Today we’d like to introduce you to Efe Ersoy.
Hi Efe, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Bursa, Türkiye, where I studied psychology, but photography wasn’t always part of my life. Everything changed when I stumbled upon film photography and discovered an entirely different way of seeing the world. Until then, I had never experienced the process of creating photographs that demanded patience, intention, and trust. The idea that every frame carried a cost, that you couldn’t immediately see the result, and that imperfections were part of the final image fascinated me. What began as curiosity quickly became a passion.
Without any formal education in photography, I taught myself through countless rolls of film, mistakes, books, conversations with other photographers, and, most importantly, by simply going out and photographing. Film became more than a medium—it became the way I learned to observe. It encouraged me to slow down, to embrace uncertainty, and to appreciate moments that often go unnoticed.
In 2021, I moved to Lisbon, Portugal, seeking a new chapter in my life. Living in a different country inevitably shaped both my perspective and my photography. Wandering unfamiliar streets with a camera became my way of understanding my surroundings and finding a sense of belonging. Over the years, what started as a deeply personal practice gradually opened unexpected doors: exhibitions, publications, awards, collaborations, and the opportunity to meet inspiring people through photography.
Today, I still consider myself a student of the medium. Every roll of film reminds me that photography is less about chasing perfect images and more about remaining curious. That curiosity is what continues to guide my work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
To be honest, photography itself has been a surprisingly smooth journey. I think that’s because I’ve never approached it as a competition. I rarely compare myself to other photographers or worry about where I “should” be by a certain age. Instead, I’ve always focused on developing my own way of seeing and making photographs that feel true to me. That mindset has allowed me to enjoy the process without constantly chasing external validation.
The more challenging road has been my professional life. I studied political science before moving into psychology, later found myself fully immersed in photography, and today I work in an entirely different field while still trying to understand where all these experiences might eventually lead me. There have been moments of uncertainty, but I’ve learned that not every path has to be linear.
Film photography also teaches patience in practical ways. While the cost of film has become a challenge for many photographers, I’ve been fortunate to build a collection of film stocks over the years. Interestingly, I now shoot less than I used to—not because I’ve lost enthusiasm, but because I’ve become more intentional. I’m more selective with each frame, and perhaps a little more of a perfectionist than when I first started.
Despite all of that, one thing hasn’t changed. Every time I walk out the door with one of my cameras, I still feel the same childlike excitement I felt when I first discovered film photography. I hope I never lose that feeling, because I think it’s the reason I continue to make photographs.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I still feel that my work is in a phase of discovery, and I hope it always will be. One of the things I enjoy most about photography is that it constantly reminds me there is still something new to learn, notice, or question.
I work almost exclusively with analogue film, primarily creating portraits and quiet everyday scenes that explore colour, atmosphere, and memory. I often describe myself as a “colour collector” because I’m fascinated by the way film interprets light differently from our own eyes. Rather than trying to document reality exactly as it is, I’m interested in preserving how a moment feels.
Alongside my personal projects, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate in many different ways. My photographs have accompanied articles and stories, appeared as album artwork for musicians, documented exhibitions, been used by artists and creative brands, and allowed me to photograph portraits, weddings, family celebrations, and other meaningful moments. I enjoy moving between artistic and commissioned work because each teaches me something different.
For now, Instagram has become my main portfolio while I continue building my website, which is still a work in progress. I see it as another step in shaping how I present my work and connect with people who discover it.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a single photograph or achievement, but the fact that I’ve remained authentic to the way I see the world. I never felt the need to follow trends or chase a particular style simply because it was popular. Instead, I’ve tried to build a body of work that feels genuinely my own. If there is something that sets me apart, I hope it’s that sense of curiosity, patience, and sincerity that runs through every roll of film I shoot.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always a curious person. I enjoyed asking questions, observing people, and trying to understand what shaped the way they thought and felt. Looking back, I think that curiosity eventually led me to study psychology, but it has also influenced everything else I’ve become interested in, especially photography and writing.
I’ve never been someone who felt the need to speak the loudest. I’ve always preferred listening, watching, and noticing the small details that often go unnoticed. Whether through a conversation, a photograph, or a written page, I’ve always been drawn to stories—particularly the quiet ones.
Over the years, writing has become just as meaningful to me as photography. I contribute to photography magazines, keep journals, and recently I’ve found great joy in interviewing other photographers. There’s something deeply rewarding about creating a space where people can reflect on their own journeys and share what drives them creatively. In many ways, those conversations teach me as much as any book or photograph ever could.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more selective—not only with the photographs I make, but also with my thoughts, my words, and the things I choose to dedicate my time to. I don’t see that as becoming more serious; rather, I think I’ve simply become more intentional. Yet one thing has remained unchanged: my curiosity. It’s still the force behind almost everything I do, and I hope it always will be.
Pricing:
- Pricing available upon request
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ef.ersoy/
- Other: https://brightartgallery.com/product/efe-ersoy/
