Historically known as Constantinople after the Roman Emperor Constantine I, Istanbul was for years the centre of the Roman Byzantium and Ottoman Empires. Home to many of the most recognizable images of the country of Turkey, such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque, Istanbul is not to be missed. Istanbul is Turkey's most populous city as well as its cultural and financial cent
er. This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your newfound skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity. In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. We cannot think of a better location to express your creativity than the amazing city of Istanbul! Our mission is to provide photographers of all levels with an enjoyable and productive photographic experience in Istanbul and to allow participants to develop a unique portfolio of strong images, reflecting a personal vision while avoiding clichés and déjà-vus. You will learn tips and tricks to improve your photography skills in an urban environment while discovering the highlights of Istanbul through personalized tours. Our workshops are built along themed itineraries and are available in morning, afternoon and night sessions. If you are interested in a customized tour, photographic themes can be agreed upon in advance, based on respective skill levels and interest. Register now or contact us for more information. The workshops are limited to 8 - 10 participants and can also be organized on one-to-one basis and the program can be customized as per the participant’s wishes.
1. Select your Focus
Itineraries are theme-centered and mainly take place in the broad area comprised within the old peninsula of Istanbul including Sultanahmet Square, the Hippodrome, Gülhane Park, Küçük Ayasofya, Kadırga, Ahırkapı, Cankurtaran, Beyazıt Square, Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) with its ancient inns, Zeyrek, Cibali, Golden Horn, Fener, Balat, Eyüp, Edirnekapı Bird Market, Eminönü, Spice Bazaar, Karaköy, Galata, Beyoğlu, Çukurcuma, Cihangir, Üsküdar, Dolmabahçe, Ortaköy, Kuzguncuk districts and also the Prince Islands. In those destinations you can find the majority of primary landmarks, architectural beauties such as mosques, statues, buildings and other artistic locations, most of which are lighted after sunset. You will be offered the additional benefit of (almost) fully walkable itineraries and when necessary, to travel in the city like an Istanbul citizen by public transportation (metro, bus, minibus, tramline, Marmaray, taxi) and also many food choices including the local tastes so that you can eat like an Istanbul citizen as well.
2. Select your Light
Prices include optional off-line portfolio review and analysis and do not include transportation costs or entrance fees. Sessions Offered:
Morning (summer: 6:00 – 10:00) (winter: 7:00 – 11:00). In this early-bird tour, participants will have the opportunity to see Istanbul’s most breath-taking sunrise. The quaint and silent morning will offer you full concentration, enabling you to take the most memorable, signature shots just before rush-hour traffic. Continue your journey through the city as the sun exposes you to distinct lighting and unique shadows. Evening (summer 16:00 – 20:00) (winter 14:00 -18:00) Join this tour if you wish to take afternoon and twilight shots, with a picturesque sunset in between. As the sun goes down and the pastel-colored clouds transform into shades of blue, violet, orange and pink, your guide will help you capture your surreal surroundings, creating long-lasting memories. As the sky darkens, take in Istanbul’s most beautiful night-lit architecture that encompasses the ancient city. Night (summer 21:00 – 0:00) Although only one hour shorter, this tour will guarantee you the same awestruck beauty of Istanbul in an entirely different light. For more nighttime oriented individuals, or for those who simply want to see the city lights, this excursion will take you to both renowned and less recognized fountains, monuments and statues. Due to their notable aura, many of the sites planned for this tour are best photographed at night. Custom With this tour, you can create your owned customized itinerary that meets your personal interests. You will have the opportunity to select places you wish to see at specific times of day, or research locations you have never seen before. Given their acquired familiarity with the city, our guides will work with you and offer suggestions geared most suitable to your curiosities and enjoyment. Hidden Istanbul If you’ve seen the Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorus Bridge, and Maiden’s Tower once too many times and are looking for something new, this tour may be for you. Explore the endless history this city has to offer with trips to equally stunning areas not often found on postcards. Experience rich Turkish culture as you’re guided through humble towns filled with family-owned shops, Turkish food and service providers, markets, streets, parks and districts.
