Bellingham traveler captures a Gypsy moment in Istanbul

DAVID K. SCHERRER – FOR WHATCOM MAGAZINE

FOR WHATCOM MAGAZINE

Bellingham photographer David K. Scherrer and his partner, Susan Bennerstrom, visited Istanbul, Turkey, in 2009. Here’s how Scherrer describes how the photo he calls “Gypsy” came about:

“Susan and I were walking near the west side of the old Constantinople wall. We came across a large area of partially destroyed houses off to one side, perhaps earthquake damage from years ago.

I noticed off in the distance this interesting composition of (cross-like) shapes in the structure of the wall. Then the clothesline of color leading into the shapes. I knew if I used a telephoto lens it would compress the elements and make it all fit better.

I had no idea as I was working the camera that this 17th-century-looking Gypsy woman would walk out through the carpeted door just as I was composing the shot. … She turned her head, revealing the tassels in her headpiece, beautiful … this was the real deal.”

via Whatcom Magazine.

Turkey portfolio :