I Find Inspiration Everywhere — A Conversation with Helin Bereket

Visuals courtesy of © Helin Bereket

Photography · Antakly Projects · Berlin

Helin Bereket

Istanbul · Architecture · Berlin Weißensee Art School · Since 2013

Turkish-born photographer and content creator based in Berlin since 2008. Architecture student turned visual artist — her camera captures travel, texture and the small observations that accumulate into a life's work.

Collaborated with Samsung Nikon Audi Swatch

Travel Architecture Content Creation Berlin

the photographer

Inspirations

Your greatest inspirations or influences?

"There are quite a few things that inspire me — travel, architecture, landscapes, art, design, music. But most of all, my own life. Even as a child, I loved to observe everything around me, and I still do. Every place, every moment I experience, all experiences trigger thoughts that I then express in my work."

the process

Creative process

Tell us about your creative process.

"My works are a mixture of things that are on my bucket list, things that I create and things that I stumble upon. The process depends on why I photograph."

Planned For collaborations: one strong idea, researched, executed precisely

Travel Bucket list locations, no plan — time, presence, perspective

Spontaneous Something interesting — stop, see it, shoot it

"My photography is my way of expression and adapts to my life. I find inspiration everywhere."

2020 and beyond

How has this year changed your creativity?

"In 2020, since I couldn't travel as much, I focused on other styles — like self-portraits or still life photos. I even photographed my food, which was unimaginable for me a few years ago. I don't set any limits for myself."

"I am definitely looking forward to travelling more often over the next few years."

Icons

Who do you consider to be an icon of our time?

"No-one. I really believe that we don't need icons. Every person is unique and the key is getting rid of your insecurities and discovering the power in yourself. The rest comes by itself."

On the art world

"I think art should be accessible to everyone — and that's what I love about social media. Nowadays it's very easy to showcase your work and reach out to other people."

"And I think when people believe that art is no longer simply produced for some collectors or rich people, they will understand and appreciate it better."

Wellbeing

What does wellbeing mean to you?

"Being satisfied with yourself and your life however you live it."

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About Antakly Projects

Antakly Projects — originally Ninu Nina — has been in conversation with photographers, artists, designers and creatives from across the world since 2003.

Explore Helin's work at helinbereket.com and follow her at @helinbereket

Explore the full archive →

And for the personal rants, opinions you didn't ask for, and the occasional existential spiral: follow me on Substack.

I find inspiration everywhere. ✦