GEP Photography Workshop, Istanbul: Day 2

The Blue Mosque, as dawn breaks, reflected in the still waters of the fountain.

Day 2 of our photography workshop began very early, at 05:30, so we could photograph the Blue Mosque at dawn again. This time we walked to the fountain between the Blue Mosque and the Aya Sofya. The fountain is turned off at night, and we wanted to catch the reflection of the Blue Mosque in the still water of the fountain before it was turned on again. Unfortunately, we couldn't do the same for the Aya Sofya as the stage for the Korean festival was in the way, and would have ruined our shots.

With barely time for breakfast, we were on our way again, as we were off on a tour of the Bosphorus. Once more, it was important to get ahead of the crowds, so we could secure the best seats on, what has become, a very popular activity in Istanbul.

Rumeli Hisari, the fortress on the banks of the Bosphorus

Once we set sail we relaxed as we glided up the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea. There are many interesting places to photograph along the banks of this mighty strait, but we did have one in particular to focus on - that of Rumeli Hisari, the fortress built by Mehmet ll to launch his attack against Constantinople.

We disembarked in Sariyer, a fishing port at the northern end of the Bosphorus. There we were free to roam and photograph the fish market by the harbour full of fishing boats, as well as other points of interest.

Our task today for our group review, was to return with three shots suitable for a travel magazine. One showing the overall picture of a scene; one of part of the scene; and one close-up, detail shot. We had to keep this assignment in mind as we happily photographed everything in sight!

The fish market in Sariyer (the scene)

One of the stalls in the fish market (part of the scene)

A detail shot, showing fish

After a quick lunch, we travelled to our next stop, Rumeli Hisari. The fortress is in amazing condition, considering it was built in 1452; although it was evident that in those far-off days health and safety wasn't a factor. Some of the stairways are positively lethal, and we had to take great care when climbing them.

Looking out at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge from Rumeli Hisari, the old and the new.

Part of the 2nd group taking photos in the fortress

The fortress has 3 main towers, one small tower, and 13 watchtowers 

Some of the first week's attendees resting after climbing all over the fortress

Finally, shooting for the day over, we drove along the banks of the Bosphorus and back to our hotel, where we eventually wandered off to enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the many restaurants in Sultanahment.

By Elizabeth Coughlan