Diva Exclusive: June 2014

This month Diva Magazine releases an exclusive issue celebrating its 11th anniversary. As one of the most read lifestyle magazines of society, Diva has many successful milestones. And on this exclusive issue, I am very honored to be photographing the VIP interviews.

The first interview was with Haluk Ozyavuz, the successful businessman with a very distinctive gourmet taste. We had the photo-shoot in his mansion along with magnificent sea-food specialties cooked by him. It was a great pleasure to meet him and his lovely family. Our second interview was with talented Mahru Gürel, the member of famous Gürel Family. Besides her very busy schedule, she took her time off for the photo-shoot we held in Swissotel. Her sincerity and attractiveness was one of a kind. I feel very lucky to know her. And our final interview was with Basar Karcioglu, the owner of Kar Construction Group. He was very warm and welcoming at the photo-shoot which took place in Kar Residence.

Once again, I would like to thank the Diva Magazine for providing me this unique opportunity of incredibly joyful experience in their exclusive issue. Diva Exclusive will be available in stores on June 20th.

Exhibition Conception & Design

Getting ready for an exhibition is like working on a world-tour. The only difference is that you meet your audience once, and all the effort you spend becomes a relief on the opening night.

Revelation is my fourth exhibition; and unlike the previous ones, this time it's in Istanbul. This journey began with my visit to Ishtar Gate, located in the holly lands of Antu. By some ancient era theorists, it is assumed to be the place where humanity began. The secrets of our being and mysterious Anunnaki connection is said to lie over these lands. So, this was the inspiration for the concept of my new exhibition. Everything starts with a concept. A story with integrity, which outlines the nature and tonality of your work. Then comes working on details, like the cast, costumes, accessories, hair and make-up styles reflecting the concept. I usually sketch the frames on my mind before grabbing my camera for the photo-shoot. I believe this works well to discuss the above contents with different members of the crew, in order to get the right reflection for the final output. 

PPMs are important milestones for the exhibition. I usually have 3 major meetings; first one with the costume designer and stylist. In this one, I share the concept on my mind, and decide on the right kind of garments and accessories. Then comes the cast selection. I usually choose among the faces and bodies, that I believe best fits the story that I want to reflect. Then I search for the right spots, indoor or outdoor, for the photo-shoot. And the final meeting is with the whole team, preparing the line-up and discussing photo-shoot details. It's an exciting journey that keeps you busy for almost a month or more, depending on the complexity of the project.

Aperture Magazine on Orhan Gonen

This year has been an amazing one from both personal and business perspective. I had the opportunity to meet with wonderful people dedicated to their cause and have a great heart. For me, the year started with long distance travels on multinational projects along with getting ready for my first retroperspective exhibition, Variations. There's been an intense press interest on the exhibition; from local to international media.

Aperture is one of the few favorite magazines of mine representing latest design and photography trends. When Jules Moore contacted me for an interview request, I was so excited. But when I learned that they want to use this interview as a cover story, it was even more flattering. What a wonderful way of closing a year, filled with unique emotions and acclaimed business success.

This month on Aperture, you can have a look at my exclusive interview by Jules Moore on conceptual design and photography.