Photography Club Trek to Buyukçekmece

Entrance to the Sancaklar Mosque, Buyukçekmece

Our photography club visited the soon-to-be opened Sancaklar Mosque, in the Buyukçekmece district of Istanbul. Unfortunately, it was hosing down with rain for most of the morning, but we persevered anyway.

There is no minaret for the mosque,only this tower above ground

This, the very first underground mosque, won first place in the World Architecture Fest competition for religious places. Its design is meant to merge the essence of Islamic and Ottoman concepts with modernity. Sancaklar Mosque was inspired by the Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad is said to have received God's message.

Inside the mosque

Sancaklar Mosque, built by the Turkish architect Emre Arolat, is 1200 square meters in size, and seven meters underground. It is lit by thin tubes of lights, and skylights for natural light, to give a quiet, spiritual environment.

The only decoration is this calligraphy on a shiny black background

The mosque has an interesting roof structure

After leaving the mosque, we continued to explore the area. It is a fascinating glimpse into bygone days. The weather was also beginning to clear, thankfully!

A statue of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent (1495-1566)

During Süleyman's reign, the Ottoman empire was at its highest peak of grandeur and prosperity. Soon after his death, the empire began its decline.

Büyükçekmece Sultan Süleyman Bridge (built 1566-1567)

The bridge, which was called the Four Brothers because of its four distinct parts, is 636 metres long with twenty eight arches. It was built by that great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who is said to have remarked, “This is the masterpiece among my buildings”.

The rounded arches of the bridge

The minaret of the Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Mosque

Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Mosque (1567), was also built by Mimar Sinan for the Prime Minister of the time, Sokulla Mehmet Pasha. This mosque is famous for its minaret, which was hewn from a single piece of stone. The only other example of this is in Egypt. Unfortunately, because of modern additions, the mosque itself is unremarkable.

The mosque's fountain, where worshipers wash before prayers

Statue of the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan

Buyukçekmece Caravanserai (The leaded Han)

This was the nearest lodging place to Istanbul for the traders who travelled the old Silk Road, that linked Asia to Europe in the 16th century.  Originally, the roof was completely covered with lead, so it became known as the Kurşunlu Han (the Leaded Han). After falling into disuse, the han was renovated in 1985-1987, and is now being used as a centre for culture and the arts.

As we were leaving Büyükçekmece, these two children ran up to me and begged me to take their photo. So here they are, two children from Büyükçekmece.

by Elizabeth Coughlan

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, New Mexico

On this day, Juliana and I visited the Farmers' Market in Santa Fe, before meeting up with Pamela for our day's outing. It was fun wandering around and seeing everything on offer. The market is held every Saturday morning in the rail yard, and is very popular.

The Lavender Lady, selling sachets of lavender, among other things, at the Farmers' Market

I was amazed at the size of these Kohlrabi,

the smaller ones are the normal size!

I loved this healthy-looking hand-made bread!

After exploring the delights of the market, we met up with Pamela and Buckley to drive to the bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge, near Taos.

After driving for a while, we saw this sign, and couldn't resist investigating.

We decided we needed some of the group therapy that was on offer. 

From the left, me, Pamela, and Juliana.

Just a little more wine-tasting before we were back on the road again.

Although we passed through Taos, we were unable to visit the Indian Pueblos as they were closed for "Quiet Time". So we carried on to the Rio Grande Gorge. Wow, the bridge is an amazing sight! At 650 feet (nearly 200 metres) above the river, and with a span of 1,289 feet (393 metres), I can see why it was deemed "The Most Beautiful Bridge", in the long-span category, by the American Institute of Steel Construction. And the views are stunning too!

The bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge,

with the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the background.

The view of the gorge to the north

The view of the gorge to the south

While we were on the bridge, we were entertained 

by this very accomplished guitar playing singer

There is no settlement around the bridge, 

so this entrepreneur has a great idea. Is this "food to go"?

As you can see from the photos, the weather was closing in. So we returned to Taos for a leisurely, and delicious, lunch, before returning to Santa Fe. This state of New Mexico is an absolute gem. And one well worth returning to, as we have really only scratched the surface of all it has to offer. Thank you, once again, Pamela!

by Elizabeth Coughlan

AWAI Stock Photography Workshop, Paris Day4&5

A rainy evening in Paris

On day four, it was our turn to shoot the models in the apartment, which was just as well as it was raining. Here, Lise and Louis were there to help us. We learned about studio lighting and how to use reflectors to get the light exactly where we needed it.

Our first models were partners, so their interaction was playful, 

which helped a lot for getting ideas for our shoot.

Our other model was the beautiful Alison, 

who was so lovely and easy to work with. 

Each of us was given the opportunity to be in charge of the shoot; to direct the models and set the scene. It was quite challenging to think of how to set the scene on the spur of the moment! Lise gave us a good tip for the future. She keeps a notebook where she jots down ideas before a shoot, so she can get down to work quickly.

We tried shooting Alison in a small mirror, 

but the reflections were difficult

So we moved to a larger mirror, which was much better

That evening, Valerie and I went out to shoot Paris at sunset.

 These are the locks that lovers have attached to 

a bridge over the Seine

One side of the bridge was full of locks,

so they have started on the other side

We were taking photos of the setting sun...

...when we turned around in time to see the sun

shining on the Notre Dame Cathedral

We were getting some interesting shots, when it began to rain, so we took shelter under the awning of a nearby cafe. We hadn't thought about rain, so I had only taken my camera and tripod, and Valerie only had 15 Euro with her. We then had to decide whether to buy umberallas or wine? Umberellas or wine? ...and plumped for the wine. The rain then came down in torrents and we had to wait for a break in the weather to make a run for it back to the hotel. We got soaked, but managed to save our cameras by tucking them under our t-shirts.

Rain on a window in Paris

On day five , after all the practical work of the week, we had the opportunity to ask questions of Lise, Shelly and Louis. We also heard how we could take  a giant step forward in in finding success in our stock photography businesses. I learned such valuable lessons during the AWAI Paris Stock Photography Workshop, that I cannot thank the team enough. Shelly, Lise, Louis, and Bonnie, you were all amazing. I had the happiest time. And John and Mimi, your hospitality was second top none. I am off out to shoot some more now. Wish me luck!