of course this depends on the kind of shooting. After the shooting we select the best pictures, because we usually shoot around 500 pictures (model shooting). Me and my team make sure that all pictures get photo shopped correctly, we start with patch and go on with lights, small corrections etc. |
Any subject that attracts you?
My dream is to visit mystique places and create a fashion shooting. Places that are unreal from this world. For example shooting in a jungle or rainforest. It does exist, but it’s so special to me and almost unreal. This really attracts me.
My dream is to visit mystique places and create a fashion shooting. Places that are unreal from this world. For example shooting in a jungle or rainforest. It does exist, but it’s so special to me and almost unreal. This really attracts me.
What would you say characterizes your work in comparison to other photographers?
I work in a quick way and I understand that for example models are not robots. I like to work hard and be fast, because this is the best for the team. Before I start I always organize everything with my team. And most important is to have fun while shooting. We need good energy.
Among your works, which is your favorite and why?
My favorite shooting was in Cappadocia (Turkey) and I’m not going to tell you more, you just have to google it and then you will understand what I mean.
Tell us your funniest or most awkward photography story?
One very funny memory of mine is when I and my team were in Rome and we had a bridal shooting. We had a male and female model and they looked beautiful in their formal gowns. We walked in Rome trying to find the best shooting place and people kept coming to us and congratulating the models, because everyone thought that they just got married.
What would you tell a newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
Work hard and safe money. Start with freestyle shooting. Use your friends for taking portraits. Enjoy nature and get inspiration by traveling.