Ozlem Buyukevren, a gifted photographer from Turkey, has dedicated her career to documenting disappearing cultures, untold stories, and shared human experiences from around the world. This interview delves into the heart of her craft, exploring her unique ability to preserve fleeting moments and document humanity’s rich diversity with empathy and authenticity. She shares the moments that ignited her passion for photography, the challenges of documenting sensitive topics, and the personal discoveries that have transformed her perspective on the world.
Her journey as a photographer is deeply rooted in passion and meticulous preparation. Influenced by the work of iconic photographers like Diane Arbus and Sebastião Salgado, Ozlem combines a commitment to storytelling with an instinct for connecting with her subjects. Whether living among communities to gain their trust or respecting sensitive cultural boundaries, her approach is defined by care, respect, and a genuine desire to share the beauty of different ways of life.
Ozlem’s work reminds us that photography is not just about capturing images—it’s a way of preserving history, fostering empathy, and connecting us all through the universal language of emotion and humanity.
A: Can you share the moment or experience that made you realize photography was more than a hobby and would become your lifelong passion?
O: Yes, photography is a lifelong passion and excitement for me. The large family I have created and the beautiful memories I have accumulated are enough to keep my passion and excitement alive.
When I look at the archive and see the photos of my heroes, I go back to those days. I have a notebook that I always carry with me to take notes during my photography trips, where I write down the name of the person and relevant information so that I don't forget. It is not possible to keep everyone in your mind, but strangely enough, sometimes you don't even need this notebook because you remember some of your heroes who have left a deep impression on you.
I like to revisit the heroes I have photographed and give them one of the photos I have taken - it makes me and them very happy.
In fact, one of the things that affects me the most is the absence of some of the heroes I photographed. I've experienced this a lot in my DEQ project, it's about 9 years old and every year I go to that area to take photos, because it's a very precious and disappearing culture. And every year when I go, I find out that some of the women I photographed have passed away, I talk to their families and I remember those days again. That's when you realize that it's not just about photography, it's much more than that.
Lives, experiences, memories, shared moments... much more... That's why photography is not just a hobby for me, it's a very important part of my life. Because this part is made up of a very large treasure of mine, and treasures are always very valuable.
A: What inspired you to explore and document different cultures and lives through photography? What excites you most about discovering new cultures?
O: I really love watching documentaries, in fact, it would be fair to say that documentaries are the only thing I watch on television. Watching these documentaries has channeled me in very different directions. I also love the human element in my photography, feeling and conveying emotions, and even sometimes the story that the viewer themselves writes when looking at my photograph.
I always advocate that photography should convey and evoke something, and sometimes even teach. If I hadn't taken up photography, I would never have witnessed these different cultures, different ways of living, regardless of their religious language. Yes, there are many documentaries about the cultures you are curious about, but going there, living it, witnessing it, and sharing precious moments with them brings so much more joy and adds so much more to your life.
Every new culture I encounter, with its unique rituals, traditions, and ways of life, amazes and astounds me, and I feel so fortunate to have documented them through my photography. For example, the festivals celebrated three times a year by the Kalash people of Pakistan, the Yazidis who have to leave their villages and return each year to celebrate their holidays, or the Padaung women I've witnessed in Myanmar. Understanding these diverse lifestyles, documenting them through photography, and sharing them is an incredibly rewarding process for me.
Therefore, discovering and documenting different cultures through photography is an exhilarating and inspiring process for me. It changes your perspective. Exploring the richness and diversity of the world, understanding humanity's common denominators and differences, is extremely fulfilling.
A: Are there any photographers, artists, or storytellers who have profoundly influenced your style or approach to your craft?
O: Yes, absolutely.
As someone who loves taking portraits, I have been strongly influenced by the powerful and striking portraits of Diane Arbus. Her ability to reflect human conditions and differences has always sparked my desire to explore.
Sebastião Salgado's powerful black and white photographs have an incredible depth of emotion, conveying social issues and the human condition. His work "Workers" is truly captivating.
Dorothea Lange was an incredibly powerful documentary photographer, and her photograph "Migrant Mother" is one that has left a mark on me.
And Ara Güler is truly a legend for me. Through his photographs, I have seen the old Istanbul that I never experienced, and discovered that change through his work.
And there are many more. I love studying photography and trying to read the stories in the photographs I examine. I'm interested in what the photograph is trying to convey, the emotion it evokes and the feeling it tries to impart. This always helps me to focus more deeply on my own work and add more of myself to it.
A: You’ve described photography as a way of writing stories with a camera. Can you share a favorite story behind one of your photographs?
