Fatima and Ashty, a newly married couple from Erbil, Iraq, decided to have their post wedding shoot in the captivating landscapes of Cappadocia. They reached out to me and our adventure began. We picked them up at 5:45 am in the morning and headed straight to the balloon take off point to start our photo session. You can find the complete article “Cappadocia Post Wedding Photography” under the accompanying photos.
We were fortunate that the balloons were already in the air. During sunrise, the balloons typically stay airborne for around two hours. In the last 45 minutes, they begin to descend and the number of balloons significantly decreases. Therefore we had to move swiftly, especialy during the first hour. Since we planned to visit two or three shooting locations, it was crucial to estimate the wind direction and the balloons’ trajectory accurately. Additionally, considering the lighting conditions and selecting the perfect backgrounds were equally important factors. Experience in shooting with balloons in this region proved to be invaluable.
Pasabaglari
After capturing shots with the balloons, we proceeded to Paşabagları, also known as the Valley of the Priests. This area boasts a remarkable blend of fairy chimneys and caves making it a sight to behold. It has been transformed into an openair museum and entrance tickets are now required. We had a fantastic time creating fun and memorable shots against the unique backdrops this location ofered.f
Our next destination was the Doga Binicilik Horse Range. Here we had the opportunity to photograph Fatima and Ashty who are both skiled riders. They specificaly requested this shoot as they have had a passion for horses since childhood. We even took a small horse riding tour in the valley capturing stunning moments with the couple and their beloved horses.
Lastly, we headed to Artemis Cave Hotel where Fatima and Ashty were staying. We concluded the day with a brief photo session, capturing the essence of their time in Cappadocia. It was an absolute privilege for me to spend time with this delightful couple and I hope our paths cross again in the future.
Cappadocia Post Wedding Photography by Ufuk Sarisen
