Everything Reminds Me of You

Despite the rapid urban development surrounding it, Ankara's Mogan Lake remains a crucial stopover, feeding ground, and breeding site for birds, making it a popular destination for nature photographers. The Great Crested Grebe, with its striking plumage, elaborate courtship displays, and photogenic moments—especially while swimming with its chicks during breeding season—is one of the most sought-after subjects for photographers in the region.

Far from my home in Kalamış, I find myself in Gölbaşı, Ankara, concealed in a camouflage hide, waiting for the sun to rise. As the first light filters through, the birds begin their morning routines. The grebes dart between the reeds, tirelessly feeding their hungry chicks. In a landscape where marsh harriers and hawks embark on their first hunts of the day, the grebes remain cautious, reluctant to expose their young. But the restless chicks have little patience for staying hidden. Their parents face the dual challenge of hunting for food while keeping them safe.

The morning sun reflects off a pink building in the background, casting a warm glow on the water—providing just the right visual effect for my composition. A subtle mist rises from the lake, and the distance challenges my photo’s sharpness, yet what I see through the viewfinder captivates me. I begin pressing the shutter.

After a while, one particular frame in my composition reminds me of Kalamış… my wife and sons, my parents, my siblings. Watching the mother grebe and her chicks glide away as if searching for someone deepens my longing. The absence of the father in this frame mirrors my own emotions, intensifying my melancholy.

One of the greatest challenges of pursuing nature and bird photography as a hobby is how it limits the time you can spend with family. The passion for photography often means sacrificing weekends and holidays with loved ones. While it might seem like an ideal solution for your spouse or children to share the same interest, more often than not, this isn’t the case.

There are moments when you find yourself thinking, I wish I were with them instead. But doing something for yourself is both fulfilling and necessary. As long as you maintain a balance between your hobby and your family—always prioritizing your loved ones—the time you set aside for yourself becomes even more meaningful.

And in those quiet moments when you whisper, Everything reminds me of you, the bond you share with your family only grows stronger.