Workshops

Description

We're back with another Faces & Places photo tour! This time GPP favourites Bobbi Lane and David Nightingale will be leading a small group of students on a photo tour of fabulous Istanbul.

Bobbi Lane is a commercial and editorial photographer extraordinaire who will give students invaluable portrait tips and tricks, while David Nightingale will bring his expertise in capturing breathtaking urban cityscapes and landscapes – everything a travel photographer could wish for!

And Istanbul is the perfect location. East meets West in this ancient, yet modern, city that boasts a host of magnificent landscapes, historical sites, ancient infrastructure, stunning architecture and friendly, interesting people.

The idea of the photo tour is to provide you with a well-rounded photographic experience with expert guidance, followed up with feedback and critique to help you develop your skills as a photographer. You will come away with a varied portfolio of shots: from street photography, to incredible landscapes and expressive portraits.

Bobbi and David will teach you the skills you need to take your travel photography to the next level. They will show you how to photograph the natural and urban landscape, how to produce stunning travel portraits, and how to combine the two to produce a compelling story that captures the heart and soul of the places you visit.

Students will be encouraged to complete their learning experience with the important exercise of producing a photo essay of their trip to Istanbul, which will be exhibited by Gulf Photo Plus.

PHOTO TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
A detailed itinerary will be given to participants a week prior to the trip, and will include:

Aya Sofya/Hagia Sophia: An interesting religious site, its interior contains features from it being a cathedral as well as a mosque. You’ll see the Great Byzantine building with its vast interiors and beautiful dome. Photo opportunities include the Byzantine mosaics, fountains, marble structure, chandeliers and Islamic calligraphy inscribed on the Dome.

Blue Mosque: Built in 1616, this is one of the most prominent landmarks of Istanbul. We will aim to capture its mesmerizing domes, semi-domes, courtyards and six minarets. With 260 windows it is an extremely well lit building, we will therefore capture the interiors of this building as well as its magnificent exterior.  

Grand Bazaar (The Covered Bazaar): Opened in 1461, it's one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world with over 58 covered streets and over 4000 shops, known for their jewelry, pottery, spice and carpets. A great spot for street photography and candid portraits of the locals.

Spice Bazaar: Located in Eminoni, the Spice Bazaar is one of the oldest bazaars in the city and it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar.

Topkapi Palace: We will photograph the interesting architecture of the palace that was the official residence for 400 years, in the city of the Ottoman Sultans.

Byzantine Hippodrome: This was the heart of the Constantinople’s political and sporting life - with games and riots taking place through 500 years of Ottoman history.

Galata Bridge and Galata Tower: The Galata Bridge is a bridge that spans the Golden Horn in Istanbul. This is said to be the heart of Istanbul and has been featured in Turkish literature, poetry and novels.

Bhosporus Boat Tour: The tour will take place on the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia. It will allow you to capture the city from a different perspective. The views from this cruise include: marble palaces and Ottoman architecture. After this cruise we will visit the fishing town, Anadolu Kayak and Yoros Castle.

Beyoglu Istiklal Street: You’ll find some great street photography opportunities here. It is located on the European side of Istanbul. This area is the center of art, entertainment and night life in Istanbul. 

DATES & TIMES: 
From Nov 8th @ 2pm - To Nov 12th @2pm

PRICE
The following prices include hotel accommodation (carefully selected for location, view and ambience), breakfasts, lunches, transport within Istanbul to locations of the workshop, admission fees to sites, whirling dervish performance, Bhosporus Boat Tour, instruction by Bobbi Lane and David Nightingale, and an assistant.

* Single occupancy at hotel: $2,650 per person
* Double occupancy at hotel: $2,450 per person

You will be asked to make a payment of $2,650 upon booking for single occupancy. If you opt for double occupancy, kindly email us to let us know and we will refund you for the $200 difference.
The hotel you will be staying in is The Hotel Troya - hotel website. 

WHAT TO EXPECT?

• A fully planned and scheduled travel photography trip including portrait photography, street photography, landscape photography and night photography. Discover Istanbul and capture it in a creative, fun and easy manner.
• Instruction from world-class instructors, Bobbi Lane & David Nightingale who can teach beginners and professionals alike.
• Improved shooting, composition and observation techniques. Improved photography skills and the ability to tell a story through your photographs.
• Tips and tricks to get the ‘best’ shot.
• Daily critique session, review, feedback and critique of your images. Discussion and encouragement to try different shooting styles.

The price above will NOT cover the following:

• Transport to Istanbul (you will need to make your own way to Istanbul, there are several flight options including Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Fly Dubai or Air Arabia). Please make your travel arrangements sooner rather than later, as flight prices will increase closer to the time of the trip.
• Tips and Gratuities to Hotel staff, guide or driver
• Travel Insurance
• Visas: You will need to ensure that you are eligible for Turkish visas

What to Pack?

• Your DSLR, lens (a range of wide angle and zoom), a few SD/CF cards, laptop, card reader, tripod
• Wear comfortable and informal clothing. Comfortable shoes. Don’t forget your warm clothes too as it’s the winter season. (warm jacket, sweater and windbreaker)
• Please note that whilst visiting mosques no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed and you must wear socks to walk on the carpets

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT ISTANBUL
Istanbul is less than three and a half hours away by flight and, with a population of 12 million, is the largest city in the Republic of Turkey.
It is located on the shores of the Bosphorus and is a city of natural beauty, countless museums, palaces and great mosques. Its 8,000-year history can be explored through its infrastructure, historical sites, monuments and artifacts of the Byzantine and Ottoman Era.

Climate: Check out the weather here – at this time of year you can expect it to be cool in the day and chilly at night. You might be lucky enough to capture Istanbul in the rain.

Local Time: GMT + 2 hrs.

Currency:  The national monetary unit is the Turkish Lira (TL ). The coinage is in 1TL, and 5, 10, 25, 50 Kurus. Bank notes are 5, 10, 20, 50 , 100, 200 TL. The most widely accepted credit cards are American Express, Eurocard, Diner’s Club, Visa and Mastercard.

Visas: For Visa Application visit the Turkey Embassy in Dubai.
For Visa Requirements, click here.

If you have any other questions, please call us on 04 360 2365 or email us (info@gulfphotoplus.com) and we’ll be happy to give you as much information as we can.

* Voucher redeemable against Think Tank products bought at the GPP Store only. No cash alternative.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Bookings for this workshop cannot be transferred to another workshop or date. Bookings cancelled before September 27th will be refunded less a 20% fee. Bookings cancelled between September 28th and October 24th will be refunded less a 50% fee. Bookings cancelled after October 25th will not be refunded.