Views of and from Galata Tower - image heavy

[rpcrowe]

The Galata Tower is a landmark of Istanbul and has been used as a fortification, a fire tower, a prison and now as a tourist venue. There is an elevator which carries you up the tower but, you must walk up a narrow stairway for the last three stories. The observation deck is seen just below the conical top of this tower. Luckily, it has no protective mesh to impact photography by shooting through.

The time of day that you climb the tower is crtical. Late afternoon (on a clear day) seemed like the best time for photography. While I shot quite a few images using my 17-55mm lens at various focal lengths, I like the images from my 70-200mm lens better. I used a CPL filter.

I did not have the opportunity for any night shots from the Tower but, I would thnk that a bean-bag support would be the best choice for that type of shooting.. There is not enough room on the observation deck for tripod use and even a monopod would be difficult. Movement around the observation deck is "supposed" to be in one direcion only. In reality, people seemed to wander back and forth at will; causing jams. I often rested my camera on the walls of the deck hoping that this ancient structure would not decide to give way when I was shooting.

The Galata Tower seen from across the Golden Horn shooting from the Galata Bridge...





Views from the Tower...
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[John 2]

Superb set Richard. Lovely saturation in all of them as well.

[Mike Buckley]

Terrific series, Richard. I did not get to that tower when I was in Istanbul and I really appreciate your pictures of it and from it.

[NorthernFocus]

Interesting stuff, Rich. Looks like you are having a heck of a time over there.

[Karm Redland]

Richard, they all look clean and sharp. Nice job.

karm