O: I don't want to say it's my favorite story, but I think it's one of the stories that has influenced me the most. One of the first projects I worked on was on refugees. As you know, Syria is a neighboring country of Turkey, and during the Syrian war, many Syrian families had to leave behind their memories, their past, and even some of their family members, to come to Turkey to protect their children. And in that region, an incredibly large refugee camp was set up. It was such a large camp that it had everything from schools to hospitals within it.
I wanted to take photographs there and applied for the necessary permissions. This process was really difficult for me. I was only granted a 3-day permit.
I spent 3 days living with the people in that refugee camp. Since I didn't know their language, I walked around with an interpreter. I ate meals with them, drank tea, played with the children, and had many conversations. I can't forget the unease, the traumas, the fears I saw in the eyes of those people, especially the children. And I can't forget a small child hiding behind a tent, clutching their only toy - a deflated ball.
What I experienced there was beyond just taking photographs - I just wanted to be part of their community. That's why I didn't take too many photographs, because I could see they were uneasy even at the slightest sound of my camera.
I don't know what happened to those children, how they continued with their lives. I'm very curious to know if they can still laugh, if they still have hope, if they have plans for the future. But when my photography session there ended, the only thing I said was that "Children should only cry for candy." What I experienced there has left very deep marks on my life.
A: When preparing for a project, such as capturing the Yazidi festival or documenting Kalas People in Pakistan, how do you plan your approach? How important is research and preparation to your creative process?
O: Absolutely, it's very important.
Whether it's the Yazidis, the Kalash people, or others, if I don't have sufficient knowledge about them, I won't be able to effectively tell their story. I need to have information about their culture, beliefs, traditions, way of life, cuisine, superstitions, and many other aspects. For this, I need to do very thorough preparation - read extensively, watch many documentaries related to them.
Timing is crucial for an effective story, so if there are any special days, festival dates, or other important details, I need to be well-informed about those.
I always try to communicate with a local person from the places I plan to visit - this is an indispensable element for me. Being able to better understand that culture and communicate more effectively is perhaps one of the most important factors. Because sometimes, even with all the knowledge, I may not be allowed to take photographs at all in the places I visit. When that happens, no matter how much you know about the culture, you end up just having conversations and filling another page in your notebook. But if you go with someone from the local community of that region, then everything becomes much easier.
The research and preparation process is truly important, because as I always say, I travel to take photo.
A: Travel photography often involves engaging with sensitive subjects, such as the Padaung women or the displaced Yazidi community. And cultural sensitivity is a key element of your work. How do you navigate complex or unfamiliar cultural contexts, especially when you are an outsider? How do you ensure your approach remains respectful and authentic?
O: When I want to photograph sensitive topics in travel photography, a respectful approach is truly important. When I go there knowing their traditions, beliefs, and sensitivities, I have a better idea of how I should behave and what I need to pay attention to when taking photos.
I always make sure to communicate with the person I'm going to photograph beforehand. I try to gather information about them and provide information about myself. I always explain my purpose, why I'm taking the photos, and how I plan to use them, and I get their approval. I never, ever take photos if the person does not give permission.
In all my interactions, I'm very careful to be honest and respectful. I try to empathize. Spending time with them, listening to their stories, gives me a better idea of what I want to convey.
It's always easier to photograph someone from your own culture - you can communicate more easily and understand better. But photographing different cultures feels like a personal challenge to me. It's always more challenging, but if you are able to convey that sincerity and trust, you can overcome that challenge more easily.
For example, when I went to photograph the Yazidis, something happened. They have a midday meal ritual during their ceremonies, where they set up huge tables and anyone around is invited to eat. They invited me to join, and I was presented with a dish I had never eaten before. When I told the guide I couldn't eat it, they said I absolutely must, as not eating would be seen as disrespectful. So I ended up eating it, even though it was difficult for me. Those were truly incredible moments for me.
If you want to get to know people from different cultures, you need to be knowledgeable about many aspects, and when you visit them, you should act as if you are one of them. I admired the Kalash people so much that a young man there even told me I was now a Kalash woman. Hearing that and seeing that they accepted me was an incredibly powerful feeling.
A: You’ve photographed challenging and sometimes dangerous environments, like terrorist zones and industrial sites. How do you prioritize your safety while still capturing the essence of these places?
O: I really didn't know how to answer this question, and I asked myself the same question now. I think I couldn't find the answer, and I realized that I haven't taken much precaution in this regard. When taking photos in a steel factory or a coal mine, the only thing I wanted was to take photos. I never thought about how it might affect me or what might happen to me. In industrial areas, I always had a guide with me, and they had designated a few places where I could take photos, so I only took photos within those boundaries. Now, reflecting on this question, I think they were more concerned about my safety than I was.
