photography workshop
istanbul
dates
SEP 12-16, 2025
climate temp
19-22 °C
COME, LET US GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER A BIT IN THE TIME IT TAKES FOR US TO SIP THIS TEA TOGETHER
13th Century poet, theologian and Sufi mystic Rumi.
TABLE of CONTENTS
Istanbul, a universal beauty where poet and archeologist, diplomat and merchant, princess and sailor, northerner and westerner screams with same admiration.
by Edmondo de Amicis, regarding Constantinople in the Ottoman Empire, now Istanbul.
12 Sep 2025 - 16 Sep 2025
Photography Workshop Trip in Istanbul
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.
With this 5 days long Istanbul Photography Workshop, I welcome you to the captivating realm of Istanbul, where history’s echoes blend with modern whispers, inviting 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
12-16 Sep, 2025
duration
5 days
style
street-cultural
type
group
experience
all levels
Meet Your 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.
Trip Highlights
- Private photo session with a local craftsman
- Explore and photograph Ottoman Era’s Hans and caravanserais
- Gain experience in 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.
- Dinner in chosen restaurant
What this workshop is about
Istanbul Photography Workshop
This is a 5 days long Istanbul Photography Workshop that starts and ends in Istanbul, Türkiye. It’s like a holiday trip, but alongside a classic trip, it’s a workshop where the main focus is practicing and learning about photography and of course making the best possible images during the workshop. A travel photography workshop is a group activity designed for the purpose of improving the participants’ skills. You will be accompanied by a professional photographer to learn directly in the field. Although photography is the fundamental part of this workshop, there will of course be moments of relaxation, dinners with the group, learning the culture of Turkish people and other activities such as visiting mosques or other attractions. (And hopefully bathing in a traditional Turkish Hamam). At the end of the day, in the evening in our hotel, if our time and energy allow it (it is not always the case) we will have a review of the day and analysis of the photos that were taken during the day.
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.
On this Istanbul photography workshop, expect to practice and improve:
Street Photography
- How to get over the fear of shooting street photography in foreign places
- How to best approach your subjects without being intrusive
- How to shoot candid images without anybody noticing you
- How to approach story telling / documentary photography
- The best technical settings to use in street photography
- How to capture “The Decisive Moment“
- Understanding good quality light during outdoor & indoor portraits in different environments
Night/ Blue Hour Photography
- Photographing cityscapes during blue hour and night
- Exposure bracketing practice, how to apply composition principles
- Editing techniques and how to form a series of images
Day by Day Itınerary
Click here to download the full detailed day by day itinerary
Arrival
Day 1 | Thursday, 23 May
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 | Friday, 24 May
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 | Saturday, 25 May
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 | Sunday, 26 May
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 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 | Monday, 27 May
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
- Private Photo Session with a local casting & molding craftsmen.
- Fully loaded program of photography practice
- English Speaking Guide
- 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 workshop cost (booking fee) must be required to guarantee your reservation, which will be applied towards the cost of your tour. Full payment have to be completed in full maximum 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 else 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 ticket, 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
- 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 can 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
MAKE AN ENQUIRY
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.
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?
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
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
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 :
– 100% of the booking fee (deposit) will be retained.
If you cancel 121 days to 61 days before departure :
– 100% of the booking fee (deposit) will be retained and additionally, 50% of all amounts paid. We will as well require payment of the corresponding installment 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 :
All payments made will be retained. And request payment for any outstanding balance.
