Key idea: Plan light first, then settings. Golden hour gives soft facades and deep sky gradients; blue hour adds city lights. Keep your shots quick and considerate.
Balcony Panorama
- Lens: 24–35mm equivalent; stitch 3–5 frames.
- Settings (day): ISO 100–200, f/5.6–8, 1/250s.
- Settings (night): ISO 800–1600, f/2.8–4, 1/60–1/125s.
- Phone: enable HDR; keep elbows close; shoot 2–3 overlapping frames.
Composition trick: anchor one bridge line or mosque dome cluster per frame; the stitched panorama reads naturally.
Ground Compositions
- Base square with tower centered; include café life.
- Side alleys for leading lines and lamplight moods.
- Karaköy pier for tower in skyline context.
- Istiklal approach for layered street energy.
Micro-Exercises
- 10-minute alley session: three frames, three angles.
- 5-shot balcony sequence: horizon steady, exposure locked.
- Night mode test: one still, one burst.
Etiquette
- Keep lane moving; no tripods during peak.
- Brace against railing; avoid blocking family shots.
- Offer quick photo swaps — warms the vibe.
Image Highlights

Bottom Line
More light planning, less gear fuss — that’s the Galata photo rhythm.