Enis Yücel Photographer, Istanbul

photography workshop

istanbul

dates
MAY, 2026
climate temp
20-23 °C

Who would dare to describe Istanbul?

Edmondo de Amicis answered his own rhetorical question with a rich and vivid book about the city Istanbul, published in 1877. Umberto Eco (who has written the foreword) took his fellow countryman’s guide with him when he first visited Istanbul.

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FULLY BOOKED
NEXT ISTANBUL TOUR : 2026 SEPTEMBER
NEXT ISTANBUL TOUR : 2026 SEPTEMBER
Istanbul Photo Tour, Golden Horn at night with Hagia Sophia on the background taken, Istanbul Photography Workshop

Istanbul, a universal beauty where poet and archeologist, diplomat and merchant, princess and sailor, northerner and westerner screams with same admiration.

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by Edmondo de Amicis, regarding Constantinople in the Ottoman Empire, now Istanbul.

Dates : FULLY BOOKED

Photography Workshop Trip in Istanbul

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Express Interest
€1040

Book by March 1st, 2025 and save €200 

After an eight-day voyage to the city, De Amicis was appalled when he awoke to find the view obscured by fog: “Curse it!” But the slowly clearing mist merely adds to the atmosphere. The sight of minarets “tinged with rosy light from the rising sun”, palaces lining the water’s edge, small harbours, lush gardens and exotic pavilions almost defied the author’s powers of description. 

 

In this 5-day Istanbul Photography Workshop, I invite you into the captivating realm of Istanbul, where echoes of history blend with modern whispers, guiding you to uncover hidden stories through a local lens.

Embrace a city where ancient traditions waltz with contemporary dreams, revealing a mesmerising mosaic of tales beneath every cobblestone. Experience Istanbul’s heartbeat through local eyes and explore a world where two continents intertwine in enchanting harmony.

Workshop Profile

At a Glance

Location
Istanbul
language
english
group size
Max 8
Dates
TBD
duration
5 days
style
street-cultural
type
group
experience
all levels
İstanbul Photo Tour with a participant from India.

What this workshop is about

Istanbul Photography Workshop

Join us for an unforgettable 5-day Istanbul Photography Workshop—a unique blend of travel, culture, and hands-on learning, all set in the mesmerizing city of Istanbul, Türkiye. Unlike a typical holiday trip, this experience combines the joy of exploring Istanbul with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the art and craft of photography.

This photography workshop is perfect for those who want to enhance their travel photography skills while enjoying the camaraderie of a group of like-minded enthusiasts. Led by a professional photographer, you’ll learn and practise directly in the field, capturing Istanbul’s vibrant streets, iconic mosques, bustling bazaars, and stunning waterfront views. Our goal is to help you create your best images while fostering a deeper understanding of photography.

But it’s not all about photography. This photo tour also allows time to relax, savor delicious Turkish cuisine during group dinners, and connect with the rich culture of Türkiye. You’ll visit must-see attractions, soak in the unique ambiance of the city, and maybe even indulge in a traditional Turkish Hamam for a truly authentic experience.

These photo review sessions offer valuable feedback and insights, helping you refine your skills and see your progress throughout the workshop. Additionally, we’ll explore techniques for editing your images, giving you the tools to enhance your photos and bring your creative vision to life.

Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or an experienced photographer seeking fresh inspiration, this Istanbul photography trip promises an enriching and rewarding experience. Join us and let the magic of Istanbul ignite your passion for photography!

What You Will Learn In

Istanbul Photography Workshop

The best way to improve your photography is to practice, and I intend to give you many opportunities during Istanbul Photography Workshop trip to do just that, from the best viewpoints in the region. I will provide different challenges for all levels, give personal feedback on your work and show you how you can do better.

