Over the winter I wandered across the countryside photographing anything that caught my eye, including many of Turkey’s animals. My friends are used to my habit, and while locals often raise an eyebrow, they just shrug and pretend not to know the slightly eccentric Englishwoman who can take hundreds of photos in a day to get the one that feels right. Thank goodness for digital cameras—if this were the film era, my hobby would be extremely costly.
This photo essay is a small tribute to the animals who have had my zoom lens unexpectedly in their faces. I always carry a camera, whether a compact point-and-shoot or my Fuji FinePix with a stronger zoom. Some shots are spontaneous, caught in a single moment, while others are the result of seeking out a particular scene or subject.
I’d also like to thank the many photo blogs and forums that have taught me useful tips; I hope some of those lessons are visible in these images. If you’re a fellow photographer and have tips for capturing animals in natural settings, I’d love to read your suggestions in the comments.
Photos of animals in the country of Turkey
A pigeon, I think—spotted at a lakeside restaurant on the edge of Bafa Lake.
This street cat seemed happy to pose for the camera. Taken in Yalıkavak.
A duck trying to enjoy an afternoon siesta, photographed in the village of Herakleia.
Keeping dogs as household pets is less common in Turkey, so this lucky dog really seems to be living the life of Riley.
This tortoise clearly wanted to be left in peace.
This rooster gave me a fright—such a dramatic presence!
A shot from the Didyma Horse Safari—these horses were magnificent.
Something odd happened with this next frame—either the image glitched or there are supersized camels roaming Turkey.
See more photos from around Turkey in my gallery.