When I'm taking photos, I seem to lose myself, and I'm sure I could have gotten myself into trouble in those situations.
But if you're talking about terrorist zones, some regions of Turkey were under the influence of terrorism for years, and we couldn't even go to those areas in our own country. I thought those areas were safer now, but when I went there, I heard from the local people that some places were still not good, and they even warned me not to go to certain villages. There were a lot of military checkpoints and barricades on the roads I passed, and it was a bit unsettling, and I would think "what am I doing here" every time I went through them. But when I picked up the camera, I would forget everything.
I had a similar experience when I went to the Kalash region, as it's right on the border with Taliban territory, we had to take a part of the journey accompanied by military vehicles. I guess that's what passion looks like sometimes. This question was really difficult for me to answer because I realized I didn't take any precautions regarding these issues at all, I just followed my excitement and sense of exploration. I think I need to be much more careful about this in my future travels.
A: You’ve described discovery as the greatest feeling in travel photography. Can you share a moment when an unexpected discovery impacted your work or perspective?
O: Ah yes, as a travel photographer, you can return from the miles of road you've traveled without getting what you wanted. Just like how I went to Iceland and came back without being able to photograph the northern lights.
I'm actually not a landscape photographer, but I wanted to experience the beauty of nature and witness those moments. I planned a 1-week trip to Iceland, but I returned without seeing or photographing the northern lights. Yes, that's the nature of photography. You should always be prepared for the things you really want but can't achieve. You definitely need a bit of luck when taking photos. Even though I never got to see or photograph the northern lights, I had the chance to photograph the incredible nature and beauty of Iceland.
And I experienced a shift in my perspective during my DEQ project in Turkey. I went to visit one person multiple times, just to take their photo. We had a great connection, but they never allowed me to take their photo. I really wanted that face to be part of my DEQ project, but it didn't happen. The last time I went, they even hosted me, but still didn't let me take their photo.
These experiences made me realize that I always need to be prepared for anything, and I should keep in the back of my mind that I may not get what I want when I go to take photos. Even if I can't capture what I set out for, there are many things that still remain valuable to me. I try to just savor the moment.
A: Through your travels and the stories you’ve captured, how has your perspective on the world changed over time? Any specific traditions, rituals, or interactions that left a lasting impression on you?
O: In my travels, I've been deeply impacted by cultures with rich traditions, beliefs, and lifestyles. That's why I'm planning to travel to these places a second time to get to know them more closely. The Kalash people and the Yazidis are definitely among the cultures I will visit again. They have incredible histories, and everything they share and tell is very impactful.
The Kalash people live in three valleys on the border with the Taliban in Pakistan. Despite being surrounded by a strict Muslim community and being on the Taliban border, Kalash women have incredible dignity and freedom. Despite these geographic challenges, they have managed to preserve their traditions and customs. They drink their own homemade wine, and during their three annual festivals, women and men dance together. For example, divorce only happens when the woman wants it, and women who want to change their husband can write a letter proposing marriage to the man of their choice, and pay the bride price for the marriage to happen.
Kalash women also isolate themselves in Bashali houses during their menstrual cycles, as they believe they are sinful during this time. They also believe it's inauspicious to wash their hair at home, so they wash it by the water's edge.
I was also very surprised by many things about the Yazidis. They are an incredibly hospitable and warm community, but they also have very strict rules. The Yazidis pray facing the sun, as fire, sun, and water are sacred to them. This is why they don't have places of worship, and I was shocked to learn that the punishment for converting religions or marrying someone from another faith is death. They also avoid eating certain foods like lettuce, and some animals like the black snake are sacred to them, so you can see them during their celebrations.
Being a guest in these rich cultures and lives enriches you as well. Your perspective changes, and I think as I get to know different cultures and traditions, I'm shedding my prejudices. As I begin to see the commonalities despite the differences, I realize that the common language of a smile is what really matters. Despite our diversity in beliefs, cultures, and faiths, we share this world, and the only thing we need to do is practice empathy and respect.
A: We’ve talked about the meaningful stories you uncover through photography, but I’m curious—what other types of stories do you enjoy? What are your favorite books or movies?
O: I absolutely love reading books, and I have a vast personal library. Sometimes I even re-read books that I've deeply connected with and that have left a strong impact on me. The most recent book I read was Nadia Murad's "The Last Girl," which I picked up to gain a better understanding of the Yazidi people. It was an incredibly impactful book, and I read it while fully immersing myself in every moment.
