Istanbul Streets

Some couples look for the elegance of an Ottoman pavilion, others for the quiet of nature. And then there are those who fall in love with the city itself: the cry of seagulls, stone façades, historic staircases and ferries crossing the Golden Horn. Our Istanbul Streets session makes the soul of the city part of your story, with a walk from Karaköy to the Galata Bridge.

We don’t shoot at a single venue but along a route. Every stop has its own atmosphere, and the story reaches its finale on the bridge above the Golden Horn. We can shoot this route in the morning as well as later in the day.

Our route

1. The streets of Karaköy and SALT Galata

We begin in the historic streets of Karaköy. Our first stop is SALT Galata on Bankalar Caddesi (Bank Street): the former Ottoman Bank headquarters, designed by the architect Alexandre Vallaury in 1892. Its massive stone blocks, iron-barred windows and monumental façade make a unique backdrop for editorial portraits. The narrow streets, old bank buildings and cafés around it add character to the first frames of the route.

2. The Camondo Stairs

A few steps away are the Camondo Stairs (Kamondo Merdivenleri), built in the 19th century by the Camondo family. With their double flight curling around itself and soft stone balustrades, they are among the most photogenic staircases in Istanbul. Walking up together, natural moments on the steps and geometric frames shot from above make this the most cinematic part of the story.

3. The finale on the Galata Bridge

We end the story above the Golden Horn, on the Galata Bridge. On one side the Galata Tower and the Karaköy skyline, on the other the domes of the Süleymaniye Mosque; ferries, seagulls and the light on the water. The bridge’s patterned railings and the view of the Golden Horn give the most emotional photographs of the session.

Highlights

• Three different atmospheres in one session: stone façades, historic stairs and views of the Golden Horn
• Istanbul’s most recognisable skyline, with the Galata Tower, the Süleymaniye Mosque and the ferries
• A walking route planned around the light, in the morning or later in the day
• Editorial and cinematic photographs that also look wonderful in black and white

Our gown advice

For this session, rather than a gown with a long train, we recommend a dress-style bridal gown with a simpler cut. You can walk freely through the streets, up the stairs and across the bridge without having to carry it, and it suits the editorial, modern atmosphere of the city far better.

If you’re looking for a gown like this, take a look at our sister brand House of Zarif: our bridal studio designing custom-made bridal gowns, dresses and accessories. See the collection at houseofzarif.com or on Instagram at @houseofzarif.

Photographer’s note

As the Istanbul streets session is a walk, we recommend bringing comfortable shoes. We plan the timing and the route together. This session is part of our Istanbul Streets package; for timing, see our article on how long a wedding photoshoot takes.