3. Customize your Workshop
Packages:
Half-day Tours: One session of your choice
Full-day Tours: Two sessions of your choice
Weekend Tours: Included are all three sessions – Friday night, Saturday morning and evening – and a Photo Analysis Workshop held on Sunday morning at 10am. Photo Analysis Workshop: Available for Half-day and Full-day tours. In this one-hour workshop, group members will choose five of their finest shots. Niko Guido / Koray Akten will project and constructively critique each individual’s work. This workshop is an excellent way to improve your photography skills by becoming more aware of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as observing the techniques of members in the group. Self-Portrait: Available for anyone interested. Have a professional photo taken of yourself in a location of your choice by one of our photographs during your tour. Photoshop Session: Available for individuals only. Do you have Photoshop but would like further instruction on how to use it? Bring your laptop and our guides will help you edit your snapshots creating exceptionally colorful and sharp images as a final product. Take this session once and you’ll be guaranteed to have not only a full understanding of the workshop but the potential to edit your already remarkable shots into your own personal masterpieces. Routes:
Route-1: Gülhane Park, Soğukçeşme Street, Hagia Sophia Square, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Mosque, Kadırga Street, Little Hagia Sophia Mosque, Akbıyık district, Cankurtaran district. Route-2: Unkapanı Valens Aqueduct, Kadınlar Pazarı (Women’s Market), Zeyrek district, Molla Zeyrek Mosque, Cibali Street, Church of Saint George, Fener Greek Orthodox College, Bulgarian Saint Stephen Church, social life and ancient buildings of Fener and Balat districts. Route-3: Church of Saint George, Fener Greek Orthodox College, Bulgarian Saint Stephen Church, social life and ancient buildings of Fener and Balat districts, Eyüp Mosque, Pierre Loti Hill. Route-4: Unkapanı Valens Aqueduct, Kadınlar Pazarı (Women’s Market), Vefa district, Süleymaniye Mosque, the most ancient streets of Istanbul. Route-5: Fethi Paşa Grove, Üsküdar Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Bülbülderesi Semetary, Sultan Ahmet 3rd Fountain, Gülnuş Emetullah Valide Sultan Mosque, Şemsi Paşa Mosque, Rumi Mehmet Paşa Mosque, Aziz Mahmud Hüdai Hz. Tomb, Ayazma Mosque, Salacak coast and the Maiden’s Tower. Route-6: Taksim Square, İstiklal Street, Cihangir, Çukurcuma, ancient Beyoğlu inns and important buildings (Doğan apartment, Mısır apartment, Narmanlı Han etc.), Asmalı Mescit, Galata Tower, Karaköy, Galata Bridge. Route-7: Beyazıt Square, Sahaflar Bazaar, Grand Bazaar with important inns (Yolgeçen, Cebeci, Zincirli etc.) and bedestans (Cevahir, Sandal), Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Çorlulu Ali Paşa Madrasah (ho**ah coffee), Abud Efendi Han, Büyük Yeni Han, Büyük Valide Han, Mahmutpaşa market, Rüstem Paşa Mosque, Galata Bridge. Route-8: Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Çorlulu Ali Paşa Madrasah (ho**ah coffee), Abud Efendi Han, Büyük Yeni Han, Büyük Valide Han, Mahmutpaşa market, Rüstem Paşa Mosque, Eminönü, Spice Bazaar, Karaköy, Galata Bridge. Route-9: Chora Church, Edirnekapı Bird Market. Route-10: Prince Islands (Kınalıada – Burgazada - Heybeliada – Büyükada)
What to bring: You will bring the camera(s) you usually use and their lenses. We want to see all the toys, so don't limit yourself. We will select a minimum of equipment and wear comfortable walking shoes during our tours. You will also need a computer with Lightroom installed (30 day trial is available) to set up a workflow, get your screen calibrated and edit the photos we did on the walkabout. What to expect: You will meet like-minded people who want to improve their photography or enjoy their photography skills in a very photogenic city, accessing to the least known points of Istanbul by the guidance of the experienced photographers of the Academy of Photography Travellers. You will walk a lot, be in the center of the local life in Istanbul, use the public transportation if needed, have lunch, tea or coffee breaks in the very interesting local places
