For Su Mustecaplioglu, photography isn’t merely a profession; it’s a lifelong passion born from a teenage fascination with the medium. Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Su’s journey into photography began at just 15, when she transformed her bedroom walls into a makeshift gallery with clippings from photography magazines. Encouraged by her family, she held her first solo exhibition in secondary school, marking the start of a remarkable career.
Today, Su is a celebrated photographer based in New York, specialising in the intersection of fashion and fine art photography. Her work is a harmonious blend of cultural storytelling and visual artistry, shaped by her early inspirations, including the iconic Edward Weston, whose black-and-white photograph of a bell pepper redefined her understanding of the transformative power of photography.
In October 2024, Su released her first book, CHROMA, a stunning compilation of images captured on the pristine beaches of Salalah, Oman. The project, featuring temporary installations made of colourful fabrics, was both a creative exploration and a homage to the natural beauty of Salalah. “I chase light for a living,” Su says, reflecting on her deep connection with the art form.
Su’s love affair with Salalah began long before CHROMA. Having visited the destination 11 times, she describes it as a place unlike any other. “There’s a peacefulness here that is unique to this land,” she shares. From its lush mountains to the vast deserts, cascading waterfalls, and azure oceans, Salalah offers an unparalleled diversity of landscapes.
The charm of Salalah goes beyond its natural beauty. Su praises the kindness and warmth of the Omani people, noting their gentle hospitality as a defining characteristic. “It’s hard to compare Salalah with other places I’ve visited. It has a soul that feels both serene and deeply enriching,” she says.
Her father, Mehmet Mustecaplioglu, resides in Hawana, Salalah, adding a personal connection to the destination that continues to draw her back.
Su’s career straddles two worlds: fashion photography and fine art. For her, fashion is more than an industry; it’s a mirror to culture and a means of self-expression. She thrives on the collaborative essence of fashion photography, describing it as an opportunity to “create a world rather than just witness it.”
Her fine art photography, on the other hand, is a deeply personal exploration. She crafts and photographs temporary sculptures and installations, often set against the backdrop of nature. Through these works, she pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling, infusing her images with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Reflecting on the evolution of photography, Su acknowledges both the promises and challenges of the medium. “Photography is relatively young, yet none of us can imagine life without it,” she notes. With advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, she sees endless potential for creative innovation.
While Su is the only photographer in her family, her mother’s talent as a painter and sculptor has undoubtedly influenced her artistic sensibilities. “Art has always been a part of my life,” she says, crediting her upbringing for nurturing her creative instincts.
With 29 countries under her belt, Su’s wanderlust is insatiable. Each journey fuels her creativity and expands her artistic horizons. Yet, among all her travels, Salalah remains a place of profound inspiration—a sanctuary where art, nature, and culture converge in perfect harmony.
As Su continues to chase light and craft mesmerising images, Salalah holds a special place in her heart, serving as both a muse and a refuge. For her, it’s not just a destination but a source of endless wonder—a reminder of the transformative power of photography and the beauty of seeing the world through a creative lens.
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