F. Dilek Yurdakul is a travel and documentary photographer from Turkey, renowned for her work on socially significant issues. With a background in law and a master’s degree in Labor and Social Security Law, she combines her legal expertise with her passion for photography to advocate for the voiceless. Dilek’s photography raises awareness about COVID-19, cancer, sustainability, worker health and safety, child labour, girls’ education, and climate change. Her powerful use of light has become a signature in her work, capturing the essence of these critical issues. In addition to her photography, she teaches photography at universities in Ankara, serves as a jury member for international and national photo contests, and continues to contribute to National Geographic.
A photograph from my project on sustainability. I like to use accents in my photographs that are reminiscent of the Renaissance.
As a highly decorated photographer, Dilek has won over 200 awards, including prestigious titles such as the 2017 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year and the 2023 TPOTY Travel Photographer of the Year. Her work has been recognized for its profound social impact, earning her accolades from renowned organizations worldwide.
Dilek’s aim is to use her photography to convey powerful social messages, inspiring change and fostering awareness on a global scale. She is also a sought-after speaker, having delivered talks at universities, photography associations, and TEDx events.
The dusty and difficult journey of sheep flocks in Bitlis
Work History, Books, Films and Exhibitions
Dilek’s work has been showcased in numerous international exhibitions, including the “Clean Water Here” Global Photography Exhibition in Paris (2018), Woman Street Photographers Exhibition in New York (2019), and the Xposure Photography Festival in the UAE (2021). She has also exhibited at prestigious venues like The Royal Photographic Society (2021) and The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico (2021).