2 Anadolu photojournalists among 25 received awards in various categories in Istanbul

By Ozlem Limon

ISTANBUL (AA) – Twenty-five photojournalists, including two from the Turkish international wire service Anadolu, were honored with "FOTON Photographer of the Year Awards" in various categories at a ceremony held in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The Turkish Photo Organizations Association (FOTON) held its 5th annual "FOTON Photographer of the Year Awards" in Istanbul on Saturday.

"Photo Exhibition of the Year" award was given to the Anadolu's 10th Anniversary Exhibition, which took place in June and marked a significant milestone for the news agency.

Sebnem Coskun and Ozge Elif Kizil, both Anadolu photojournalists, were named "Documentary Photographer of the Year" and "News Reportage Photographer of the Year," respectively, for their outstanding work.

During the ceremony, FOTON Board Member Tanin Helvaci highlighted the organization's history since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Helvaci emphasized plans for 2025, saying, "Every week in 2025 is fully booked." Photo marathons will be held in 20 cities, as well as international events.

Izzet Keribar, a renowned Turkish photographer who holds the distinguished "AFIAP" and "EFIAP" titles awarded by the International Federation of Photographic Art, received the prestigious "FOTON Special Award of the Year."

Other notable awards presented at this year’s ceremony included recognition for achievements in a variety of photography genres, showcasing the diverse talent within the industry.

At this year's ceremony, the following photojournalists received awards in different categories:

- Lifetime Honor Award: Tahsin Aydogmus
- Astrophotographer of the Year: Betul Turksoy
- Birth/Baby Photographer of the Year: Dilek Karamusaoglu
- Drone Photographer of the Year: Ekrem Sahin
- Wedding Photographer of the Year: Ferda Nil Arslan
- Stage Photographer of the Year: Zeynep Golgesiz
- Bird Photographer of the Year: Ercan Uc
- Landscape Photographer of the Year: Aytek Cetin
- Fashion Photographer of the Year: Semih Palanci
- Portrait Photographer of the Year: Ozan Guzelce
- Advertising Photographer of the Year: Cengiz Yanik
- Travel Photographer of the Year: Velit Gazel
- Street Photographer of the Year: Serkan Tekin
- Sports Photographer of the Year: Ozan Emre Oktay
- Food Photographer of the Year: Funda Gulturk
- Conceptual Photographer of the Year: Ersin Berk
- Photography Publisher of the Year: Photoline
- Institution Adding Value to Photography Award: Orhan Holding
- Social Responsibility Award: Fadime Aygun
- Young Talent of the Year: Ahmet Dagdelen

* Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul