Meet Kerem Yücel

Kerem Yücel is a senior visual journalist for MPR News with over 15 years of experience in visual journalism. Throughout his career, he has worked as a contract photographer for Agence France-Presse, a photo editor for Atlas Magazine, a photojournalist for Hürriyet Daily News, and as a visual consultant for leading non-governmental organizations, including the United Nations Refugee Agency, the United Nations and Diakonie Deutschland. 

 Kerem’s work has focused on documenting the lives of diverse communities, addressing social and racial injustices, and covering immigration crises and forced migration. His assignments have taken him across the United States, Central Africa, Asia and the Middle East.  

His work has been in respected international media outlets including Time Magazine, The New York Times, and The Guardian. He has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including from the National Press Photographers Association, the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists and the Turkish Photojournalist Association. 

In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Kerem is the author of two books, “Guest” and “Passing Through,” which explore the lives of Syrian refugees. His projects on climate change and the impact of coal power plants on human life were exhibited in various locations worldwide.  

Kerem has a bachelor’s degree in soil water conservation engineering from Ankara University in Ankara, Turkey. Outside of work, Kerem strives to discover life, enjoy a good Turkish coffee and appreciate the music of Antonín Dvořák and Fazil Say while walking among the trees. 

You can find Kerem Yücel on Instagram and his website.