"Photo Editing" through the Eyes of a Legend

The Bahçeşehir University Faculty of Communication Department of Photography and Video is hosting masters of photography under the event "Zaman Istanbul Photography Week in Türkiye." Within the scope of the event, which exhibits images of Türkiye through the lenses of 25 of the world's leading photographers, panels on the subject were held at Bahçeşehir.

At the panel, opened with a speech by Zaman newspaper photo editor Selahattin Sevi, one of the most important and remarkable names in his profession, John Godfrey Morris, the world-famous photo editor of Life and Magnum, then took the floor. Morris told the personal history of photojournalism through episodes from his own life, accompanied by photographs from the period.

Having worked with the most important photographers of the century, Morris said that Robert Capa, founder of Magnum, in particular added a lot to him in terms of photography. Stating that he was impressed by Capa's respect for his profession, his skill and especially his courage, the veteran said, "Names such as Erich Salomon, David Seymour, David Douglas Duncan and Thomas McAvoy also gave unforgettable frames to the history of photography. They kept their eras alive. I remember them all with respect."

Also explaining the finer points of photography and editing to participants, Morris said: "It is important to distinguish a good photograph from a bad one. But I still think editing is easier than photography." Stating that composition is the most important element in a photograph, J.G. Morris advised, "The only element that determines a strong or weak photograph is composition. Look at the composition, identify the main idea." Morris continued, "A photograph is evidence, but what the photograph proves is what matters."

Answering a question about how digital photography has affected photojournalism, John Morris said, "Digital photography has developed in parallel with rapidly developing technology. The only handicap is that people do not realize that taking photographs is an art. Technology has affected this art both well and badly. Its negative effect is that everyone thinks they are a photographer, and therefore there are too many bad photographs on the market. As for its positive effect: technology is a great convenience. We used to wait two or three days to print a photograph or develop a film. I am 95 years old. I look to the future with good and hopeful eyes."