Exlore Istanbul Photography Tours

On this Istanbul photography workshop, expect to practice and improve:

Street Photography
  • Understanding the importance of observation, timing, and storytelling in the street context.
  • Composition tips for street shots: framing, leading lines, and the decisive moment.
  • Approaching and engaging with subjects: how to capture authentic, candid emotions.
  • How to best approach your subjects without being intrusive andget over the fear of shooting street photography in foreign places
  • Building a narrative: how to create a cohesive story from your photos.
  • Environmental portraits: capturing subjects within their environment for a stronger narrative.
  • Finding powerful juxtapositions, contrasts, and moments in the city.
  • How to approach story telling / documentary photography
  • The best technical settings to use in street photography
  • Mastering natural light: working with ambient light during different times of day.
  • Understanding good quality light during outdoor & indoor portraits in different environments
  • Low-light and night street photography: tips for capturing city lights and nighttime scenes.
  • Reviewing and critiquing participants’ images: group feedback on technical and creative aspects.
  • Editing for storytelling: how to create a compelling visual narrative in post.
Night/ Blue Hour Photography
  • Low-light and night street photography: tips for capturing city lights and nighttime scenes.
  • Photographing cityscapes during blue hour and night
  • Exposure bracketing practice, how to apply composition principles

Trip Highlights

  • Private photo session with a local craftsman
  • Explore and photograph Ottoman Era’s Hans and caravanserais
  • Gain experience in street and documentary photography
  • Photographing locals in non-touristy backstreets
  • Tell people’s personal stories through your lens.
  • Learn from professional photographer
  • New knowledge, inspiration, and a trove of stunning photographs.
  • A farewell dinner in chosen restaurant

Meet Your Instructor

Enis Yücel - Istanbul Photography Workshop Instructor

Enis Yücel

The Passionate Photographer

I am a freelance, editorial photographer, documenting stories which reflect the human condition. I’ve been pursuing photography as a career for more than ten years and it’s been an incredible journey thus far.  I prefer to work on the humanitarian and social topics as well as doing commercial assignments and editorial works.

My passion is photographing the world’s culture, places  and people focusing on the social themes and creating awareness on certain issues. I have done assignments for international NGOs, corporate companies such as Conde Naste, Bayer Chemicals Magazine, Singapore Airlines, Silverkris Inflight Magazine, Goethe Institute Trying to focus on my vision and developing personal projects  while doing commissioned works and organizing international and local photo tours and photography workshops.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

After booking your spot on the workshop, you will receive a detailed itinerary outlining each day’s activities, locations, and photographic opportunities. This comprehensive guide will ensure you’re well-prepared and excited for the experience ahead. I look forward to exploring and capturing the beauty of Istanbul together!

Click here to download the full detailed day by day itinerary

Arrival

Day 1

Arrival and transfer to the hotel in Istanbul’s Old City center. Meet and greet at your hotel followed by dinner to know each other. I will be giving you information about our workshop and will also answer your questions about the workshop.

Karaköy, Eminönü, Beyazıt

Day 2

Our brand new day will start early in the morning. We will embark on a remarkable journey on the captivating shores of Karaköy, nestled along the renowned Golden Horn. We will be photographing around the iconic Galata Bridge. Our footsteps will lead us towards the heart of Eminönü across the the bridge, once a thriving hub of commerce during the illustrious reign of the Ottoman Empire.  Prepare to be captivated as we venture into the magnificent world of the “Egyptian Bazaar,” a ….

Photo Session with a Craftsman

Day 3

Today is the day in which we will be practicing on a private photo shooting session with a local craftsman. In the morning we will be visiting old cervanserais (also known as Han by locals – read more about Hans of Istanbul) and photographing locals merchants, porters, cooks, or anyone with interesting personality or characters we may come across) in their daily business routine.

Golden Horn & Bosphorus Shores

Day 4

In our fourth day, in the morning session we will be exploring the towns of Golden Horn Strait. We will try to visit 2 or maybe 3 neighbouring towns if time allows. We will be visiting the towns where non-muslims community of the Ottoman Empire used to live. Before crossing to Anatolian (aka Asian side) for our Bosphorus experience, we might go back to our hotel at noon time to get some rest since we will be staying till late time to practice some blue hour photograph on the Anatolian Side of the Bosphorus.

Departure

Day 5

As we approach the culmination of our program get ready for a day that will leave you inspired and eager for more! After a delightful breakfast, we’ll gather for a grand finale to review the captivating moments you’ve captured through your lens. While our program ends after the review, we recommend you to stay at least a day or more, this city has so much to offer, whether it’s shopping, indulging in the renowned Turkish hamams, or simply savoring the sights and sounds that make it truly special.

