Istanbul

Being summoned by the call of early morning prayers and the smell of Turkish coffee, my wanderlust awakes. 

I rise, seize the camera and within minutes find myself emerging into the hustle and bustle of daily life, strolling along the streets of Istanbul, navigating through secret  alleyways and city dust. 

Surrounded by vivid colors, a chorus of seagulls, cats, traffic, street venders, and an eclectic mix of people. 

Embraced warmly by the locals, I am invited into their hearts and homes eager to be portaited, it feels like  time itself pauses. 

My camera is clicking away, trying to capture it all.

— Dana LaMonda, 2023