Tales of Istanbul: Holy Prestige

During my time living in Istanbul from 2013 to 2018, I frequently embarked on photo walks with my friends Jason Eskenazi and Arjen Zwart. Together, we explored the city’s hidden corners during the golden hour, always on the hunt for the perfect shot and the best Turkish coffee. Eventually, I stumbled upon a spot at the entrance of Eminönü Mosque, where worshippers emerged after prayer—offering ideal lighting for dark background portraits. While I can’t recall exactly how many times I patiently waited for the right moments at this location, I returned repeatedly over several weeks, striving to capture the perfect images for this collage.

Initially, a collage wasn’t how I envisioned executing this artwork, but as the process unfolded, it became the best way to represent that spiritual connection, tradition, and cycle of life.

Holy Prestige is a collage of eight black-and-white photographs capturing conservative women as they pass through a single location while leaving Eminönü Mosque during the golden hour, between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Why Hands-On Workshops Are Essential for Photographers

I recently led a two-day workshop during Photo Festival Tampere at the Tampere Photography Society's darkroom. The workshop focused on the fundamentals of silver gelatin printing and explored the preparation of digital negatives tailored for darkroom conditions.

The most rewarding aspect of teaching is witnessing students grasp something new. Each workshop not only allows me to share my knowledge but also gives me the chance to learn from my students. Coming together with creative minds to exchange stories and insights makes hands-on workshops truly fulfilling. That’s what fuels my passion for conducting workshops and lectures.

In December, I’ll be organizing a two-day workshop at the Tampere Photography Center's darkroom. This advanced workshop will delve deeper into creative silver gelatin printing techniques and the preparation of digital negatives for darkroom conditions. Stay tuned for more details coming soon.

Tales of Istanbul: The Black Dog Chronicle

Eleven years ago, I embarked on a journey to Istanbul, driven by a desire to immerse myself in a long-term project that would hone my skills as a photographer and help me discover a workflow that truly reflected my inner self. My passion far exceeded my skills, and I found myself eager to capture every moment that crossed my path. It took time to realize that I needed to learn the art of patience, to observe quietly and wait until the moment was right.

This lesson crystallized when I set out to photograph the black dog. For a week, I returned to the same spot at Süleymaniye Mosque, writing my thoughts in my journal, waiting with calm breath for the dog to walk into the perfect frame near the edge of the roof. Day after day, the dog roamed, never quite where I needed it to be. But on the seventh day, as I sat on the mosque’s lookout, pen in hand, I saw the dog moving slowly, and I knew—this was the moment.

The light was just right, and as the dog passed through the frame, I closed my eyes and gently pressed the shutter of my old Polaroid Land Camera. In that instant, I felt a deep connection to my art, knowing deep down that I had captured something special.

Tales of Istanbul: A Man in the Ferry

In the early mornings, I’d head out alone with my camera, finding a rhythm that felt like mine. It was during these solo walks that I really started to get the hang of photography. The quiet gave me a sense of peace, and I realized I didn’t need music to guide me—just the stillness that helped me truly see. Even now, when I’m in my studio, setting up the lighting for a shot, I crave that same quiet, a space to really connect with what I’m photographing. I used to think that music, especially jazz, was my go-to inspiration. But now, I get that it’s actually the silence that brings the image to life for me.

This picture came from one of those calm mornings, on a ferry to Eminönü. I spotted an old man, fast asleep, all by himself. The ferry was gliding along, and I was there to capture a moment frozen in time—a lonely man dreaming, with the changing scenery gently passing by behind him.

The best pictures I have ever taken were captured in the silence.

Digital Negative Workshop @ Tampere, Finland 2024

Esa Ylijaasko will be organizing a two-day workshop during Photo Festival Tampere at the Tampere Photography Center's darkroom. The workshop will cover the basics of silver gelatin printing and delve into the preparation of digital negatives for darkroom conditions.

The course will help you discover new ways to work with digital photography.

You can apply for workshop from the link below.

THE NEW BEGINNING

It's been a long journey since I graduated from the College of Arts in 2010. My path has taken me around the world—from working as a newspaper photographer in Temuco, Chile, to documenting the lives of Syrian refugees in the Süleymaniye neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. Today, I am renovating my dream house in my small hometown in Lapland, Finland.

The global pandemic changed our lives, and it also transformed the way I think about my artwork. I've been quiet about my creative process for years, but now it's time to share my methods and what happens behind the scenes. I will also share background stories from my older works and showcase some unseen pieces in the future.

Welcome to follow my journey.

Workshop #01

Luovan valokuvauksen keskus ja valokuvataiteilija Ylijaasko järjestävät Galleria Ratamon pimiössä kaksi päivää kestävän workshopin jossa käydään läpi hopeagelatiini vedostamisen perusteita ja syvennytään digitaalisen negatiivin valmistamiseen pimiö olosuhteisiin.

Workshop järjestetään 7.10.-8.10.2022.

Tämä workshop on auki 10 osallistujalle. Ilmoittautumisia otetaan vastaan 6.10.2022 asti.

Tämä kurssi auttaa sinua löytämään uudenlaisia tapoja työstää digitaalista valokuvaa.

Kurssi soveltuu aloittelijoille sekä kokeneille.

Kurssin hinta on 65€ sis. ALV

Ilmoittautumiset info@luovake.fi

FLASH PRINT SALE

I am offering a unique opportunity to purchase signed fine art photographic prints on the theme of ‘The Sleeping Giant’. For one week only, prints will be available for just 80€ EACH.

Each 20x25cm photograph is printed by Epson UltraChrome archival inks on archival fine art Museo Portfolio Rag paper by the artist himself. Backed and sleeved in archival materials. All prints come with a certificate of authenticity. 

The sale begins on Sunday, February 2, 2020 at 02:20 PM and concludes on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 02:20 PM.

Orders could reserve by direct message in Instagram, and by mail contact@ylijaasko.com

The prints will be sent to buyers using the international postal service, and will take between two to three weeks from the end of the sale to arrive. Shipping is not included in the offer price.

A Mule in Grans Sasso, Italy 2016.