He told his story through ‘photography’

Efe Özçataloğlu, a student in the Department of Visual Communication Design at Izmir University of Economics (IUE), crowned his long-standing passion for photography with a special exhibition titled ‘almost 20’. Opening his first solo exhibition with 80 portraits of artists living in Istanbul, Özçataloğlu received great appreciation from art enthusiasts. Özçataloğlu, who began his photography journey at the age of 15 when his family bought him a camera, and has continually developed his skills to transition into a professional career, said, “This exhibition was part of my special coming-of-age story at 20. I aim to continue this story with new achievements.”

Efe Özçataloğlu (20), a second-year student in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Visual Communication Design at IUE, stated that he wants to continue working in photography and open new exhibitions. Mentioning that he received a lot of positive feedback from the exhibition held at Bant Mag. Havuz in Istanbul on April 11–27, Özçataloğlu said that his love for photography also played a significant role in choosing his university major.

 “PHOTOGRAPHY PULLED ME IN”

Özçataloğlu said: “Everything started when I got introduced to a camera at the age of 15. It was a time when I hadn’t yet decided what to do in the future, when I had worries and was searching for dreams about what lay ahead. I loved taking photos. My interest in photography grew rapidly. It started as a simple love and curiosity, but over time, photography pulled me in. I felt very good and completely free when I was taking pictures. Creating the composition needed for photography, meeting new people through it, and focusing on different areas was amazing. I still feel these emotions strongly.”

“I'M IN THE RIGHT PLACE”

Özçataloğlu continued as follows: “Photography has been at the center of my life since high school. That also influenced my university choice. I believed that receiving a design education would help me advance in photography and that I would enjoy studying this major, so I decided to study visual communication design. I thought Izmir University of Economics would be the most suitable place for this, and I’m glad I made that decision. I truly feel like I’m in the right place. Right now, I work as a professional photographer and also earn income by participating in various events. Photography means living life and being part of it. Every time I hold a camera, I feel that clearly. For my exhibition in Istanbul, I focused mostly on portraits. I contacted artists from different disciplines and photographed them in their homes or studios. I can say it was an exhibition that combined fashion and portrait photography. Firsts are unforgettable, and I will never forget this first exhibition of mine. It was a part of my special coming-of-age story at 20. I aim to continue this story with new achievements.”