Istanbul: city of a thousand names by Alex Webb is easily one of my favourite photobooks. When I recently saw it was on sale, I leapt at the chance to purchase it. This photobook contains a collection of colour photos that show of Alex Webb’s brilliant eye and composition. The way he manages to arrange colours as well as layers is something I take great inspiration from. I whole heartedly recommend this book for anyone interested in Street photography.
A video flick through of Istanbul: City of a hundred names
Alex Webb-Istanbul from eclipse libros on Vimeo.
Alex Webb first visited Istanbul in 1998 and soon set about capturing the place. Istanbul resides between Europe and Asia and as such is the only city in the world to be in two continents. The influence of the Greek foundations, Byzantian empire and Ottoman culture lead to its status as a secular Muslim country under the influence of Mustaf Ataturk.
Alex Webb’s attributes his colours to shooting only in the golden hours when the light adds a warm glow and rich vibrant colours. These colours are deeply present in Istanbul: City of a hundred names as well as Alex’s use of layers and insights into the unique culture present in Istanbul and it will no doubt make you wish you could visit it.
Lessons from Alex Webb’s Istanbul
- Shoot in the golden hours for warm light
- Look for layers everywhere
- Spend a long time shooting in one place (Alex Webb spent five years in Istanbul)
- Fill the frame with details
- use colour to show emotion
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