by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 31st of July 2023

Savas Sener excels in outstanding macro photography.  He defines himself as a visual storyteller including a touch of humour from time to time. To him, it's like drawing a caricature, visualizing stories and fables like the great poet 'La Fontaine'. As an example, in his stories the cunning fox and the gluttonous baby bear have been replaced by the talkative frog and the oppressive chameleon. In many of his tales, there are sub-textual messages on real life. He cares about giving serious messages through his naive nature photos. 
Enjoy this interview and learn more about the artist behind his work.

'bending'

Briefly tell us about yourself, your hobbies and other jobs.

I was born in Avanos (Cappadocia), a beautiful town in Turkey. I have a Ph.D. on Environmental Science and Technology. I am also an EFIAP photographer, specializing in nature and macro photography. Photography started out as a hobby for me in the latter stages of my professional career, but it quickly became a passion that took over my life. I am currently an emeritus professor at the university.

I am a member of two photography associations, BUFSAD- Bursa Photography Art Association and AFFD- Afyon Phrygian Photography Association. My photographs have been published in several international newspapers and magazines, including The Telegraph, The Guardian, The New York Post, Der Spiegel, and National Geographic. I have also written technical photo-articles and detailed reviews for various photographic publications. In addition to my editorial duties, I am a trainer in the training platforms and workshops of many associations and societies.

'X-ray'

What first attracted you to photography?

Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by visual arts. Being and living in nature at the same time, is a passion for me. Photography is a hobby that forces people to move. You have to go outside the house to take pictures: either from nature or on the streets. Over time, I combined these two passions. This was the right decision for a healthy life in my later years.

'Observation'

How has your history and life experiences affected your photography?

While I was my students at the university about nature, habitat, ecology, and environmental problems, I began to use my nature and macro photographs as course material. I realized that I had a lot to tell about vital issues to the audiences through my photographs. I also came to the conclusion that it would be more effective and catchy to submit messages documented by series of photographs containing a story rather than a single photograph.
I define myself as a visual storyteller who loves to tell stories and sometimes to take humorous macros. It's like drawing a caricature. I like to write some stories and fables in my macro photos like the great poet 'La Fontaine'. For that, my childish mind is my best assistant. In my stories, the cunning fox and the gluttonous baby bear have been replaced by the talkative frog and the oppressive chameleon. Of course there are sub-textual messages on real life in these tales. I care about giving serious messages through these naive nature photos.

My goal here is to capture the viewer's attention with important messages about nature, habitat, ecology, water conservation, environmental pollution, global warming and climate change. Sometimes I also approach political issues such as the world order, human rights and freedom.
For example, the story "Me Tarzan, You Jane" is about Tarzan as famous nature activist trying to protect his forest against us, humans. But here Tarzan is a frog, sometimes a fearless hunter finding food in the forest but just enough to meet his needs, without over-consuming like humans.
Although he is the king of the jungle, he also can become a romantic lover in company of Jane, the princess. He picks flowers to win her heart.

This may sound like a joke. Unfortunately, it isn't! Please don't forget that while watching this pictures and smiling, many living things died in nature due to the pollution we, humans, have caused. Please, listen to the message.

'Me Tarzan, hunting' 

'Me Tarzan, You Jane: Romantic boy' 

Describe your overall photographic vision.

When taking a photograph, the artist has a goal in mind: a message or a story to present to the viewers. This can be about social issues, political awareness, or any idea that the artist wishes express. The same holds true for nature and macro photography. While a beautiful landscape, a vibrantly coloured flower, or a graceful butterfly can evoke pleasant emotions, incorporating a compelling story with a powerful message adds depth and sparks ideas within the audience. In this context, effective visual storytelling is just as crucial as producing high-quality photographs.

'Lucky Luke, the lonely cowboy'

Why are you so drawn by animal photography?

