Erhan Coral

Street & TRAVEL PhotogRapher

"The pictures are there, and you just take them"
– Robert Capa

In the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, where the East meets the West in a seamless blend of cultures, I aim to find my voice as a photographer through the power of my lens.

Born and raised amidst the vibrant streets of Istanbul, I developed an early affinity for the city's dynamic atmosphere. The chaos, the harmony, and the stories embedded in the everyday lives of its inhabitants became the foundation of my photographic journey. Armed with a camera I began to explore the city's labyrinthine alleyways, honing my skills in observation and composition.

It wasn't long before I discovered the transformative power of black and white photography. Through this timeless medium, I found the ability to strip away distractions and focus on the raw emotions and narratives hidden within the subjects. Cobblestone streets, bustling bazaars, and candid interactions all came to life in shades of gray, revealing a side of Istanbul that often went unnoticed.

The heart of my work lies in my understanding of humanity. The lens captures not only faces but the essence of emotions – the wrinkles that tell stories, the laughter that transcends language, and the moments of solitude that connect us all. The images serve as a mirror, reflecting the universal experiences that bind us together, regardless of cultural backgrounds.

While Istanbul remains my muse, I have never been content to stay confined within a single frame. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity, I embarked on journeys to distant lands. From the mystical landscapes of Cappadocia to the vibrant streets of India, I sought out the beauty of diverse cultures and the uniqueness of foreign environments.

In my travels, I try to capture not only mere images, but the entire worlds. The juxtaposition of ancient traditions against modern backdrops, the convergence of human narratives, and the kaleidoscope of emotions all found their way into the frames. Through the lens, they transcended geographical boundaries, showcasing the interconnectedness of the human experience.

2024 International Photography Awards, 2 x Honorable Mention, People / Street
2024 PX3 Prix De La Photographie Paris, Silver - Travel / Tourism
2024 PX3 Prix De La Photographie Paris, Honorable Mention - Press / Sports
2024 PX3 Prix De La Photographie Paris, Honorable Mention - People, Personality
2024 PX3 Prix De La Photographie Paris, Honorable Mention - Architecture
2024 Monovisions, Honorable Mention - Travel (Two Photographs)
2024 Monovisions, Honorable Mention - Architecture
2024 One Eyeland Photo Awards, Bronze Medal
2023 Travel Photographer Of The Year, Highly Commended, Leisure & Adventure
2023 Travel Photographer Of The Year, Finalist - Visual Stories
2023 Monochrome Photography Awards, 3rd Place - Photojournalism 
2023 Monochrome Photography Awards, Honorable Mention - Street
2023 Tokyo International Photography Awards, Honorable Mention
2023 Natural Density Photography Awards, Honorable Mention - Architecture 
2023 International Photography Awards, Honorable Mention
2023 International Photography Awards, Finalist / Official Selection
2023 PX3 Prix De La Photographie Paris, Book Category Winner / Best New Talent
2023 PX3 Prix De La Photographie Paris, Silver - Press/Travel/Tourism
2023 Sony World Photography Awards, National Award Winner
2023 Sony World Photography Awards, Shortlist, Open Competition
2023 IFSAK 9th International Photo Contest, Honorable Mention
2022 MIFA, Bronze Medal, People/Culture 
2022 Monovisions, Honorable Mention - Photojournalism Category
2021 Natural Density Photography Awards, Honorable Mention - Photojournalism
2021 Good Light International Photo Contest, Honorable Mention
2020 Monovisions, Honorable Mention, Street Photography
2020 Tokyo International Foto Awards, Honorable Mention