By Heidi Trautmann

From December 3 to 11 the results of the 19th Photo Competition were shown at the Atatürk Cultural Centre, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture. A catalogue with one work of each participating art photographer, their biographies and work details were given out for free which I appreciated very much. From 375 entries by 65 artists 27 artists were chosen with finally 57 works. The first three prizes went to Giray Karahasan, Tijen Özerdağ and Tuğrul Yaşarcan but there were many others which were equally well done. Most of them were in colour although I still find black and white photography very intriguing.

There was also a series of old black and white photos – portraits and views of Lefkosa, I guess in the 50s – unfortunately the catalogue does not tell the year – by Mehmet Şik which got a special prize. Then there were beautiful landscape impressions, which tells you that the photographer has to be at the right place at the right time, he needs patience and the trained eye. Then some true masters of photography such as Lisani Otağ with his horse race photo which he calls “Horses, Legs and Soil”. People and children are still a favourite topic and nature cutouts in macro photography such as the autumn leaves by Mehmet Uluhan. The presentation of the photos was not always well done. I prefer the photos to be without frame; mount plus frame is too much. The effect of a photo just mounted on board or with a mount only is much better.

I have chosen some photos of the catalogue for you to see.