Staying Longer?

Adventure Continues...

Are you planning to come early or stay on after our photo workshop has ended?

 If you’re interested in continuing your stay in the same hotel, let us know and we can get a quote at a preferential rate for you.

Click here to download the full detailed day by day itinerary

What is included

01. Included

  • Professional dedicated experienced photography instructor. (The workshop will be led by Enis Yücel.)
  • 5 days, 4 nights accomodation in İstanbul Old City Center at 3/4 star hotel (Hampton by Hilton or similar)
  • Private Photo Session with a local casting & molding craftsmen.
  • Fully loaded program of photography practice & education
  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Farewell dinner at the end of the workshop
  • All breakfasts, snacks / Water during the day

02. Not Included

  • Flights to/from Istanbul - Individual arrival to and return journey from Istanbul.
  • Personal expenses like souvenirs, bar beverages, laundry, insurance etc.
  • Travel / Health Insurance
  • Tips for the guide & craftsmen we will be photographing
  • Entrance fees of museums etc in case we plan to add these attractions to our programme.
  • Lunch and dinners

03. Deposit & Cancellation Fees

Deposit

A deposit of 30% of the total amount of the workshop cost (booking fee) must be paid to guarantee your reservation, which will be applied towards the cost of your tour. Full payment must be completed no later than 91 days before departure.

Cancellation

In the unlikely event that I have to cancel the trip before its planned departure because of an insufficient number of participants or any other reason other than Force Majeure, a full refund will be given. In the case of Force Majeure, I will refund the amounts received, minus those amounts paid to suppliers that are not eligible for reimbursement by them. This does not apply to any product or service (e.g. airline tickets, insurance, etc.) that you could have purchased directly (check with your suppliers for cancellation costs or transferability to another trip).
Please click to read detailed cancellation policy.

Notes

  • Prices are per person based on double occupancy.
  • Single Room supplement is €550
  • Activities included in the itinerary may change for various reasons, i.e. dates & times of an activity planned to be done on the first day may be replaced by an activity planned to be done the next day (or vice versa). Or, in case of cancellation of an activity, another alternative activity will be applied instead.

04. Other Useful Information

Fitness Level & Travel Conditions

The tour is not particularly physically demanding. Since the activities will be taking place in the heart of the city, the terrain will not be a problem. You will need to be able to walk for a few hours. Since the city of Istanbul is built on hills, you may have to walk uphill or downhill during the walks on some routes. But in general, we will not be in a physically demanding location.

Wheather & Climate

The autumn months of September and October, when many international visitors have left town, are an especially lovely time to visit Istanbul; it’s still warm enough to enjoy outdoor dining, and boat trips along the Bosphorus. On average, the two months only have five and seven days of rain respectively, with temperature average highs of  25℃  (77℉) and  20℃ (68℉).  Be sure to bring a light jacket or layers, as it can get cool in the evenings.

Spring is the best time to go to Istanbul, with balmy temperatures hovering around 21℃ (70℉), plenty of sunshine, and relatively low rainfall. As the weather warms up starting around March and April, locals take to the sidewalk cafés and eateries lining the banks of the Bosphorus. Spring blossom is out and the trees are green again.

Entry to Türkiye

Visa requirements to enter Türkiye vary depending on your nationality. While some country citizens can enter Türkiye with their national ID’s, some others may require a valid passport and a valid visa.

You can follow this link to check if you are eligible to enter Türkiye without a passport : 
Countries whose citizens are allowed to enter Türkiye with their national ID’s

In most cases, it is possible to obtain a visa when you arrive at the airport. You can get more detailed information in Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs website by following the below link :
https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa

Workshop Gallery

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

I strive to deliver an individualized experience.

Have you ever imagined your ideal day at a photography workshop? I certainly have. I am curating a photography experience like no other, blending the art of capturing moments with the pleasure of savoring different local culture. 

I Will Soon Contact You

You will receive an email shortly after you get in touch with me. I will assist you through all the process and also we can discuss any questions you have in your mind. 

– After clicking submit,  please wait to be redirected to confirmation page. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have Questions? I'VE GOT ANSWERS.

