A Passion for Photography and Travel: My Journey Behind the Lens

My name is Altuğ (the “ğ” is silent), and I was born and raised in Istanbul, a city known for its rich history and unique position straddling two continents. After spending several years in Germany, first for my master’s studies and later for work, life brought me back home, and I’ve been living here ever since. I’m happily married and a father to one.

Though I don’t travel as often as I used to, especially after the global pandemic, I’ve had the opportunity to visit many cities across Europe, from Greece and Italy to the Netherlands and Spain before that. There’s a pattern to my travels: I’m always drawn to the coasts of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, including Turkey’s own shores. The pull of these regions comes from my love for the sea and the familiar yet distinct cultural threads that weave through these places. Some might find returning to similar destinations monotonous, but for me, the Mediterranean’s charm never fades.

Of course, I have my sights set on more distant adventures. I dream of exploring new continents and cultures, and that’s something I hope to do in the future.

But as much as I love traveling, my true passion lies elsewhere: photography.

It all began more than 15 years ago with a simple digital compact camera. I didn’t stick with it long, though. My interest was truly sparked one day at university when I saw a colleague holding a Canon 3000V, a modern analog SLR. The moment I asked to hold it, I knew I wanted a “real” camera. That curiosity led me to my father’s cousin, a commercial photographer. He patiently explained the basics of photography, starting with the exposure triangle. With that introduction, I was on the hunt for my own Canon 3000V.

Soon after, I became more serious about photography and purchased a Canon 400D while studying abroad in Graz, Austria. From there, my collection grew, first a Canon 5D Mark II, then a Canon 6D, and even a Fujifilm X100S, though I didn’t use it as much at the time. The full-frame DSLRs had me hooked for a while, but my love for film photography never faded. Over the years, I’ve built a small collection of vintage film cameras, many of them picked up at flea markets or online. Today, I regularly use my Canon A1 and EOS 3 for 35mm shots and my Kiev 88 for medium format photography.

One day, a close friend and his wife asked me to take maternity photos for them. I happily agreed and packed up all my Canon gear for a woodland shoot. But after a long day of shooting, I found myself with aching feet and a sore back. That marked the last time I used my Canon DSLR for an extended shoot.

This experience led me back to Fujifilm, which, in a way, helped rekindle my love for photography. I bought a Fujifilm X-T4, and suddenly, photography felt exciting again. Despite owning an X100S for years, I had never taken it seriously, perhaps because I had fallen into the “full-frame-only” mindset. A while later, I added the X-Pro2 to my kit, and that marked a turning point. The X100S, which now resides with my uncle, remained in the family, and I continued exploring the world of Fujifilm. My most recent acquisition was the upgrade from the X-T4 to an X-T5, which is still in a phase of getting to know each other.

Looking at the data on my computer, my Canon full-frame cameras clocked an average of 4,500 photos per year, while my Fujifilm cameras boast closer to 8,000. The reason is simple: I love shooting with Fujifilm. The entire experience, from the feel of the camera to the lenses (with their satisfying aperture rings), makes photography fun again. I also found myself talking endlessly about the system, always enthusiastic to share my newfound joy.

But why the switch? The real reason was time. Shooting primarily in RAW on my Canon gear required hours of post-processing, and as someone who works a full-time day job, that workload was draining. Fujifilm’s film simulations, on the other hand, allow me to rely more on straight-out-of-camera JPEGs, which already feature beautiful colors and a film-like quality. A quick tweak here or there, and I’m satisfied with the results. RAW files are always an option, but they’re no longer my go-to. This shift has made photography more enjoyable and sustainable for me.

For editing, I use ON1 Photo Raw, primarily because of its perpetual license. While Capture One might be a better choice for Fujifilm users, it’s a bit out of my budget. My current setup works well enough, so I have no immediate plans to change.

Photography and travel complement each other perfectly, and I love traveling light. My typical setup includes one camera body and three lenses: the versatile XF 18-55mm zoom, a prime lens for portraits or low-light situations (lately, I’ve been favoring the 56mm f/1.2), and the XF 70-300mm for capturing distant details. Recently, I’ve added the 35mm f/1.4 to my kit, and it’s quickly become a favorite.

Beyond travel, I focus on documenting daily life, particularly with my family. My toddler is often the subject of my photos, and I cherish these moments, capturing the fleeting, precious stages of his growth. Looking back at earlier photos of him, I’m always grateful for having taken the time to document these memories with a proper camera and lens.

My inspiration comes from a variety of sources, though I’m drawn to more traditional approaches rather than modern trends. Magnum photographers’ works, for example, are a constant source of learning and inspiration. I often revisit the “Abstract” episode featuring Platon, the way he approaches photography and life deeply resonates with me. Cinematography from moody, atmospheric films is another wellspring of ideas.

Being from Istanbul, I can’t ignore the influence of the legendary Ara Güler, known as “the Eye of Istanbul.” His iconic images immortalize a city from an era long gone, and his work continues to inspire my view of photography. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you’re curious to see more of my photography, feel free to connect with me on Instagram, @altux. I’d love to hear from fellow photographers and enthusiasts alike.

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Text and Photos by Altuğ Akay