Istambul ?

[gliderbee]

I'm going to Istambul from the 10th to 14th of February, having my eyes lasiked (is that a word ?).

Included in the trip are some visits of Istambul (I don't know yet if these visits are before or after the lasering ..., but I'm taking either a Hexar RF or a Bessa R3M.

Any tips on taking pictures their ? Are people generally friendly or shy about having their pictures taken ?

Thanks,
Stefan.

[kully]

Hello Stefan, as long as you don't act like a tourist at the zoo and point cameras in people's faces - you'll be fine. I found Istanbul to be very friendly - of course, this depends on which parts you stay in - some areas are not so nice, the same as any city.

[morback]

Istanbul is a great city. Really beautiful especially with their old "professional districts", for lack of better term. To find those you need to walk. That's my favorite aspect of Istanbul. That, and public transportation (Dolmus / Vapur - Ferry). I've never been to Istanbul in January, but usually I tell people to take the ferry across the Bosphorus. Kadıköy - Üsküdar (Old City) for example.

If you plan on visiting touristic places, don't be surprised if Turks just pass the line and enter. Many places have a dual fee system. 20 Liras for tourists, free or very cheap for Turks.

Turks mirror your character. If you're warm and lively, they'll be like that to you. If like me you tend to seem a little too stern even when happy, then...
Thank god I know a little bit of Turkish. They never expect anyone else (Especially not blond and blue-eyed) to speak their language so that's the best icebreaker.

Drink tea, smile, play their games, you'll be fine. It's a great place.

[Roger Hicks]

They're a lot less shy and paranoid than Britons or Americans, for a start.

Ayia Sofia and the Grand Bazaar may be tourist 'must-sees' but they're still pretty incredible.

I didn't actually like the place very much, but I did get disproportionately many good pictures in the few days I spent there.

Cheers,

R.

[kully]

It's strange you say that Roger, I had the same feeling when I first travelled through Turkey - I really hated it. Went back a couple of years ago and found it absolutely wonderful.

[Phantomas]

People are very friendly. In most situations people that hang out on the street (street vendors, shop-keepers, etc) will not mind if you ask them (but being a foregner starting a conversation with them they'll want you to buy something ) Touristic areas like that around Grand Bazar / Haya Sophia / Blue Mosque are pretty but annoying. That's where most street swindlers try to ran little scams on you. Don't worry though, in general it's a safe city.
Absolute must - take a ferry from European side (assuming that's where you're staying) to Asian, even if you have no business there. The ride is roughly 30-40 mins and you'll get an absolutely beautiful view. Quite a lot of characters on the ferry too, some great portrait material.
Istanbul is a HUGE city. Explore explore explore. Have fun!

[pufy]

To add to what people allready said: Istanbul is without a doubt the friendliest city i have been too. As long as you smile nobody will have any problem with you taking their picture. Another thing allready mention, try to explore the city as much as you can, avoid the turist atractions.
Here are a couple of picture from my last visit to Istanbul, and also a great essay from Alex Webb : City of a hundred names

[kbg32]

Stefan, it's a Muslim country. People generally do not like their picture taken. But if you are friendly and don't hide your intentions, people will be very cooperative. It is a beautiful city. Quite large, containing many different neighborhoods. I recommend visiting the Prince's Island while you are there. A short ferry ride away.

Take a look here for a small flavor of what you will see -

http://www.pbase.com/keithbg/istanbul&page=all

My wife and I would love to go back sometime and take our new son.

Enjoy!

[LeicaFoReVer]

That is correct it is a muslim country but it is not like Egpth or Iran. It is totally different than those countries. It is a democratic, modern and a republic country with 98% muslim religion.

It also depends which district you are in. Go to Besiktas and you will see a metroplitan city with skyscrapers. Goto Eminonu you will see the authentic city.

If you are in a conservative part of the city like Eminonu and Fatih, Eyub then you must be more careful.

Originally Posted by kbg32

Stefan, it's a Muslim country. People generally do not like their picture taken. But if you are friendly and don't hide your intentions, people will be very cooperative. It is a beautiful city. Quite large, containing many different neighborhoods. I recommend visiting the Prince's Island while you are there. A short ferry ride away.

Take a look here for a small flavor of what you will see -

http://www.pbase.com/keithbg/istanbul&page=all

My wife and I would love to go back sometime and take our new son.

