On Saturday, Jim and I flew up to Istanbul to join the 4th annual Worldwide Photo Walk. There ended up being four offered in Turkey, but when we signed up there were only two.
We’ve been to Isanbul a number of times, but mostly we’ve spent that time in the Sultan Ahmet area where are the major tourist sites are. It’s a great area and there’s plenty to see, but after the fourth of fifth time, that’s enough. Finished.
The photo walk was going to take us through some of the more urban areas where many, many people hang out. We had been there once or twice before on the main roads, but didn’t get to explore all the back alleys. The walk was all about alleys and passageways. I had a fantastic time.
Jim and I never do things at the same pace, so in typical fashion I was always more towards the beginning of the pack and he was at the end.
Walking along a specific path with about 30 other people taking photos was a hoot. I’m sure there are at least 30 photos of the guy lounging on his motorcycle or the hookah pipes waiting to be smoked. The trick was to try and look at things a little differently and see what you could come up with.
The walk was scheduled from about 3:45 until 6:00 in the evening and we wound our way in and out of shadows the entire time. I don’t think I’ve ever changed my ISO so much in just a few hour span. Many of the shots we ended up with are typical Turkey. It’s just such a photogenic country that taking a good photo is too darn easy.
We had a great time, and below are some of our photos. If you participated in the walk, let me know, I’d like to check out some of your flicks.
If you haven’t, there’s always next year! Check out the Istanbul wal at http://www.flickr.com/groups/1726024@N24/ and the overall Scott Kelby website at http://www.flickr.com/groups/wwpw4/ . After the 17th of October there will be voting on one photo in a contest for the People’s Choice award. I’ll post that link when it comes up.
Love the new pictures. The photo walk sounds like a blast..will have to try one here next time. I can see some of these as blow ups…framed…
The worldwide photo walk was too much fun. My new goal is to do a different one every year!
I love the photos and am very happy to see you’re blogging again.
I didn’t know that Scott Kelby organized photowalks. Did he actually lead it himself? I have a couple of his books and his “Photoshop for digital photographers” is, by far, my favorite Photoshop book.
The light & movement you captured in the alley? photo is extraordinary : ) Quite Beautiful
The photo walks are fantastic. There are volunteer leaders. Ours did a fantastic job. You should check out the website through my link above.