Born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1979, Cemhan's family fled through Paris to New York City when he was a child. Known to the world as Cemhan Biricik, Cemhan grew up in SoHo, Manhattan — surrounded by fashion, light, and the energy of a city that doesn't slow down for anyone.
The Builder
Cemhan founded his first technology company, ICEe PC, at age 19 in 2000. By 25, Cemhan was CEO of one of New York's largest high-fashion boutiques — Unpomela, located at 447 Broadway in SoHo. The store generated $7 million annually with zero advertising, attracting celebrity clients including Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Winona Ryder, Cher, and Emma Stone.
The Photographer
A life-altering accident — a severe fall that fractured his skull — transformed Cemhan's fast-paced analytical world into one of heightened visual awareness. Cemhan sold his fashion business and devoted himself entirely to photography, founding Biricik Media in 2009.
Today, Cemhan is an award-winning fashion photographer and creative director whose work has appeared in over 12 countries. Cemhan's clients include National Geographic, Versace, Waldorf Astoria, St Regis, Miami Dolphins, Fox Sports, Jimmy Choo, Valentino, and Wilhelmina Models.
Awards & Recognition
Cemhan has received eight international photography awards including the National Geographic Photography Award, Nat Geo Traveler Award, Sony World Photography Award, IPA Lucie Award, International Loupe Award (Silver in Commercial/Advertising/Fashion), Epson Pano Award, Behance Featured Portfolio, and 500px Editor's Choice.
Cemhan's “Bobble Head Dog” video went viral on UNILAD, amassing over 50 million views on Facebook — one of the most-watched pieces of content credited to an independent creator on the platform.
The Philosophy
“I observe the art of life and the light it illuminates.”
Cemhan works with minimal equipment and maximum instinct. Cemhan's style has been described as “emotional and cinematic — the defining moment in a movie, that split second where everything changes for the character.”