After attending a Yazidi festival, I decided to read the book again. I was curious to see how my experience and newfound understanding of the Yazidi culture would shape my perception of the book. Reading it again with a fresh perspective after being exposed to their traditions was a meaningful exercise.
While I thoroughly enjoy watching films, I always prefer to experience them in the cinema setting. As I watch each scene unfold, I find myself searching for photographic moments and making mental notes of them. In a way, I feel like I'm nourishing my photography with these cinematic experiences, using the visuals I encounter as inspiration.
A: You often emphasize the importance of passion in your work. What advice would you offer to aspiring photographers seeking to discover and pursue their passion in this field?
O: There are certainly important points in continuing and developing a passion for photography. First and foremost, you must allow the art of photography to excite and give meaning to you. Being a passionate photographer does not simply mean having excellent technical skills. There needs to be an intrinsic connection and emotion in the photographs you capture.
My advice to aspiring photographers would be to focus on subjects, themes, or styles that truly motivate them. The sense of discovery will always keep that desire alive. Essentially, they need to allow themselves to simply enjoy the act of taking photographs - to engage with the moments that captivate them.
As a documentary and travel photographer, I can say that respect and empathy are paramount. I would advise against taking photographs of models without first communicating with them, introducing yourself, and obtaining their permission. The connection and communication you establish should always be a priority, and you must allow the model to get to know you as well. Empathy is crucial in this scenario. They must understand that the subject of the photograph is their model, no one else. No matter how technically skilled you are, it will be meaningless if you do not have that fundamental respect and connection with your subject.
A: Looking ahead, what are the next projects or stories you’re most excited to explore and share with the world? Are there any uncharted places or untold stories you’re eager to bring to light?
O: Yes, absolutely. But I do want to complete some of my ongoing projects.
I will revisit the Kalash people and the Yazidis, as there are still some aspects I feel are missing from my work on this project.
I have also been researching a community in the far northern region of Russia, the Yamal Peninsula, where the Nenets people live as reindeer herders. This is a very challenging prospect for me, as the destination is extremely cold, and there is no proper lodging - I would have to stay in tents with the Nenets community for at least 10 days. I have some reservations about the harsh cold, but I am determined to undertake this project.
Another community I am eager to visit is the Pamir Turks. I have conducted extensive research on this group as well, and the logistics are equally demanding. They reside in a remote region of Pakistan, in the mountains, and to reach the Wakhan Corridor where they live requires special permits. The journey would involve traveling on mules and trekking for kilometers.
There are so many undiscovered places waiting to be explored, and each new discovery opens doors to the next. The thrill of embarking on a new expedition is something that reignites my passion again and again.
You can find more about Ozlem following these links:
Collect this post as an NFT.
This year I built: • Beams: My @paragraph publication spotlighting Web3 artists and their craft. Four interviews so far with the incredibly talented @marcelonada, @adacrow, @ozlem, and @bay-photography. Links are below if you’re looking for some inspiring holiday reads 😉 ✨ • Diptych Curation Competition: A celebration of creativity, curation, and community. With almost 100 entries across all editions, over 15k DEGEN, and more than 60 artist Fan Tokens awarded, this competition has been an absolute joy. Watching the community come together to honor art has been incredible! 🫶 • Collecting: Added over 500 artworks to my digital art collection on Zora and Rodeo. Piece by piece, embracing the digital art revolution 🤩 • Creating Onchain: Launched my own Rodeo and Zora collections. Can’t wait to grow both even further in 2025! 🙌 Always building, always inspired. ✨ https://paragraph.xyz/@beams/layers-of-creation-marcelo-terca-nada-on-art-code-and-cultural-expression
https://paragraph.xyz/@beams/exploring-new-horizons-ada-crow-on-art,-technology,-and-the-inner-journey
https://paragraph.xyz/@beams/framing-humanity-ozlems-journey-through-disappearing-cultures
https://paragraph.xyz/@beams/lens-of-wonder-capturing-the-extraordinary-with-brandon-yoshizawa
Fantastic work Asha! These are really in-depth and worth reading or bookmarking!
Thank you so much, Manu! Really happy you enjoyed the articles, this makes my heart sing ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ 300 $DEGEN
I have only read Ozlems and Marcelo‘s so far. Great interviews!
