Istanbul Photography Tours

Discover Istanbul with a Private Photography Tour for $200

This Istanbul Photography Tours experience offers a perfect blend of artistry and exploration for $200 per person. Lasting approximately 5 to 6 hours, the tour is led by Kerem Nasipoglu, a guide with over 13 years of local photography expertise. The tour is tailored to your skill level and interests, making it ideal for budding photographers or those eager to improve their technique.

A highlight of this tour is the free use of a tripod and camera, which helps you capture high-quality images. The tour departs with hotel pickup in Kadikoy and includes admission tickets for all stops, ensuring a seamless experience. While this tour is accessible for wheelchair users, it requires a moderate physical fitness level due to the walking involved. Booking 66 days in advance on average, it offers a well-planned route through Istanbul’s most photogenic sites.

Key Points

• Private, tailor-made experience focused on photography and Istanbul’s best spots
• Cost of $200 per person, including admission tickets, tripod, and camera use
• Tour duration of 5 to 6 hours, with hotel pickup in Kadikoy
• Multiple stops covering historic districts, lively streets, views from Uskudar Pier, Princes’ Islands, and more
• Lead by Kerem Nasipoglu, an experienced guide with extensive local knowledge
• Accessible for wheelchair users and suitable for all skill levels

Starting Point: Eminonu Square and the Historic Heart of Istanbul

The tour begins at Eminonu Square, a hub of history in Istanbul. Here, admission is included, and you start to absorb the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic area. Expect a two-hour exploration where the guide introduces the city’s rich past and helps you frame your shots of bustling streets and historic landmarks.

This stop sets the tone for your adventure, combining cultural insights with opportunities to capture the lively essence of Old Istanbul. The guide’s knowledge ensures you won’t miss subtle details or secret angles that make your photos stand out.

Exploring the Vibrant Istiklal Street and Side Streets

Next, the tour moves to Istiklal Caddesi, one of Istanbul’s most famous avenues. Over two hours, you’ll photograph the lively main road and its entwined side streets, capturing scenes of street performers, historic architecture, and vibrant shop windows. Admission tickets are included, and the guide offers tips on composition amid the area’s energetic vibe.

This stretch provides excellent opportunities for street photography, especially during busy hours, and the guide helps you find unique perspectives beyond the typical snapshots.

Charming Rumeli Feneri and Its Fishing Village Atmosphere

The journey continues to Rumeli Feneri, a small fishing village outside the city. Spending five hours here, you’ll photograph serene harbor views, traditional boats, and rustic scenery. As admission is included, you can focus on framing the tranquil coastal scenes, which contrast sharply with Istanbul’s urban hustle.

This stop offers a quieter, more relaxed environment ideal for practicing landscape and seascape photography, with plenty of opportunities to experiment with natural light during different times of the day.

Discovering Kadikoy: The Heart of Contemporary Istanbul

In the Kadikoy district, the tour dedicates three hours to capturing the lively street scenes and local life. Photo opportunities abound in this vibrant neighborhood, famous for its cafes, markets, and colorful street art. The guide helps you explore Kadikoy Carsisi, the bustling market street, where the mix of vendors and shoppers creates dynamic images.

This part of the tour offers a chance to practice urban photography with an emphasis on daily life and candid shots. The hotel pickup in Kadikoy ensures a smooth transition to this energetic area.

Scenic Views from Uskudar Pier and the Bosphorus Panorama

The Uskudar Pier provides spectacular views of the Bosphorus, with the guide helping you capture panoramic scenes from the waterfront. Over three hours, you’ll photograph the view from Uskudar, which includes vistas of Princes’ Islands and Istanbul’s skyline.

This stop is perfect for long exposure shots and landscape photography, especially during sunset or early evening, when the light offers beautiful warmth and contrast. The included admission makes it easy to focus on your craft.

Colorful Streets of Balat

The tour then visits Balat, a district known for its vibrant houses, historic churches, and narrow streets. Spending two hours here, you’ll photograph the area’s colorful facades and quaint alleyways. The guide shares insights into Balat’s unique architecture, helping you find creative angles for your photos.

Balat is an ideal location for street and architectural photography, with plenty of hidden corners and visual stories waiting to be captured.

The Majestic Princes’ Islands for a Daylong Photo Excursion

The most extensive stop is Princes’ Islands, with eight hours allocated for this island-hopping adventure. You’ll photograph historic Ottoman mansions, scenic vistas, and charming streets devoid of cars. All admission tickets are covered, and the guide assists with finding the best viewpoints.

This part of the tour offers excellent opportunities for landscape, cityscape, and architectural photography, especially during daylight hours. The full-day duration allows ample time to explore and shoot at a relaxed pace.

Evening Shots in Besiktas and Ortakoy

The tour concludes with visits to Besiktas and Ortakoy, each offering two hours of photography opportunities. In Besiktas, you’ll capture lively street scenes, cafes, and the vibrant nightlife. The Ortakoy Mosque and pier provide stunning waterfront views, especially during sunset.

These stops are perfect for night photography and capturing reflections, with the guide offering tips on long exposures and composition. Both are accessible and showcase Istanbul’s lively evening atmosphere.

Practical Details: Accessibility, Pacing, and Booking

This private tour offers the flexibility to tailor the experience based on your interests and skill level. The hotel pickup in Kadikoy simplifies logistics, and the use of tripod and camera is included at no extra cost. The tour is suitable for wheelchair users, making it accessible to a broader audience.

The pace is manageable, with breaks at each stop for exploration and photography. However, participants should be prepared for moderate walking. The tour is highly recommended for those interested in street, landscape, and architecture photography.

Why Choose This Photography Tour in Istanbul?

This tour combines expert guidance with carefully selected locations that showcase Istanbul’s diversity—from historic bazaars to scenic waterfronts and lively neighborhoods. Led by Kerem Nasipoglu, a guide appreciated for his vast photography knowledge and friendly support, it offers a personalized experience suited for all skill levels.

The inclusion of admission tickets, tripod, and camera use provides excellent value, while the private format ensures a flexible, intimate adventure. Most reviews praise the guide’s patience, local insights, and ability to uncover hidden spots that many travelers overlook.

The Sum Up: A Photo-Focused Exploration of Istanbul

The Istanbul Photography Tours offers a well-rounded, personalized experience for anyone eager to improve their photography skills while discovering the city’s beauty. The $200 price covers all tickets and equipment, making it a practical choice for photography enthusiasts.

While the tour involves walking and some moderate physical activity, the accessibility for wheelchair users broadens its appeal. The long duration at Princes’ Islands allows for a deep dive into landscape and architectural photography, which is a standout feature.

This tour is most suitable for those with a genuine interest in photography, whether beginners or experienced shooters. The expert guidance from Kerem helps unlock Istanbul’s visual stories, making it an enriching and practical experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour can be tailored to your skill level, and the guide offers supportive tips for improving your photography.

What is included in the price?
The admission tickets, use of a tripod, and camera are included, providing all the essentials for capturing great images.

How long does the tour last?
Expect around 5 to 6 hours of exploring and photographing across multiple iconic and hidden locations.

Can the tour accommodate wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is accessible for wheelchair users, but moderate physical fitness is still recommended due to walking.

What locations does the tour cover?
Stops include Eminonu Square, Istiklal Street, Rumeli Feneri, Kadikoy, Uskudar Pier, Balat, the Princes’ Islands, Besiktas, and Ortakoy.

How do I book this tour?
Most bookings are made 66 days in advance, with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours prior.