We, as human beings, are not alone on our planet Earth. We share our living habitat with numerous other living beings, ranging from the forests that surround us to the farm animals and pets we keep in our homes. In addition to these visible forms of life, there also exists a hidden world in nature known as the micro-cosmos, inhabited by tiny creatures. The presence of these creatures serves as a significant indicator for our own existence. If we no longer notice them in the habitats we inhabit, it signifies there is a crucial imbalance in the natural ecological equilibrium. In essence, their disappearance implies that our own extinction may be imminent as well. Therefore, the existence of these creatures is vital for our survival, and we must observe them attentively. I firmly believe that capturing their photographs is one of the most effective ways to draw attention to this issue and raise awareness among others.

'balance'

What is more important to you, the mood,/story behind your images or the technical perfection?

I believe that both elements are significant in the context of macro photography. Macro photography present certain challenges compared to other forms of photography that focus on human subjects and models. It is generally easier to perceive the story and message conveyed in photographs featuring humans. The emotions and facial expressions of human models serve as powerful expressive factors. However, in macro photography, where the subjects are small creatures lacking facial expressions, this aspect becomes irrelevant. Therefore, achieving technical perfection becomes as important as capturing the mood or story in macro photography.

'Ladybug'

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?

First and foremost, I identify myself as a scientist rather than solely as a human being. As I immerse myself in nature, I am acutely aware that I am an integral part of it and that I must abide by its laws. I firmly believe that no photograph is worth more than the life of any living being.

'Love'

Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?

Before taking a shot, I typically conduct careful observations of the natural habitats where various fauna reside, noting their specific locations and the times when they are most active. Every living being, be it butterflies or other organisms, has distinct periods of flight or living, often tied to specific months or seasons like spring or summer. When searching for living subjects, the presence of water serves as the most crucial clue and indicator. Moreover, I seek out areas with sufficient nutrients in the form of suitable flora or fauna, along with mineral availability. The presence of appropriate host plants and feeding plants, as well as a sheltered environment free from pesticides, are other essential factors I consider.

Finally, the timing and lighting conditions play a vital role in achieving a successful photo shoot. I carefully consider the right time of day and seek out suitable lighting conditions, which may involve utilizing cloudy diffused light for certain shots or capturing the subject with direct horizontal angle light. Additionally, before capturing the photograph, I meticulously plan and compose the desired image in advance. I first visualize the picture in my mind, envisioning the composition and elements I want to capture, and then strive to bring that vision to life in the actual setting. Sometimes, I find the perfect scene directly in nature, while other times I may arrange or stage elements to achieve the desired effect. Importantly, I want to emphasize that at the end of the shoot, every living creature is left unharmed and remains alive in their natural habitat.

'Singin’ in the Rain'

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?

I use Pentax APS-C DSLR camera and Tamron 90 mm macro lens for my photography. For nature shots, I keep a spare battery and memory card, Raynox DCR 250 close up lens in a small and light bag. I also use Sigma Ring Flash for some of my  shoots. I prefer to use a mono-pod, which is more practical in nature and provides convenience in walking.

'Aesthetic'

What software do you use to process your images?

I only use Photoshop software to process my images.

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?

Since I mentally envision the photograph beforehand, I minimize the need for extensive work during both the shooting and post-shooting stages. I prefer to keep editing to a minimum, focusing only on the necessary adjustments during the post-shooting digital processing phase. These adjustments typically include tasks such as noise reduction, white balance correction, exposure and highlight adjustments, as well as fine-tuning sharpness, contrast, and other elements as needed. While I value the presentation of my photographs, I aim to maintain the authenticity of the captured moment. Therefore, I often resort to cropping and flipping to enhance the composition or emphasize certain aspects within the frame.

'In balance'

What is your most important advice to a beginner in animal photography and how do you get started?