You are awesome dear Asha!🫶
Thank you so much, Treb! It's been a wild year, can't wait to see what 2025 brings to the table 😊 ❤️ 🙏 🚀
Joy to be part of this story🌟
The joy is all mine, Marcelo! I’m forever grateful that you were the first to trust me with your words. 🫶 You have no idea how much it means to me. It marked the start of a beautiful journey! ✨
A great builder in my books
Thank you so much, Rafaello! 🙏 Means the world to me ❤️
Wonderful work Asha 👏👏
My Best Builder of 2024! 🖼️ 💙 Based
Aww thank you, Ane!! 🙏 ❤️ It was a great year and the building continues! Higher together! 🙌 🫶 🙌
Congrats for your work! 200 $DEGEN
Thank you Juan! It's been a wild year 🔥 🔥
You're welcome, dear!🙂 And I hope this year will be also a really wild one!🚀
Aw yes LFG
Let's go, Brandon!! Always higher, always together! To the moon and beyond!! 🙌 🔥 ❤️ 🚀 ✨
This is huge Asha 🤍 congrats
Thank you so much Sheena! It's been a wild year and I have a feeling 2025 will be even wilder! ❤️ ❤️
"Being a guest in these rich cultures and lives enriches you as well. Your perspective changes, and I think as I get to know different cultures and traditions, I'm shedding my prejudices. As I begin to see the commonalities despite the differences, I realize that the common language of a smile is what really matters. Despite our diversity in beliefs, cultures, and faiths, we share this world, and the only thing we need to do is practice empathy and respect." - @ozlem and the universal language of emotion and humanity 🫶 A /success story about uncovering fading traditions and bridging cultures. You can read all about it here: https://paragraph.xyz/@beams/framing-humanity-ozlems-journey-through-disappearing-cultures
Ozlem is amazing!
Indeed, she is!! 🙌 🫶
🖤 🖤 🖤 Wen next edition?
Work in progress, mfer! Hopefully very soon!
Hahaa, this is the type of answer I give 😂 😂
Awww Asha I have great news for you, from now on I will write a monthly article about my travels in the newspaper and thank you a million thanks for inspiring me, I will definitely share it with you after I write my first article😍😍
What wonderful news, Ozlem!! This will be so interesting to read, super excited for the first edition! 🙌 😍 👏 ❤️ Please do share it with me when it's ready! 300 $DEGEN
Definitely 😍😍 I'm really excited about this
you do so amazing♥️
and @ozlem one of the great photographers💙
Yessss! I love her work! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
You used some beautiful words to present @ozlem's work in front of other people
Thank you, Harry! She's such an incredible person and artist, I hope I did her justice. Wish everyone would know her stories, there's a lot of feeling in them ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
This month, I launched Beams—a @paragraph publication dedicated to spotlighting the incredible voices shaping the crypto art world. The first three editions have been nothing short of electric, vibrant celebrations of art, storytelling, and the boundless creativity of web3 artists. From deeply personal journeys to the unifying BIG ENERGY of collective expression, Beams showcases the raw power of art to connect, inspire, and energize—a reminder of why art and artists are truly at the heart of it all 🫶 We’re celebrating the art, the stories, and the energy driving this movement! 💥 You can subscribe below to stay tuned for more inspiring future editions 😉 Here’s a glimpse into our first 2 editions: ✨ Edition 1: We featured the amazing @marcelonada 🫶 Dive into his journey through the art world and explore his stunning generative collections—Monotipia, Junina, and Poema. https://paragraph.xyz/@beams/layers-of-creation-marcelo-terca-nada-on-art-code-and-cultural-expression
✨ Edition 2: An inspiring interview with the legendary @adacrow 🫶 In a space where digital innovation meets artistic expression, Ada’s story shows the endless possibilities of creativity in the digital age. https://paragraph.xyz/@beams/exploring-new-horizons-ada-crow-on-art,-technology,-and-the-inner-journey
✨ Edition 3: A powerful conversation with the talented documentary photographer @ozlem 🫶 An intimate look at her craft, where each image becomes more than a moment—it’s a story, a memory, and a bridge between cultures. https://paragraph.xyz/@beams/framing-humanity-ozlems-journey-through-disappearing-cultures
It is an honor and a great happiness for me😍😍
Much love dear Asha! 🫂 💜 💜 💜
Same to you, always!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Long life to Beams ✨
Thank you, hope so!! 🙌 🙌 🙌
Congrats on your raffle win today! 🍖x10000
Thank you so much fam!! Grateful for the daily raffle and for everything you do in the /success fam. It's an incredible community and we owe it all to you 🫶 🫶 🫶
wow! This is awesome 👌 👌 🤩
So happy you like it fam ❤️
Love @marcelonada ♥️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Me too! He's an amazing artist and fellow farcaster 🫶 🫶
🖤 🖤 🖤
Much love, mfer! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Dear Asha, your work is truly commendable. 💎 I commend you on your efforts and encourage you to keep up the great work. 🙏💙
