Iz Üstün
Born in Antalya in 1992, Iz began his journey into photography in 2008 as a high school student. Influenced by his mother, a painter with a strong passion for visual arts, he was encouraged to attend a photography course with her. Initially drawn to the power of holding a camera, Iz developed a deep connection to the art form.
In 2010, he began his bachelor's degree with aspirations of becoming a businessman in the shipping industry. However, during his college years, he realized that his true path might lie elsewhere. The pivotal moment came during the Gezi protests in Istanbul, which unfolded during his senior year. Immersed in the energy and intensity of the movement, he documented the protests with his camera, igniting a passion for visual storytelling.
After the protests ended, he transitioned into commercial photography, working in Istanbul with clients from various industries, including business magazines, stock agencies, boutiques, and real estate firms. Alongside his commercial work, he continued pursuing his passion for documentary photography.
In 2018, he relocated to Essen, Germany, where he continues his photography practice, working across the North Rhine-Westphalia region while still dedicating time to his documentary projects.