When I stepped out of the airport and a cool breeze embraced me, I can’t tell you how good it felt on my skin. Then a few days later, it rained and I thought to myself, ‘I never have to go back to the hot soup of Dubai weather again.’ Nope. Cool breeze in quiet London park below.
As far as I am concerned, I already won! A bit of background. Every year, the San Diego Fair has a photography contest. From my understanding many photographers from all over the world participate in this somewhat prestigious event. If I am in town in the summer, I am at the Fair. And the one thing I want to do at the Fair (besides eat chocolate covered bacon) is to go to the photography exhibition and see all of the images. I entered some photos many years ago and didn’t make it beyond the first round. But always in my heart,…
I found that with Morocco, some parts were hectic while others were calm… and everything in between. This is an incredibly diverse land that has something to offer everyone. If it’s not on your bucket list, it really should be. Below is a video I created about Morocco; compiled from all of my videos and recordings. I tried a couple of new techniques and the video is just over four minutes. I think that is pretty good considering I was there for just under two weeks. Please do enjoy!
It is Ramadan right now in Istanbul. Iftar (breaking the fast) is a religious observance and it happens at the evening call to prayer. The fasting during this month lasts all day; no food, no water. When that evening call to prayer comes, people come together as a community to break the fast (Iftar). So as you watch the small video below, try to imagine families and friends getting together after a long day with no food or drink to enjoy a good meal.
Sometimes I compare Istanbul to a beautiful shark; always on the move, never resting. As a result, the city can be loud as people go from place to place. This noise is part of the fabric of this city and oddly, one of the things I will miss the most. The video below was recorded on a street very close to my own. If you have a little over four minutes to spare, I hope that as you listen, you can picture yourself in Istanbul… enjoying the tapestry of sounds.
A ferry in the distance, a plane overhead. A couple having tea and a group of young men hanging around, enjoying the view along with everyone else. Small waves full of jellyfish rolling through time. Cement sidewalks wet with drops from splashes against the rocks. It is one of the reasons that Istanbul is so magical. In so many big and small ways, the Bosphorus is Istanbul. The attack last Saturday on İstiklal Avenue shook me up. Not just because it happened in a place that I have walked often, a short distance from my apartment, but because I don’t…
I recently visited the city of Edirne, Turkey. It is about a 2 1/2 hour bus ride heading north from Istanbul. It is known for the Selimiye Mosque which was designed by Sinan. It is spectacular. Just stunning. My photos DO NOT capture it. Also, there are several churches as well as The Grand Synagogue. It is an interesting and quiet city. I took along my new voice recorder and recorded evenings prayers among other sounds. I like this recording device. It gives me a different perspective when capturing a moment. Sometimes, it is better to just close your eyes…
In this crowded and sometimes chaotic city, this was a beautiful spectacle:
On Saturday, I visited Eminönü. In Istanbul, if you have visited the Spice Bazaar, you know where it is. Eminönü is what I refer to as ‘The Maze of Mass humanity’. This place is crowded. Not only is Eminönü a transportation hub (think buses, trams, cars, and ferries), it is also a massive shopping area where a person can buy just about anything. I am not exaggerating when I say this. It’s my go-to place for baked goods but that is the very tip of the iceberg. So if you come to Istanbul, Eminönü is a place to see. However, try to get…
With the rebrand of this site, my goal is to put all of my Istanbul footage onto this blog. I am still an amateur with the video making but I hope you enjoy these anyways!!! Seagulls on the Bosphorus “Madama Butterfly: Un bel di vedremo” by Maria Callas Chora Church Music by Zero 7 ‘When it Falls’
traveling with claire 