An interview taken from our new digital issue. “LOVE LETTERS” by Hümeyra Demircioğlu is a poignant tribute to existence—a heartfelt anthology that captures the essence of appreciation for the simple act of living. Delving into the constant and varied expressions of love, the bonds that entwine us, the allure that surrounds us, and the muses that drive our daily lives from the mundane to the remarkable, this collection is a testament to life’s underrated moments. Chronicled through a lens aficionado’s eyes, “LOVE LETTERS” compiles evocative imagery snapped across the vibrant cityscapes of Seoul, with a portion framed within the bustling heart of Tokyo, from 2021 to 2023.
It is a true delight for Ümeyra to witness the transformation of her photographic journey from pixels to print, offering a tangible glimpse into her world of wonders.
Hümeyra, your book “Love Letters” is an intriguing combination of photography and written reflections. What inspired you to bring these two forms of expression together in this project?
I like the idea of keeping a visual diary and reliving moments and emotions through photography and writing. Photography by itself is a powerful medium. In combination with words, – impulses that are sometimes vague, other times more detailed – the image comes to life, you’ve got your actors, sounds, a plot and a backstory.
If photography is a universal language, then language itself would be my narrative. I would say it adds another layer to the emotions I want to express and evoke in others.
Could you tell us more about the significance of the book’s title, “Love Letters,” and how the concept is represented through your photos?
“Love Letters” is an attempt to capture and celebrate the beauty of all that is around. As ordinary as they may seem, these are the things that made me serenely ecstatic, like seeing elderly couples walking hand in hand, the reflection of the setting sun on the river, synchronicities, strangers who become your closest friends, close friends who become strangers, moments that feel painfully nostalgic, engaging in small talk with strangers in a language you don’t speak well.
The ability to perceive beauty (and to call it that) around me was born from a source deep within me
I can only describe it as “love,” and I could feel this source of love in everything and everybody
I encountered, alive or not. I wanted to remember this feeling, remind myself that it does indeed exist.
And so I wrote love letters to life. Paying attention makes a difference, and photography teaches you precisely that.
“Love Letters” explores the “manifestations of love, connection, and beauty.” Can you share an instance or a photograph from the book that particularly embodies this exploration for you?
Well, the cover photo would be an obvious choice. Another instance that embodies the exploration of manifestations of love, connection, and beauty would be this photo of my friend Federico. The night this photo is still deeply engraved in my memory. To provide context, I wrote something about it in the book.
“You taught me how simplicity and real human connection is the richest, most fulfilling experience one can have.” – this was his response.
For those of us struggling with mental health issues, feeling intense happiness and appreciation for life strikes us like an epiphany. It’s new, it’s exhilarating and liberating. Sharing this experience and many more unforgettable days and nights with Fede has truly enriched my experience in South Korea.
Read the full interview here:
81 photos, 54 pages 17 × 24 cm – 23 € + shipping international shipping available
Copyright © 2024 Hümeyra Demircioğlu / All rights reserved.
Photography, design and text by Hümeyra Demircioğlu @nighttmera
Cover design by Alex Bosserman @eyelidmovie
Printed in Berlin, Germany www.huemeyra.com
