This tour is limited to 6-8 participants, as are all my workshops, to allow you to concentrate on photography while we handle everything else.
From well-situated and cozy accommodations, and delicious food, to a structured tour to maximise your chances to capture stunning images and enhance your photography skills.
Leveraging our expertise, we guide you to some of Istanbul’s most picturesque spots during optimal lighting conditions.
In the field, we are available to offer as much support, advice, or guidance as you need.
At the meeting point of Europe and Asia, You’ll discover incredible layers of history, Culture, colours and scents.
East meets West and old meets new in vibrant Istanbul, 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.
This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light but also 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 also use your newfound skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general.
Apart from the technical aspects 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.
The best way to improve your photography is to practice, and we intend to give you many opportunities during this trip to do just that, from the best viewpoints in the region.
We will provide different challenges for all levels, give personal feedback on your work and show you how to improve.
On this photography trip, expect to practice and improve:
Street photography:
Finding good light, capturing people and street life, how to shoot without being recognized and how to approach somebody to photograph them.
Landscape photography:
How to handle high dynamic range situations, apply composition rules, manage colours and contrasts, use filters or without and use panoramic styles to capture the entire scene.
Outdoor & indoor portraits:
In different environments and light conditions
Using reflectors & flashes, on- and off-camera.
Night photography:
Locations and Camera set up to get the best out of the light conditions Editing techniques and how to form a series of images Tips & tricks for all kinds of situations.
Black and white Photography:
Seeing the image and understanding the tones and what makes for good Black and white photography.
Personal, constructive feedback, hands-on exercises, and skill sharing.
PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOP & TOUR PRICING
(The price is determined by double room occupancy, with the option of a single-room supplement.)
Student Package
R38 500.00
Deposit Required
R8 000.00
Standard Package
R39 500.00
Deposit Required
R8 500.00
Single Room supplement
R5 200.00
Deposit Required
R3500
To secure your spot, simply click on the REGISTER BUTTON, and you will receive additional information afterwards.
Martin’s students will have top priority for exclusive tours, merchandise, and more.
Whether you are a novice, an enthusiast, or a seasoned photographer, everyone is invited to join the Photographic workshop and tour.
You will receive personalized guidance from Martin Dudley and discover Istanbul from his unique perspective and creativity.
Don’t let this unforgettable adventure pass you by; it will be a memorable experience until the next journey awaits.
WORKSHOP INCLUDES:
- 8 Days and 7 Nights
- Cityscape, Seascape, Street and Architecture Photography, Black and White, People and Travel Photography
- Professional photographer and assistant
- Photo walks & discussions
- Small group size (8 guests)
- 4 Star Hotels
- Breakfasts
- Entrance fees to all locations on the tour and workshop
- Local transportation by busses, trams, and ferries are included
Local Turkish Speaking Guide with knowledge of Istanbul and its people and culture
Travel Information
Arrival & Departure Airports: Istanbul, Turkey (IST) – Travel time to our hotel is approximately 45 minutes
Our adventure begins on the first day and ends at noon on the last day
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to Visa Map to find out
Accommodations
*Comprehensive travel insurance is required for all delegates
TOUR ACCOMMODATES:
- Beginner, Amateur, Enthusiast and Semi-Pro Photographers
THE TOUR IS MODERATELY CHALLENGING:
- Some walking and hill climbs should be within the capabilities of anyone with good fitness
- There are elevation changes and lots of walking
- A busy photographic Schedule
- Where required Travel by tram, bus and ferry
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR:
- Airfare to and from Istanbul
- Travel Insurance
- Supper and non-meal time snacks and drinks
- Optional activities not specified in the Workshop
- Travel Visas and associated costs
- Guarantee of any specific weather conditions
WHY ISTANBUL IN APRIL?
A photography trip to Istanbul in April is truly special, primarily due to the spectacular display of tulips that blanket the city in a riot of colours. April marks the peak of tulip season in Istanbul, transforming parks, gardens, and public spaces into vibrant tapestries of floral beauty. Here’s why tulips make April in Istanbul an unforgettable experience for photographers:
1. **Tulip Festival:** April coincides with the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival, a celebration of the city’s rich horticultural heritage and the beauty of tulips. During the festival, millions of various colours and varieties of tulips are planted across Istanbul’s parks, squares, and historic sites, creating a stunning backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
2. **Colorful Landscapes:** As tulips bloom throughout the city, Istanbul’s landscapes are transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours, with hues ranging from vibrant reds and yellows to soft pinks and purples. The contrast of tulip fields against the backdrop of historic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque provides photographers with endless opportunities for capturing striking compositions.
3. **Iconic Photo Opportunities:** The tulip-filled gardens of iconic sites like Emirgan Park, Gulhane Park, and Yıldız Park offer photographers the perfect setting to capture the essence of springtime in Istanbul. Whether framing the city’s skyline with a foreground of tulips or focusing on close-up shots of individual blooms, photographers can create stunning images that showcase Istanbul’s natural beauty.
4. Golden Hour Magic: April in Istanbul brings longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, making it ideal for photographers to capture the magic of the “golden hour.” During sunrise and sunset, the soft, warm light bathes the city in a captivating glow, enhancing the colours of the tulips and creating a magical atmosphere that adds an extra dimension to photographs. From capturing the silhouette of minarets against a colourful sky to highlighting the delicate details of tulip petals aglow in the golden light, photographers can elevate their images with the enchanting quality of Istanbul’s golden hours.
The Bosphorus Bridge, opening in 1973, connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul symbolizing unity.
It was a significant engineering feat as one of the longest suspension bridges globally.
The bridge’s lights change colors creating a stunning view at night, especially during events.
Known as the Bosphorus Bridge, it faces heavy traffic but hosts the unique Eurasia Marathon.
It serves as a symbol of unity and has shifted to electronic toll collection for smoother traffic flow.
Some basic Turkish phrases to try remember
- Merhaba (mehr-HAH-bah) – Hello
- Selamünaleyküm (seh-LAHM-oo-nah-LEH-koom) – Traditional Islamic greeting, means “peace be upon you”
- Nasılsınız? (nah-SUHL-suh-nuhz) – How are you? (formal)
- Nasılsın? (nah-SUHL-suhn) – How are you? (informal)
- Teşekkür ederim (teh-shehk-KEWR ehd-EH-rihm) – Thank you
- Lütfen (LUT-fen) – Please
- Evet (EH-vet) – Yes
- Hayır (HAH-yuhr) – No
- Hoş geldiniz (hohsh gel-din-EES) – Welcome (said to guests)
- Hoş bulduk (hohsh BOOL-dook) – Response to “Hoş geldiniz,” means “We found it nice” or “We’re glad to be here”
- Bir şey sorabilir miyim? (beer shey soh-rih-BEER mee-EEM) – May I ask you something?
- Benim adım… (BEH-neem AH-duhm) – My name is…
- Lütfen biraz daha yavaş konuşabilir misiniz? (LUT-fen bee-RAHZ doh-ah yah-VAHSH koh-noo-shuh-BEER mee-SEE-niz) – Could you please speak more slowly?
- Hesap lütfen (heh-SAH-p LUT-fen) – The check, please (in a restaurant)
- Görüşürüz (guh-roo-SHOO-rooz) – Goodbye (informal)
Good day Martin
Diane from Brandpuntfotoklub referred me to you. I am interested in joining the Istanbul trip if I can join the trip with Diane, Sarie and Ingrid.
I am also interested in your mentorship offering but will have to look at it a bit later as I had carpal tunnel surgery 2 weeks ago.