Experience the best of
Istanbul with Withlocals

"As a photographer on my first trip to Istanbul I wanted to make sure that I saw the city but also that I had the opportunity to explore areas that tourists wouldn't normally go. I enjoy street photography, but knew I had lots to learn, so I was thrilled to be able to enlist someone as skilled as Kemal as my guide for a half day. He led me up and down the side streets of Galata and gave me fantastic pointers on what watch for, what to do, and how to set myself up for solid street images. I learned lots that I was able to put into use through the remainder of my stay in Istanbul.\n\nIn this day and age when everyone seems to be about their Instagram shot, it was great to meet someone who cares about old school photography and is willing to share both his technical skills and his knowledge of the city. Beyond that, Kemal was personable and had a good sense of humor. I'd highly recommend him to anyone, including single women who might be nervous about going out alone with their camera. "

"My teenagers are interested in photography, but I don\u2019t really know much about it. We booked this as a way to explore the city more and to hopefully improve our skills, and it did not disappoint. I\u2019m particularly glad we booked it early in our trip so we could keep practicing the skills we learned. If you have even the slightest interest in taking better photos, I couldn\u2019t recommend this more.\n\nKemal checked with us before the tour to see what equipment we had (iPhones) and then he brought the same along for himself so he could constantly be showing us how to improve our pictures with the equipment we have. He did an amazing job explaining basics to us about how to frame shots and some magic moments to look for that really make an interesting photograph. Kemal also showed us how to use numerous features on our phones that I had either never really explored or never knew existed. He took us down fascinating streets in Istanbul that we never would have known about on our own, even though they were just a street or two away from our hotel. \nMy teenagers (and myself and my husband) loved it and now we all keep talking about things we see on the street that would make great photos. I, personally, feel like I\u2019m seeing details around me that I wouldn\u2019t have noticed before which is making me feel more immersed in my vacation."

"We came to Istanbul with a specific goal in mind - learn how to create our wedding rings by ourselves with a help of an artist. We had zero experience that's why we got one prep workshop with a brass and one workshop with gold and engraving. Both of them were held in an authentic place with friendly atmosphere surrounded by patience and willingness to help by Ayfer and 'usta' Eren. \n\nWe've learned step by step process of cutting, bending, welding, decorating and polishing our rings. As a result we have 7 brass rings with different patterns and 2 cherished golden rings. Even more these rings have a custom handmade engraving what makes them even more special, rare and unique. We're very grateful for Ayfer and highly recommend these workshops to have a great time and memorable results of your work."

"I actually did two photography tours with Kemal, and I loved them both.\nKemal has connections and you may get lucky and see, experience, and take pictures of some workshops that are very rare, and near extinct on this tour, I was given some choices of what I would like to see. We went to the Grand Bazaar, Kemal knows and works with a lot of different shops, so he knows where to go and can help you experience things that most tourist will never see, like the location that provides tea to the shops, a jewelry repair shop, and multiple others. The we went to a place that processes silk from cocoons for Turkish rugs. This is a skill that few people even know anymore. We were able to see and photograph the whole process, and we even got to see a master silk weaver tying silk knots for a rug. Then we went to a place that was smelting bronze. That is also something that is quite rare, and extremely interesting to see and photograph. The melting point of the metal is over a thousand degrees, and wow, what a process to witness and capture on film.\nKemal was so enjoyable, and such a good teacher. I am a newish photography hobbyists, and this workshop helped take me to the next level. Kemal was able to help with all of my camera questions, and explain a lot about what is needed to take a good picture. \nEvery picture that he took was amazing, and he will help you capture your own amazing images.\nBest money ever spent trying to upgrade my photography skills."

"I'm just going to say that Kemel is a photography God. The man can't take a bad picture. \nThis was definitely an experience like no other. After the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, it was so nice to get out of town into some small villages by the Black Sea. Kemal will take you places that no other tourists will get to see or experience. Once you get to the village get ready to watch Kemal in action as he chats withe the locals and makes new friends wherever he goes. \nNot only will you get a unique prospective and views like no other, Kemal is so good at what he does as a photographer. You are sure to leave with tips on how to make your pictures better. Kemal is also very helpful with any help you might need getting to know your camera, or helping with the basics Iso, shutter speed and apeture.\nI myself am a beginning hobby photographer, and I walked away with so many tools and so much wisdom of what makes a good picture.\nI also am a lot braver taking photos on the street of people and situations that I normaly would just pass up. \nI would have to say that anyone who wants a unique photo experience will not be disappointed, Kemal really delivers and he is so much fun to be around as well."

"My jewelry workshop with Ayfer and a local jewelry usta was a one of a kind Istanbul experience. Going into the back alleys of the Grand Bazaar to a historical and cozy studio and spending a few hands on hours with a Bazaar jewelry master felt like a step into a world I never would have experienced otherwise. Ayfer was spot on with her communication and was gracious, friendly, and super informative. "

"We went on this magnificent tour with Kemel. My friend and I are both amateur photographers. We learned a huge amount from Kemel. His knowledge of photography is superb. He knows the different cameras extremely well and could assist us with all our questions. The fishing villages and castle ruins were excellent locations. I will highly recommend this tour with Kemel. He is very kind and has a good sense of humor."

"Prior to the photography session with Kemal, I joined hunting photography trips with my Indonesian group of friends, but Kemal opened a totally new perspective for me. I learned a lot from him. The experience and the lesson i got, was totally worth it. \nKemal was a great teacher and also a sweet kind-hearted new friend i found in Instanbul. \nThank you a lot, Kemal. Keep in touch ! "