Enjoy!

[Pablito]

Istambul or Constantinople?

[bigeye]

Originally Posted by Pablito

Istambul or Constantinople?

Istanbul, not Constantinople

[Ducky]

Good luck with the eye lasering. That may be one thing that will really make you a better photographer, being able to see what you shoot.
Let us know how the eyes are when you get home.

[gliderbee]

Originally Posted by Ducky

Good luck with the eye lasering. That may be one thing that will really make you a better photographer, being able to see what you shoot.
Let us know how the eyes are when you get home.

I should finally be able to see the whole picture in the VF.

@Richard:
>Because "Included in the trip are some visits of Istambul" sounds a lot like >an organized tour you may find your time will be limited for wandering around >on your own though likely plenty of opportunity for some good shots.

I'm afraid I indeed will not have enough time; all those comments here make me feel I will have to go back later for a week or so. I'll see this short trip as an opportunity to have a first impression and to go back better prepared.

Thanks all for your great advice.

Stefan.

[LeicaFoReVer]

I am Turkish and born in Istanbul. However I was 6 when we moved out of the city. I always loved the city but miss a lot the old times.

It used to be more lovely but now it is very overcrowded due to local immigrants have been moving to Istanbul for job.

I am very glad that people here have good memories from Istanbul and think good things about my people.

But still it is a big and crowded city and there are people with bad intentions like everywhere else. Be careful in crowded places. Watch your wallet. Regarding the photographing, just ask or show your camera before taking the shot and then I am sure it will be alright.

Places to visit:
(Authentic)
Kapalicarsi
Misir carsisi

(Modern but still authentic part)
Ortakoy (my favoite place, benath the bosphprous bridge)
Beyoglu-Istiklal Caddesi (pedestrian road with tram line, nice place for shopping too)

[Phantomas]

I will second Istiklal Caddesi - beautiful street, I loved hanging out there. Lots of embasies and consulates - hence pretty architecture.
When on Asian side explore Kadikoi with its little markets and shopping streets.
Great, now I want to go back. First thing i'd do is order a huge plate of Iskender.... mmmmmm........

[charjohncarter]

Originally Posted by Phantomas

I will second Istiklal Caddesi - beautiful street, I loved hanging out there. Lots of embasies and consulates - hence pretty architecture.
When on Asian side explore Kadikoi with its little markets and shopping streets.
Great, now I want to go back. First thing i'd do is order a huge plate of Iskender.... mmmmmm........

Here is that street, these women didn't mind being photographed:



This is the Tile Mosque, I used Tmax100 and a small tripod:

[semrich]

As a foreigner living in Istanbul I have been taking photos in all areas of the city, both the Asian and European sides, day and night and have never encountered problems. I've never felt the need to tape up my cameras or have ever felt unsafe wherever I've been while photographing people in their life.

Because "Included in the trip are some visits of Istambul" sounds a lot like an organized tour you may find your time will be limited for wandering around on your own though likely plenty of opportunity for some good shots.

[bostanem]

hi, i'm also from istanbul was living there up to one year ago. for me, it is the most exciting city of course. istanbul is a mixture point, not only geographically also from a cultural point of view. East meets West. That means quite a lot to me.

for a photographer, istanbul is heaven like india i guess, especially for street photography. so many different types of people. each street has its own spirit.

lastly, during those days, i will be there as well. so, we might meet and have a cup of coffee if you want.

[gliderbee]

Originally Posted by bostanem

lastly, during those days, i will be there as well. so, we might meet and have a cup of coffee if you want.

That should be fun; I've send you a pm.

Stefan.

[vdonovan]

I will second (or third or fourth) the positive views of others. I've spent months in Istanbul and have travelled all over Turkey. Turks are invariably hospitable and friendly, and I've never felt uncomfortable there or had anything stolen. The old Turkish lira exchange rate was something like one million to the dollar and I was always getting confused. After a while I started just handing vendors the money in my pocket and letting them figure it out. From what I could see I was never shortchanged.

Walk around, relax, smile at people. I don't take candid shots, but whenever I asked someone if I could take their picture they were quite nice about it.

You'll probably spend most of your limited time in the tourist areas, but it is good fun to get the ferry over to the other side. A touristy must-see is the museum of Greek mosaics. It's hard to find, but it's right next to the Blue Mosque.