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Architecture Photography

With Mike Kelley
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1.9 - "Needs Work" 

This is a photo of taken in Istanbul, Turkey, at the Topkapı Sarayı.

The camera used was an old Panasonic Lumix, DMC-GF1 (one of the first mirrorless cameras). The lens is a Lumix G 20mm F1.7.

As for editing the photo, I applied vignette to the edges as well as a slight grain. I chose to add the grain because it seemed appropriate. The various buildings that make up Topkapı Sarayı obviously represent a certain level of luxury and grandeur for the time. If you have ever been there, you will know there is much of that on display. But what was more interesting, at least to me, was how the architects, and builders, were also able to weave into this massive construction project, many moments that showed incredibly sensitivity to light, and space, and even sound. People lived in these spaces and hung out in these courtyards. It is impossible to capture how a space sounds, or feels, but adding a slight grainy overlay to the photo seemed like a pretty good option. I know this choice stands out, and is in definite contrast to the current trends in Photography - which I would define as moving in the direction of the hyperreal. But I would argue, both directions represent a kind of fictionalization, and unreality, in their own way. Anyway, hope you like my take.

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