Istanbul is a city of contrasts, blending ancient history with modern innovation. With stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, it's no wonder that Istanbul is a favorite destination for travel photographers from around the world. From the beautiful Mosques to the bustling markets and the never ending activity surrounding the Bosphorus, there is no shortage of inspiration for photographers in this enchanting city. Istanbul is also a colourful city with the vibrant red Turkish flag and bunting displayed everywhere. If, like me, you are a fan of flags, be sure to head to Çamlıca Hill to capture the biggest flag in Turkey, the flag pole itself is 111 meters (364 feet) tall. Click through the slideshow below to take a look at some of the travel photography I took whilst in Istanbul:
One of the best times to capture the essence of Istanbul is during the early morning hours. The soft light and empty streets make for a perfect setting for photographers to capture the city's architecture and historical sites without the crowds of tourists. Be sure to head to the Galata Tower for a panoramic view of the city skyline and the Bosphorus.
If you are interested in people and street photography head out later in the day when you will find a lot of activity throughout the City. My favourite place for photography in Istanbul was by the Bosphorus, the large waterway which cuts through the City. Take a stroll along the Bosphorus, where you can capture stunning views of the city from across the water. Cross one of the bridges and watch the hundreds of fishermen jostling for space. Alternatively take a ferry or boat across the water or to other parts of Istanbul. The sunset over the Bosphorus is one of the most magical moments you can witness, so head down for the golden hour and capture some of it’s beauty. Click through the slideshow below to view some of my favourite photos of Istanbul taken by the Bosphorus:
While I was in Istanbul I stayed in the Wabi Sabi Hostel for a couple of weeks. The hostel is conveniently located close to the downtown Taksim area. The hostel has a great rooftop bar overlooking the City (great for sunset shots) and runs regular events such as the excellent stand up comedy nights. For more information on the standup comedy nights follow @altustandup on Instagram and make sure you check out the set of @_ozguntuna_, lots of laughs! All of the staff in the hostel are extremely friendly and will offer you help with anything related to Istanbul and Turkey. Wabi Sabi hostel has a lot of affordable and nice restaurants close to the hostel and they serve an amazing breakfast buffet which is included in the price. I met some great people in the hostel who I am still in touch with today, and I will definitely stay the next time I visit Istanbul.
In conclusion, Istanbul is a city that offers endless photographic opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers. So, grab your camera, hit the streets and capture its beauty through your lens. Explore the different parts of the city on foot or by the easily accessible public transport system. Capture some of the beautiful architecture, get involved with some candid street photography, and last but by no means least, head down to the Bosphorus and enjoy. More of my Istanbul travel photography can be found on my Instagram, and my Flickr account. Many of my images from Istabul are available to license via Getty images. Istanbul, see you again someday.