Thank you so much, G! Means a lot, you have no idea ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I'm glad to hear this
thank you for sharing i bookmarked reading it at night
Hope you enjoy it! 😉
Great work Asha!! You rule🔥 😀
Thank you so much, Off!! Had amazing guests, they're all legends! ❤️
Real legends!!🔥 🔥
Legend 💕🌸🫂
Thank you, love! Just getting started 😊 😉 ❤️ 🫂 🫶
Hell yeah 🔥 only higher baby !!!! 🌸💕🌸🫂
Yesterday was unforgettable as we celebrated art and the launch of Beams’ 3rd Edition—a weekly @paragraph publication showcasing extraordinary Web3 artists! 🎉 This edition spotlights the talented @ozlem, featuring an insightful interview that delves into her craft, the spark behind her love for photography, the challenges of capturing sensitive subjects, and the personal discoveries that have shaped her worldview. To make the launch even more special, we hosted a Diptych Challenge: pair one of Ozlem’s works with an artwork of your choice. The results? Stunning! A huge thank you to everyone who participated—you blew us away with your creativity 👏 🫶 ✨ Swipe through the collection and let us know: which diptych is your favorite? 👇 https://powered-by.percs.app/frames/3048391d-55f9-4c86-a5d2-496e6d40825c/1
Dive into the full interview with @ozlem and subscribe to Beams to stay tuned for more inspiring future editions: https://paragraph.xyz/@beams/framing-humanity-ozlems-journey-through-disappearing-cultures
A massive thank you to @anemale.eth and @alleytac for your incredible support in making this initiative possible! Couldn’t have done it without you—absolute rockstars! 🫶 🫶 And many thanks to everyone who joined the competition, including @dani-art, @eduxdux, @negar-sepehr, @rokke, @adacrow, @morbeck-art, @zachlipp, and so many more! You’re all legends! 🙌✨
And thank you @percs for this amazing frame! It's my go to tool for showcasing all the incredible entries in the competition! Super easy to use even for non-coders like me! 🙏 🫶
such a fantastic initiative!
What an incredible contest, congratulations to everyone! It was very difficult to choose among all these proposals. A deep thank you to Asha for this wonderful contest. 💜💜💜
😍 😍 😍
Thanks to you 💙💙💙
Joining this kind of games anytime! 🖤
Thanks to you always!!!!!! 🙌 🙌 🙌 🫂 💜
Gorgeous review! It's nice to see all the pairs gathered in the same place. It was an awesome art edition!
I agree, epic competition! So many beautiful pieces and pairs! 😍 😍
Congrats one more time 900 $DEGEN
It was an incredible experience and it was really exciting, great art was shared, a million thanks for making it so exciting. Millions of thanks @asha @alleytac @anemale.eth ❤️❤️
So happy you enjoyed the experience, Ozlem! It was amazing to watch all the entries roll in, so many thoughtful pairings!! I can tell everyone really put their soul into this and that makes me super happy ❤️ ❤️ Much love to you!! 🫶 🫶
Much love too😍😍
🖤 🤗
I enjoyed a great interview and a very interesting competition, there were really beautiful pairs, thank you once again for the prize 😊🤍
So happy to hear you enjoyed both the interview and the challenge ❤️ ❤️ Looking forward to the next one! 🙌 🫶
Damn I was away for a day and you do this 😅 many stunning pairs but probably my favorite is @morbeck-art 's. Unexpected duo but so good !! 🤩
Thanks for browsing through them, bro! Mateus' pair is sensational!! Lots of amazing entries this time as well 😍 😍 😍 And yeah, I waited for you to be away to organize it lol 😅 😆 😂 Hope to see you for the next one!
Lmao so that's how you operate 😂
🧑🎨 DIPTYCH COMPETITION 🎨 - To celebrate the 3rd edition of Beams publication on @paragraph featuring an interview with the amazing photographer @ozlem we’re organizing a fun diptych competition! 🙌 HOW IT WORKS: Read the interview linked below and pair ANY of Ozlem’s photographs with ANY OTHER artwork of your choice (pls credit the artist) as a reply to this cast 😉✨ 🏆 PRIZES: 1st place - 2 @ozlem Fan Tokens and 1250 DEGEN from @anemale.eth 2nd place – 1 Fan Token and 700 DEGEN from me 3rd place – 1 Fan Token and 300 DEGEN from @alleytac All participants get some Moxie love! Ⓜ️ 💜 You have 24 hours. Have fun curating! 🫶 https://paragraph.xyz/@beams/framing-humanity-ozlems-journey-through-disappearing-cultures
I love the works by @ozlem . Bookmarked to read the interview later ✨
Love them too! And she shared some amazing stories from her travels. Hope you enter the competition as well, curious to see your pair 😉 😊
I'm going to make a pair. I want to read the interview and then make the diptych 🌟
two incredible artworks from my collection by the one and only, @ozlem both these compositions are 😮💨🔥
Fabulous pair, Zach! Loving the mood in both of them, separately as well as together 😍 😍 Thank you so much for participating! ❤️
My pleasure, great initiative! 200 $degen
Thank you so much for participating, Zach! I've sent you one of Ozlem's fan tokens as a sign of appreciation 🙏 ❤️
Thanks so much Asha!!! You are appreciated!
