Photography from Benin
In the last week of April, Habip embarked on a photographic expedition to Benin, a country located in West Africa and celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. Known as the birthplace of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey, Benin offers a tapestry of vibrant markets, spiritual traditions, and diverse landscapes that have made it a key destination for photographers worldwide.Throughout his journey, Habip focused on creating documentary-style photographs that capture the daily lives, resilience, and spirit of the people of Benin. His work seeks to offer a visual narrative that goes beyond the surface, revealing the profound cultural depth and human stories found across the region.We invite you to explore this collection and experience Benin through Habip’s lens.
Veiled Elegance: Venice Carnival
In February, Habip traveled to Venice to document one of the world’s most enchanting cultural events — the Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia). Originating in the 12th century and reaching its peak in the 18th century, the Carnival is renowned for its opulent masks, elaborate costumes, street performances, and grand masquerade balls. Historically, the tradition of masking allowed individuals to transcend social divisions, promoting a rare sense of equality and mystery.
During his visit, Habip focused on creating documentary-style photographs that capture the timeless elegance, theatrical flair, and human stories hidden behind the masks. His work invites viewers to experience the magic, history, and creativity that define the Venice Carnival today.
We invite you to explore this captivating collection and see the Venice Carnival through Habip’s lens.
Celebrating Canine Excellence: Crufts 2025
In March, Habip attended Crufts, the world’s largest and most prestigious dog show, held annually in Birmingham, UK. First established in 1891 by Charles Cruft, the event has evolved into a global celebration of canine excellence. While renowned for its purebred conformation competitions, Crufts also features agility, flyball, obedience trials, and captivating performance showcases.
Throughout the event, Habip focused on creating documentary-style photographs that capture not only the beauty and skill of the participating dogs but also the passion, dedication, and emotional connections shared between dogs and their handlers. His visual narrative offers a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into this extraordinary gathering of the canine world.
We invite you to explore this vibrant collection and experience the spirit of Crufts through Habip’s lens.
Echoes of the King: Porthcawl Elvis Festival 2025
In September, Habip attended the Porthcawl Elvis Festival, the largest Elvis-themed event in Europe, held annually in the seaside town of Porthcawl, Wales. Since its inception in 2004, the festival has drawn thousands of fans and hundreds of Elvis tribute artists from around the world. With vibrant street performances, dazzling stage shows, themed parties, and a sea of Elvis-inspired costumes, the event has become a lively and joyful celebration of the King of Rock and Roll’s enduring legacy.
Throughout the festival, Habip focused on creating documentary-style photographs that capture not only the energy and spectacle of the performances but also the passion, creativity, and sense of community shared by the fans. His visual narrative offers an intimate look at how Elvis’s spirit continues to unite people across generations.
Rhythms of Diversity: Cowley Road Carnival 2025
In July, Habip documented the Cowley Road Carnival, Oxford’s largest and most vibrant public event celebrating cultural diversity and community spirit. Since its inception in 2001, the carnival has brought together local groups, international performers, artists, and thousands of spectators for a day filled with colourful parades, live music, dance performances, art installations, and world cuisines.
Throughout the event, Habip focused on creating documentary-style photographs that capture not only the energy and colour of the festivities but also the powerful sense of belonging, creativity, and multicultural harmony shared by the participants and the crowd. His visual narrative offers a glimpse into how the carnival transforms the streets of Oxford into a joyful celebration of unity and cultural expression.
Gypsy Horse Fair
The Gypsy Horse Fair is a vibrant and time-honoured gathering where Romani and Traveller communities come together to trade horses, celebrate their rich traditions, and strengthen community bonds. Famous fairs like Appleby Horse Fair and Stow Horse Fair draw visitors from across the UK and beyond, offering a unique glimpse into a living heritage.
The fairs showcase beautifully groomed horses, traditional wagons (vardos), vibrant clothing, music, and storytelling. More than just marketplaces, they are powerful expressions of resilience, cultural identity, and pride passed down through generations.
For many, the Gypsy Horse Fair is not only an event but a celebration of freedom, history, and the enduring spirit of the Traveller way of life.
Oxford Folk Festival & Morris Dancing
Every spring, Oxford Folk Festival brings the city’s streets, pubs, and historic courtyards to life with music, dance, and storytelling. This much-loved festival celebrates the rich traditions of British folk culture, attracting performers and audiences from across the country.
One of the most iconic sights of the festival is the Morris dancers. Dressed in colourful costumes adorned with ribbons, bells, and flowers, Morris dance teams perform rhythmic steps, wielding sticks, handkerchiefs, or garlands. Their dances, some dating back centuries, are a vibrant expression of community spirit, resilience, and joy.
While Morris dancing can be seen at events throughout the year, Oxford Folk Weekend—often held in mid-April—offers a rare chance to experience multiple dance teams performing across the city. These performances connect the present to a living history of seasonal celebrations, storytelling, and collective memory.
Oxford Folk Weekend and Morris dancing offer not only entertainment but also a unique cultural experience that continues to unite generations.