Turkey

Workshop Details

Turkey Photo Workshop May 2 - May 12 2026

The photograph of the boy standing outside of his home by a wheel barrel was taken across Turkey in 1991—land of the once-mighty Ottoman Empire. At the time, I don’t recall seeing any other foreign photographers during my journey. I came across a few travelers from Australia and Europe, but not a single person from the USA.

The old man with his horse and two-wheel cart appeared on a narrow, solitary road after our aging rental car ran out of gas—my Australian travel companion and I were stranded. The second photo was taken a few days later near a small coastal town along the Black Sea.

That first trip left a deep impression. I shared meals, conversations, buses, and cars with generous locals across this vast, striking country. Decades later, much has changed—but the warmth and hospitality of the Turkish people remain constant.

Now, I invite you to join us on an unforgettable photography workshop through this rich and storied land. Let’s explore together—camera in hand.

Join us for an unforgettable photographic and cultural adventure across Turkey—one of the world’s most visually and historically rich destinations. From the ancient empires that shaped Istanbul, once called Constantinople the jewel of the Roman and Byzantines Empires, to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, this journey blends the past and present, the mystical and the monumental, into one immersive experience.

Included:

Workshop Itinerary

Day 1– Arrival in Istanbul – Orientation & Sunset Photographs

• Arrive in Istanbul, check-in at our hotel and we will meet at the lobby at a chosen time. We will go over our itinerary and answer any photo questions or goals any or our participants wish to accomplish. Throughout our time together I will always be available to help you, so each day you feel your natural growth as a photographer. 
  
  

• Evening: Welcome dinner and orientation.
  
  

• Golden Hour: Sunset shoot from Galata Bridge, capturing fishermen, ferries, and the skyline featuring the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

Day 2– Old City & Sultanahmet District

• Morning: Photograph Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern—capturing dramatic light and architectural grandeur.
  
  

• Afternoon: Explore and shoot Topkapi Palace and its imperial courtyards.
  
  

Day 3– Bazaars & Neighborhood Life

• Morning: Grand Bazaar – color, chaos, and culture under domed ceilings.
  
  

• Midday: Visit Süleymaniye Mosque, panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
  
  

• Afternoon: Photograph craftsmen in Spice Bazaar and streets of Eminönü.
  
  

• Evening: Optional ferry ride on the Bosphorus, photographing city lights.
  
  

• Evening: Street photography around Sultanahmet Square with long exposure shots at twilight.

Day 4– Modern Istanbul & Street Photography

• Morning: Shoot in Istiklal Avenue and Galata – capturing modern Turkish life, architecture, and art deco buildings.
  
  

• Midday: Visit Galata Tower for panoramic shots.
  
  

• Afternoon: Explore Cihangir and Çukurcuma, known for bohemian charm and antique shops.
  
  

• Evening: Blue hour shoot over the Bosphorus.
  
  

Day 5 – Asian Side of Istanbul

• Morning: Cross to Kadıköy – bustling markets, murals, ferries, and local life.
  
  

• Afternoon: Visit Moda and capture daily life scenes in seaside parks and cafés.
  
  

• Evening: Sunset shoot at Üsküdar with silhouettes of mosques and seagulls.
  
  

Day 6-8 – Travel to Cappadocia

• Morning: Fly to Nevşehir or Kayseri, transfer to hotel in Göreme or Uçhisar.
  
  

• Afternoon: Explore Pigeon Valley or Zelve Open-Air Museum.
  
  

• Golden Hour: Sunset photography from Red Valley.

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• Pre-Dawn: A ride on a hot air balloons rising over surreal landscapes.Those who prefer not to ride it will stay on the ground and capture a great view of the many floating colorful balloons.
  
  

• Daytime: Visit Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) and Devrent Valley – excellent for abstract rock formations.

• Evening: A dinner we will have the opportunity to photograph Whirling Dervish dancers. 

• Morning: Visit and photograph the underground city of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli.
  
  

• Afternoon: Explore and photograph the cave churches in Göreme Open Air Museum.
  
  

• Evening: Blue hour shoot from Uçhisar Castle

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Day 9 – Fly Back To Istanbul

• Morning group breakfast the leave for Istanbul

 Day 10 – Editing Session & Group Review + Personal Project Day + Farewell Dinner + Slideshow Presentation

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• Group review of your top 10 images from the trip and will have slideshow of your best work

• Final editing session & story-building exercise

• Free afternoon with local photographer and assistants

• Celebrate the conclusion of our unforgettable journey with a festive group dinner. We'll share stories, laughter, and reflections on the moments, experiences, or photographs that made this workshop truly special for each participant. The evening will culminate with a slideshow presentation showcasing everyone's best work—a powerful visual tribute to the creativity, connection, and growth we've shared together.

📍 Focus: Vibrancy, contrast, character-driven photography

📸 Photo Tip: 

Day 11 – Farewell Breakfast 

• We'll gather one last time for a group breakfast before everyone heads to the airport and onward to home sweet home.

• If you're able to extend your stay in Turkey, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. There's no better time to put into practice the photographic skills and cultural awareness you've honed during our IPW adventure.Go out, explore, connect—and keep telling beautiful stories with your camera.Safe travels, and until our next journey together!

Categories: Documentary Photography, Street & Portrait Photography, Travel, Photography,  Landscape & Nature Photography