A very beautiful submission Zach , two incredible works where one can immerse themselves in two fascinating scenes.
@ozlem has talent, love the initiative @anemale.eth 200 $degen
Super diptych! They fit so well together you would say they both have the same author 😁
I was actually trying to share this set earlier this week but I kept getting a failed attempt!
I'm happy to have them both in your collection, Thank you Zach💙
much love Ozlem, so good!
Amazing dear
Can't wait to see your pair, Mateus! 😉 ❤️
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"Under the skin" by @dani-art + "Alone" by @ozlem Clarice Lispector's poetry revealed in the power and elegance of the encounter of images. "May my loneliness serve me as company. May I have the courage to face myself. that I know how to stay with nothing and still feel as if it was full of everything" Another great initiative my friends @asha @alleytac @anemale.eth
Fantastic pair, Mateus!! And I also love the poem, what a magical trio! 😍 😍 😍 Thank you so much for participating, fam!! ❤️
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Thank you so much for participating, Mateus! I've sent you one of Ozlem's fan tokens as a sign of appreciation 🙏 ❤️ And here's 100 $DEGEN as well 😉
Tysm my frined, I really apreciatte you
It's a magnificent parallel between two worlds, beautiful submission 💜
thanks fam
So good!
thank you so much Morbeck and impressive, i love @dani-art ' work Always very deep feelings💙
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They look so good together, thank you Morbeck 🤍
😍 😍 😍
Fabulous pair morbeck !! Enjoyed the poem too, really cool 🖤
Love @ozlem and her work ♥️👏🏽👏🏽
Me too! She's amazing and so is her work! 😍 And I'd love to see your pair for the competition, Hind! ❤️
I’ll try to do that 🥳♥️
thank you so much dear
great interview, Love discovering different cultures through Ozlem's photography🤍 Left "Cormorant and Fisherman" by @ozlem Right "Fisherman" by @white-solitude
Beautiful pair, Negar!! 😍 😍 I love both of them separately and together!! Thank you so much for your participation ❤️ ❤️
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houuuu love this Negar 💜
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Love it!
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Well done, Negar! 300 $DEGEN
Thank you so much friend 🤍
aww Negar, just amazing, i love it 💙
Much love dear💙 💙 💙
Thanks for sharing dear, love it❤️🔥
Cormorant and Fisherman by @ozlem Echoes of Light: A Thai Night by @jacque
Simply wonderful!! Two different worlds and styles, but such good matches for each other! Loving this, Jacque 😍 😍
Thanks made it just in time too
Thank you so much for participating, Jacque! I've sent you one of Ozlem's fan tokens as a sign of appreciation 🙏 ❤️
Thank you 💜
I really love the diptych with that deep blue.
I was going to do a fishing one but this stood out so much more
https://highlight.xyz/mint/base:0x1708EBa4486dA98c4bA613F47932EC2675c85c06:0 https://foundation.app/mint/eth/0x244ab9510071E2D31Ea2a3a844a6A857fB103b79/2
Awesome diptych!
Let's go and see some great diptychs!
This will be so fun! Can't wait to see them! 😍 😍
thank you for you particiaption my friend refund 500 $degen 😆
Thank you so much!🤗
Let's do this! New to this thing but will be interesting to read interview!!
Definitely interesting to give it a read, Ozlem has some fascinating stories to share 😉 ❤️
<3
The flow, the color, the movement Blue Road by @ozlem Anticyclone #340 by @williamapan
What a spectacular pair, Edu! Beautiful blues and perfect flow! They are perfect together 😍 😍 💙 💙
👏👏👏 50 $degen
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A beautiful parallel between your universe and theirs—well done, a truly remarkable submission. 💙
wonderful pair💙 💙
Unexpected but such a great submission!
beautiful 💙 💙
We're grateful for all the writers out there that are courageous enough to share their stories, insights, and ideas with the world. We appreciate you! To that end, we're back with the 23rd edition of Paragraph Picks, highlighting a few hand-picked pieces of writing we enjoyed over the past week or so.