The photographer/the artist is subject to certain ethical rules as well as natural rules. Like the sanctity of life for every living thing... Another usable advice for the beginners is to work in burst mode and patiently wait for the right moment. Another important advice would be to recognize existing graphics, lines and curves in nature and adapt them to the compositions they will create. For this, it is useful to use flowers, their branches or use them in the scenes. Since light is the most important element of photography, it would be wise to use light from different directions, especially backlight, as much as possible. This is the most useful tool to create contrasts between the subject or the model and the background details and to make them popping out.

'Thirsty'

Who are your favourite photographers and more importantly, how has your appreciation of their work affected how you approach your own photography? 

When we embark on our photography journey, we often find inspiration in other photographers and strive to emulate their work. This process of imitation serves as a valuable learning experience and a means of personal growth. It is like using them as a mirror to reflect our own development. However, as time progresses, we gradually discover our own path and cultivate a unique style corresponding with our artistic vision. Eventually, others may begin to imitate our own art, and in turn, our work becomes a source of inspiration for them.

In the early stages of my macro photography journey, I have been greatly inspired by various artists whom I strive to follow. This process of inspiration and influence is a continuous and ever-evolving aspect of our artistic development. Some notable artists whom I draw inspiration from include Shikhei Goh, Andri Priyadi, Yusri Harisandi, and Thierry Dufour, whose meticulous works I closely follow on 1x. Their artistry fuels my own creativity and motivates me to explore and push the boundaries of my own macro photography.

'Signature'

Are there any specific directions that you would like to take your photography in the future or any specific goals that you wish to achieve?

Presently, I find satisfaction in engaging with macro photography, as it immerses a retired individual like myself in the wonders of nature. I am filled with enthusiasm as I embark on numerous projects and pursue my goals in this field. Rather than focusing solely on capturing individual photographs, I possess a plethora of stories in my mind that I aim to convey to adult audiences through a series of macro images. The underlying theme of these fables will revolve around the protection of nature and the challenges posed by environmental issues. Once again, it will be the small creatures that take centre stage, portraying their essential roles in these narratives.

Additionally, I remain committed to documenting the lives of traditional craftsmen and masters, capturing the essence of their arduous working conditions. With our lifestyles and production methods rapidly evolving, it becomes crucial to preserve their invaluable stories through photography. These visual records will serve as valuable documents for future generations, providing insights into our past and the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage.

Describe your favourite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you? 
There is one photograph holding a special place in my heart as it exemplifies the power of creating an immediate impact on the viewer's mind. It showcases the importance of capturing the decisive moment, where the timing of the photograph becomes crucial. Moreover, this image reinforces the notion that a captivating story can be woven within the confines of a macro photograph.

The story behind this photograph is titled "Shut Up." It delves into the narrative of a dictator who subjects the citizens to political oppression. The primary characters are the dictatorial chameleon and the hapless citizen frog. Prior to the election, the dictator lures the citizens with promises of wealth, democracy, and freedom. However, over time, the dictator forgets these commitments, keeping the impoverished citizens under his oppressive rule. To conceal his misdeeds, the dictator relies on the support of the media, who work tirelessly to manipulate the narrative. This photo has garnered significant recognition, having been featured in renowned publications such as The Telegraph, The Guardian, New York Post, and The National Geographic Magazine. It has also been honoured with numerous awards and medals in esteemed international photography competitions.

In essence, this photograph stands as a testament to the potential of visual storytelling within the realm of macro photography. Its impact has resonated with audiences worldwide, sparking discussions on political repression and the manipulation of truth.

'Shut up'

Is there anything else you wish to add and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?

In my personal opinion, 1x holds the utmost prestige and is considered the flagship platform in the world of photography and visual art. It has served as a prominent platform where several hundred of my photographs have been published and rewarded. Even to this day, I experience the same excitement and pride as I did on the very first day with each new publication. This is because my photos undergo a thorough evaluation process by numerous photography experts who deem them worthy of publication or recognition. Such an experience holds immense significance and importance to me, filling me with a profound sense of pride.

'Metamorphism'