Pigeon Valley by Derya Yazar Atasever

Captured in the heart of Cappadocia, this image showcases the iconic Pigeon Valley near Uchisar Castle. The photographer expertly utilizes a high shutter speed to freeze the dynamic movement of pigeons against the ancient, weathered landscape of the 'Beautiful Horses Region.' By focusing on the interplay between the historic fairy chimneys and the living, breathing activity of the birds, the photographer highlights the rich cultural and natural heritage of this UNESCO-recognized site. The composition emphasizes the scale and timelessness of the valley, earning recognition for its ability to transform a popular tourist destination into a poignant, narrative-driven visual experience.

Pigeon Valley by Derya Yazar Atasever
Nikon D810 with Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
Exposure 1/8000sec @ f/3.2 | ISO 50 | Focal Length 66mm
Copyright Β© Derya Yazar Atasever
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Derya Yazar Atasever

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Born in Erzurum, Turkey, in 1971, Derya Yazar Atasever is a distinguished Master of Fine Arts and EFIAP-certified photographer currently based in Cappadocia. Beyond her professional background in health management and nursing, she has dedicated her career to the intersection of art and therapy, notably researching the historical development of photography in the health sector. An active leader in the international photography community, she serves as a competition juror and educator, passionately promoting the cultural landscape of Cappadocia through her extensive photographic series.

Profile View Full Profile
7.7/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
33/500
SHARE
SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
4,386 views | 5 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date April 24, 2023
65.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 12.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 18.0
Style 12.0
Skill 11.0
Photograph Location
Nevsehir, Turkey

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Derya Yazar Atasever Photography
Travel Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (7.4/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
2.1/5 points
426/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
4,386/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
0.3/5 points
33/500 Submission
Jury Score: 65.0/80
Resonance Score: 7.4/20
Total Award Score: 72.4/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 5

Kofi Asante Intimate Portraiture, Reportage & Lives Told Truthfully Expert Review
It’s a beautiful landscape, but where are the people? I’ve spent my life looking for the human pulse in a frame, and here, the pigeons are the only ones breathing. The valley feels lonely without a soul to anchor it. I’d love to see a local face etched by that same Cappadocia sun. It’s technically sharp, sure, but it’s missing the heartbeat of a life lived. I’m left searching for a story that isn't there.
Clara Whitfield Award Criteria, Legacy & What Makes an Image Endure Expert Review
Cappadocia is a graveyard of clichΓ© travel shots, yet this one survives. Most photographers here obsess over the fairy chimneys, but Derya captures the frantic, chaotic pulse of the pigeons against that static, ancient stone. It’s the contrast between the fleeting birds and the geological permanence that makes me stop. I’ve seen thousands of valley shots, but this one feels alive. It’s not just a postcard; it’s a reminder that history is always moving. I’m glad it exists.
Eleanor Voss Composition & Visual Structure Expert Review
The frame’s architecture relies on the vertical thrust of the fairy chimneys to anchor the chaotic avian dispersal. It’s a precarious balance. The negative space above the Uchisar horizon provides the necessary relief, preventing the composition from collapsing into mere clutter. I’m genuinely struck by the way the shutter speed arrests the birds, turning them into sharp, geometric punctuations. It’s a rigid, calculated geometry that finally justifies the valley’s inherent visual noise. It holds.
Franz Hubner Night Photography, Astrophotography & the Scale of the Cosmos Expert Review
The pigeons in Pigeon Valley are frozen at 1/8000sec, a frantic blink against the slow, geological patience of these fairy chimneys. It’s a jarring contrast. I’ve spent my life chasing photons that traveled eons to reach my sensor, yet here, the light is merely reflecting off feathers. It’s strange, isn't it? We obsess over the ancient silence of the stars, but sometimes, the sudden, noisy flutter of life is what truly makes me feel small.
Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review
A shutter speed of 1/8000th is a rather aggressive way to freeze a flock, isn't it? It suggests a photographer who didn't want to miss the moment, or perhaps didn't want to wait for the right one. I’ve spent enough mornings shivering in the dust to know that birds are fickle creatures. One suspects the light was easy here. It’s a tidy composition, though I’d have preferred a bit more grit and less convenience.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Cormac Shields

The Weight of Wingbeats

My first instinct was to look away. I have grown tired of the way we romanticize flight, as if the act of leaving the ground is some grand, poetic escape from the gravity of our own lives.

Read the reflection →
By Owen Callister

The Architecture of Flight

Pigeons possess an internal magnetic compass, a biological map that allows them to navigate vast, unfamiliar territories and return to the exact coordinates of their roost.

Read the reflection →

Reviews & Comments

Share your thoughts about this award-winning photograph. Your reviews contribute to the community engagement score.

5 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Ritual of GatheringIn the Mood for a Juicy Steak by Catherine Ferraz - Food Photography, Photo of the Day, Photography Awards, Catherine Ferraz, Art PhotographyTaco Shack Tacos by Catherine Ferraz - Food Photography, Photojournalism, Photography Awards, Photo of the Day, Catherine FerrazThe Alchemy of Friday