@danielmcglynn explores the cyclical “bubble dynamics” of Bitcoin, emphasizing how its boom-and-bust patterns, driven by halving events and market psychology, contribute to adoption and innovation but also present significant risks for investors caught in the hype. "It’s also helpful to think that each market cycle is a series of bubbles or a chain of bubbles, that all connect at regular intervals to drive market adoption, development, and innovation." https://paragraph.xyz/@open-money/bubble-market-dynamics
@usv's Grace Carney highlights the challenges faced by internet knowledge creators in competing with AI-generated content, proposing a third path where creators retain ownership of their work while using AI tools to enhance engagement and preserve the value of human expertise. "The future looks like creators combining their expertise with AI in ways that preserve humans’ most valuable assets: their relationships and their ideas." https://paragraph.xyz/@in-transit.com/a-third-path
@asha profiles photographer @ozlem, exploring her journey of documenting disappearing cultures, her commitment to preserving human stories through respectful and empathetic photography, and her passion for exploring diverse traditions that connect us through shared human experiences. "Despite our diversity in beliefs, cultures, and faiths, we share this world, and the only thing we need to do is practice empathy and respect." https://paragraph.xyz/@beams/framing-humanity-ozlems-journey-through-disappearing-cultures
🚀 Beams 3rd Edition Has Landed! 🚀 Featuring an exclusive interview with the talented documentary photographer @ozlem, this edition dives deep into her creative journey 💙 From the sparks that ignited her passion to the challenges of capturing sensitive stories, discover how her lens preserves fading traditions and connects cultures ✨ 📸 Explore a world where every image tells a story and celebrates humanity. Don’t miss this inspiring glimpse into her extraordinary craft! https://paragraph.xyz/@beams/framing-humanity-ozlems-journey-through-disappearing-cultures
Wooooooooow. I am so emotional after reading this absolutely fantastic and in-depth interview. 🥺Your questions were so well thought out @asha and I have learned so much about some of these different cultures from @ozlem’s responses. I too predominantly watch documentaries and am mostly fascinated by non fiction. I find this work very difficult to do, because establishing trust with foreign cultures is not easy. It often times requires a lot of time to fully be immersed into the people’s life style I can imagine. The point Ozlem brought up about giving respect and asking for permission I find paramount. 579 $degen I am so grateful to have learned so much about Ozlem’s background ~ such high quality interview! Truly well done!
Thank you again, Manu!! It's a great joy to know you enjoyed the read! 🙏 That's the point of the series, trying to shine a light on the amazing people who are creating in web 3, their creative process, and the challenges they face while creating. Ozlem is wonderful and I can't be more grateful for the way she opened her heart and shared so many amazing stories with us ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Thank you for this Manu, it was incredible for me and a great opportunity to express myself and my art, I am honored 🥰 🥰
Such a beautiful photo. Congrats @ozlem
Her works are amazing! ❤️ ❤️
thank you Pelin
Thanks @asha !!!. I love @ozlem , I love everything she does !!
Me too, she's amazing!! ❤️ ❤️
Thank you dear 💙
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Heyyyy great to see dear @ozlem here. Well done Asha
Thank you so much, Dilek! She's amazing, so happy I could feature her story ❤️ ❤️
thank you dear
Proud of you dear
wow! Awesome read 👌 👌 😍
So happy you enjoyed it, Agni! ❤️ ❤️
Excellent interview 🖤
Thank you so much! You saying this means the world to me 🙏 ❤️
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So interesting 😍 thanks Asha
Happy you enjoy the read, friend! 🙏
Super cool interview. It was great reading it and find out more from the backstage of @ozlem work. Congrats my dear 1000$DEGEN
Thank you so much, Alley! Really happy to know you enjoyed the read and the stories Ozlem shared. She's an amazing photographer and she has fits the whole world in her heart ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I am honored and it makes me very happy, a million thanks for the beauty you make me feel.🥰 🥰
The honor is all mine, Ozlem! A million thanks to you for putting your heart and soul into it! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ It was a real pleasure to discover the ins and outs of your creative process and your journey so far! Happy to be able to present it to the world 🙏 🫂 💙
I guess I can't find words to describe it, it's just so precious to me.🥰 🥰
great photographer awsome photos💙 very impressive. thank you dear Asha the story he told about the Syrian camp really touched me 😌 damn the war
Same here, fam! War is so unnatural, destructive and useless 😢 Happy to hear you enjoyed the read, G! Many thanks and much love ❤️ ❤️
*she