In April, I attended a five-day photography class in Istanbul, Turkey. Part of the Cities at Dawn series taught by Anthony Epes, the workshop was an outstanding experience. Not only was I forced to shoot in manual mode, but the early morning photo sessions opened my eyes to the beauty of the dawns early light. These are a few of my favorite pictures from the week I spent in Istanbul. Click on the first image for a slide show.
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Sunrise Pink on the Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Detail of the domes on the Blue Mosque
Sunrise on the European side of the Galata Bridge, Istanbul, Turkey.
Sunrise along the Waterfront, Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul sunrise looking across the Golden Horn
Fishing from Galata Bridge, Istanbul, Turkey
Dock along the Bosphorus waterfront, Istanbul, Turkey.
Istanbul at Dawn photography class walking long waterfront.
The domes on the back side of the Süleymaniye Mosque, 1558 A.D, looking across the Golden Horn
Cemetery, Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Hagia Sofia at dusk
Hagia Sofia from a rooftop.
Interior of Hagia Sofia. The building did not appear to be well maintained.
Mosaic Detail, Hagia Sofia, Istanbul Turkey
Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, Turkey
Basilica Cistern, Istanbul, Turkey
The wall surrounding Topkapi Palace.
Decorative painting, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey
Imperial Hall in the Harem, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey
First meeting of photography class, Gulhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey.
Our instructor, Anthony Epes.
Tulips were everywhere. April in Istanbul celebrates the Tulip.
Selfies after selfie, Gulhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey.
April is Tulip month in Istanbul. Gulhane Park.
Cafe near the Hippodrome. Our first early morning shot.
Delapidated house near historic center, Istanbul, Turkey.
Outdoor seating at Istanbul Restaurant
Bagel seller, Istanbul, Turkey
Spare parts, mannequin store, Istanbul, Turkey
House painter refreshing the color on a restaurant facade, Istanbul, Turkey. Near the Hippodrome.
Turkish flag pendants on Taxsim Square, Istanbul, Turkey.
Tea Service, Turkish Market, Istanbul, Turkey
Galata Tour before the storm.
Fish Market near Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkey
Pickles are popular and even the juice is sold. A great pickle store near Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkey.
The New 3 Rs: Retire, Recharge, Reconnect 
We were in Istanbul a few years ago, it was such a vibrant place. I wonder if it is the same now. Thank you for all the photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Lakshmi. I wonder the same thing. I loved Istanbul and want to go back but with the political situation, I am a bit hesitant. Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I, too, love Istanbul (plus Cappadocia and other spots in Turkey) and wish it was safer to go back. Your images are beautiful, and brought back a lot of great memories. A photo class is such a wonderful way to see a city.
LikeLike
Gary Sheffield is struggling bad but trust me that wont lastPujols is struggling but no one is dumb enouph to unload himChase Utley is struggling and he is the best player by far at second baseRyan Howard is another one you wont get but you can tryCarlos Zambrano or Chris Carpenter would be good to get right now as pitchers
LikeLike
Basienko, no I znowu sie rozkojazylam 🙂 Oh, pamietam smak tego dzemu Johanny… A czy Ty wiesz ze ja jeszcze mam butelke ich likieru morelowego? Uzywam go jak na lekarstwo: Mama z Kasia mialy okazje sie Nim delektowac 🙂 Wiesz, tak sobie mysle… Te dzemy Johanny sa tak smaczne poniewaz te morole w Dolinie Wachau sa bardzo szczegolne: slodkie I soczyste, napelnione takim nieziemskim nektarem… Oh, I ten zapach… Pycha… To kruche ciasto z morelami wygloda przeapetycznie 🙂 Moc morelowych buziakow 🙂
LikeLike
These are beautiful. I’ve always wanted to visit. The architecture is powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Istanbul is an incredible city. It is sad that current conditions make it hard to return. I want to go back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One visit is never enough. I hope you get your wish!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great shots, morning light is really flattering for photography. Its just waking up pre-dawn that’s the catch 🙂
LikeLike
thanks. I love Istanbul. Morning is not my time of day either but it was so peaceful in the dark and empty streets I didn’t mind it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know that Turkey is beautiful and would like to visit someday when it is really safe… hope for peace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your photos! I took a group of 6 people there back in September…wonderful city!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved it too. So sad about what is going on there. I fear that a reign of oppression is starting that will last a long time. So sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is sad…hope it doesn’t last long!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
great captures!
LikeLike
Thanks. Such a beautiful and exotic city.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome Marie! 🙂
LikeLike
– Hello – I must say, I’m impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and information was very easy to access. I found what I wanted in no time at all. Pretty awesome. Would appreciate it if you add forums or something, it would be a perfect way for your clients to interact. Great job
LikeLike
Beautiful photos!
LikeLike
Thanks so much. Sorry it took me so long to respond. I have been traveling and came home with bronchitis. Haven’t been at the computer much. 🙂
LikeLike
Looks like a great time was had, and you’ve some fantastic images!
LikeLike
Thanks. It was a great class and a wonderful city.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Courtney! These losses really stick with us, huh? You are surely blessed with your two girls, I’m hoping that 2011 is our year. New year, new decade, new luck. I appreciate the support and thanks for the tip about numerology, I didn’t know that.
LikeLike
What a beautiful gallery of photos. You certainly know your way around a camera’s potential! Thank you.
LikeLike
Thanks. I learned so much on the class I took there. The city is beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos Marie 🙂 Turkey is incredible..thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your photos are superb, you have such good eye for photography!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that is a lovely set of photos! They are proof that total creative control over the camera can achieve – mmmm, I still think “force” is too strong a word.
HA. 🙂
I can’t wait to go back with a 400mm!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay, not forced. How about explored the creative potential of manual control. 🙂 Hope to explore some more next May in Venice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful photos! Loved the one of the domes looking towards the city and the one of the painter! Istanbul is a city that I’ve got on my travel bucket list. Looks so interesting and so full of history!
LikeLike
Thanks. It is a fascinating city. I can’t wait to go back sometime.
LikeLike
What amazes me is that I thought I knew most of the running blogs and out there and yet, these are mostly new to me! Thanks for sharing some new, good reads.
LikeLike
Great photos Marie! I was a fab week.
LikeLike
Hey, Harmen. It was a great week. A great way to explore a city.
LikeLike
What a gorgeous collection of photos. Thank you for sharing 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much. I loved Istanbul.
LikeLike
Very nice !!
LikeLike
Thanks. A great city and I want to go back.
LikeLiked by 1 person