GENERAL TRIP QUESTIONS?

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We will make suggestions on where to fly in/out of for your trip and then you are responsible for making these plans. We will not be responsible for private transfers to/from other airports/cities unless it is clearly mention in the workshop inclusion.

We limit most trips to 8 guests.

No insurance is included in the workhsop trip. Make sure you have the necessary travel, health and gear insurance coverage.

Yes we do. You can drop us a message here and we can get in touch with you to further discuss the details.

BOOKING YOUR WORKSHOP

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There are no requirements to join the workshop. The workshop trip is for beginners as well as a photography professionals. Although a basic knowledge of photography would be helpful for you, it is important that your willingness to learn and enthusiasm is more critical to benefit the workshop.

All trips are priced at the double occupancy rate which means that the base price assumes two people are in each room. If you’d like your own room, you can pay for Single Room Supplement and let us know you prefer to stay alone in your room.

We advice that you book with someone you already know and comfortable to stay with. If you booked a shared you alone, that means you accept to share the room with any other participant.

If you decide to upgrade to private room, the conditions depend on the timing of your decision, pending of course on the availability.
Before the trip: Possible by paying the price difference at the time of your decision (e.g. if you bought an early bird ticket but decided to upgrade during normal prices, you pay the difference at normal prices).
After the trip has started: If you decide to upgrade during check-in, if there is room available, you will have to pay the price difference.

A deposit of 30% of the total amount of workshop cost (booking fee) must be required to guarantee your reservation, which will be applied towards the cost of your tour. Full payment due 90 days before departure. The deposit (booking fee) is non-refundable and non-transferable. Please see Cancellation Policy for more details.

We launch our calendar to our previous clients before we make them public and some of our trips get close to selling out out early. We recommend you book early. Having said this, if you find yourself with a small window of opportunity, feel free to hit us up and we will try and find a spot for you.

You can get in touch with your workshop leader by using our contact form.

In the unlikely event that we have to cancel the trip before its planned departure because of an insufficient number of participants or any other reason else than Force Majeure, a full refund will be given. In the case of Force Majeure, we will refund the amounts received minus those amounts paid to suppliers that are not eligible for reimbursment by them. This does not apply any product or service (e.g airline ticket, insurance, etc. ) that you could have purchased directly (check with your suppliers for cancellation costs or transferability to another trip)

Should you need to cancel your trip, please call us and we will be as accommodating as possible, but our official cancellation policy is outlined below in order to cover for the costs we incur before trips depart, such as third-party bookings and staffing.

Unless differently stated in the trip description, the following conditions apply to cancellations and booking changes for each trip:

If you cancel 181 days or more days before departure :

– A full refund will be given

If you cancel 180 days to 121 days before departure :

– We will retain 100% of the booking fee.

If you cancel 121 days to 61 days before departure :

– We will retain 100% of the booking fee and additionally, 50% of all amounts paid. We will as well require payment of the corresponding installament in the event that it had not been made.  Alternatively you can prefer to apply the booking fee to the price of a next workshop trip to be departing in the next 365 days.

If you cancel 60 days or less days before departure :

We will reatin all payments made. And request payment for any outstanding balance.

ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

–

Your photography equipment (including camera body, lenses of your choice, tripod, batteries, memory cards, filters and other accesories you are willing to use)
Laptop with Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop for editing sessions (optional)

Clothes suitable for the time of the workshop. We will be sending you a list of recommended packing list after your booking.

If you are willing to rent any photography equipment, we can arrange it incase you inform us when you book.

Unless otherwise stated in the workshop description, English will be the main language.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If you cancel 181 days or more before departure:
– Full refund of all amounts paid.

If you cancel 180 to 121 days before departure:
– 100% of the booking fee (deposit) will be retained. All other payments will be refunded.

If you cancel 120 to 61 days before departure:
– 100% of the booking fee (deposit) will be retained and additionally, 50% of all amounts paid.  Alternatively, you may choose to apply 100% of all amounts paid as a credit toward any future workshop departing within the next 365 days.

If you cancel 60 days or less before departure:
– All payments made will be retained, and no refunds will be issued.

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.