REVIEW · GOREME
Cappadocia Photo Shoot (Cappadocia Photographer)
Book on Viator →Operated by Saban Cifcibasi · Bookable on Viator
Balloons make the backdrop, then you pose. This private Cappadocia photo shoot in Göreme is built around the moment balloons rise, with fairy chimneys as your changing background. You get pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and two focused photo areas so you’re not wandering around hoping for the right angle.
I particularly like two things. First, you start at the balloon take-off side and then continue to Peri Bacaları, so you spend your time where the “Cappadocia look” actually happens. Second, you have options to get your images back fast—either a phone transfer right after shooting or delivery via Google Drive or WeTransfer within 1–3 days.
One consideration: the whole experience depends on good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund—so keep your schedule flexible.
In This Review
- Quick things to know before you go
- A Balloon-First Plan That Actually Makes Sense in Göreme
- Peri Bacaları and the Fairy Chimney Photo Zone
- Love Valley: Second Location, Better Variety
- How the Photographer’s Direction Improves Your Photos
- Wardrobe Tips: Bring Your Own Outfit or Plan Ahead
- Photo Delivery: Phone Transfer or Online in 1–3 Days
- Pickup, Vehicle Comfort, and the Private-Only Advantage
- Price and Value: Is $473.39 Fair for Two Hours?
- Who Should Book This Photo Shoot (and Who Might Skip It)
- Should You Book Cappadocia Photographer in Göreme?
- FAQ
- How long is the Cappadocia photo shoot?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is pickup from the hotel included?
- Is this a private tour or a group tour?
- What locations are included during the shoot?
- How do I receive the photos after the session?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Quick things to know before you go

- Balloon take-off timing matters: You’re going first, while the action is happening, not later after the magic is gone.
- Fairy chimneys at Peri Bacıları: Expect a strong mix of rock formations and dramatic light around the main viewing/photo spots.
- Love Valley as a second set: A second location helps you get variety without stretching the trip.
- Private group only: It’s just your group, which makes posing and photo pacing feel less rushed.
- Photo delivery options: You can get photos transferred to your phone or sent online in 1–3 days.
- Saban’s crew includes named helpers: In past sessions, people have mentioned Saban Cifcibasi along with Milad, and also Sude for dress help.
A Balloon-First Plan That Actually Makes Sense in Göreme
Cappadocia is gorgeous, but good photos there are about timing. This shoot is designed around the balloon take-off moments, with the crew taking you to the right areas in the right order. You don’t just show up and hope. You arrive, get positioned, and then start working through the shots while the scene is alive.
The private format is a big deal. With only your group, the photographer can move you through poses and angles without stopping for other people’s schedules. That also means you can spend more time focusing on getting comfortable in front of the camera, instead of fighting for space.
One more practical win: you’re not doing this as a self-guided “wander and shoot” plan. The experience includes an air-conditioned vehicle and pickup from your hotel area (they ask for the hotel name and room number). In a place where you’ll be moving early and often, that convenience is worth something.
You can also read our reviews of more photography tours in Goreme
Peri Bacaları and the Fairy Chimney Photo Zone

Your first main stop is Peri Bacıları—often the part of Cappadocia people picture when they think of those cone-shaped fairy chimneys. In the shoot flow, this happens right after heading toward the balloon take-off area, which is smart: you build your first set while the sky is doing its thing.
What you’ll like here is the combination. The rock formations give you structure and texture, while balloons add motion and color. Even if you’re not a huge photographer, you’ll see the difference quickly: the background doesn’t feel flat. It has depth, and it frames the moment so your images look like they belong in a Cappadocia postcard.
A possible drawback is also part of the deal: you’ll need to follow direction closely and be ready for short bursts of waiting. Balloon take-offs don’t run like a bus schedule. They happen when conditions allow, and the crew’s job is to adjust so you still get great shots.
If you’re the type who hates feeling rushed, this can still work because the overall session is only around two hours. You’re not trapped for half a day. You can stay focused, do the poses, and keep your energy for the rest of your day in Göreme.
Love Valley: Second Location, Better Variety

After Peri Bacıları, the session shifts to Love Valley. This is where you get a different feel from the first stop. Instead of being all about the fairy chimney cones, you’re working with Love Valley’s distinct rock shapes and wide visual space—so your set looks more varied.
The important part is that balloons remain part of the backdrop strategy. The plan includes taking photos with balloons and fairy chimneys around both areas. That means your second stop isn’t just a scenic break. It’s another chance to create that signature Cappadocia look, with fresh framing.
The trade-off is straightforward: the best results depend on the light and what’s happening in the sky that day. If the balloons are grounded or delayed, the crew still tries to deliver a strong session, but your outcomes depend on real conditions. It’s not a studio shoot where everything is controlled.
How the Photographer’s Direction Improves Your Photos

This kind of shoot works best when the photographer takes over the planning of your positions and movement. Based on how Saban’s clients describe past sessions, the crew is focused on how you move through the frame—not just where you stand. People have specifically praised the way light and color were captured, plus the way the photographer guided memorable movement and details.
In practical terms, here’s what you should expect from a session like this:
- Quick direction on where to stand and how to angle your body toward the background.
- Guidance on how to align with the balloon positioning so you don’t end up with empty sky or awkward overlaps.
- Help with small details that look huge in a photo, like the direction you’re looking and how you hold your hands.
Also, you may meet multiple members of the crew during the process. Clients have mentioned Saban Cifcibasi and Milad, and some have thanked Sude for dress support. That matters because in a fast-moving shoot, having help with wardrobe handling or on-the-spot adjustments can keep things smooth.
Wardrobe Tips: Bring Your Own Outfit or Plan Ahead

A fun part of Cappadocia photos is styling. But there’s one practical reality you should plan for: dress sizing can vary.
One client offered a clear piece of advice: dress options can run large, so if you’re an Asian size, bring your own outfit. That suggestion is worth taking seriously, because nothing slows down a photo session like last-minute fit problems.
If you’re hoping for dress selection or fitting help, ask directly ahead of time. Past guests have been able to stop by a shop to choose a dress, so there may be some support on that front. Still, don’t assume the exact size you need will be available.
My general rule for this kind of photo shoot: bring what you know fits, and pack a backup plan for hair or accessories if you’ll be adjusting to wind and outdoor conditions.
Photo Delivery: Phone Transfer or Online in 1–3 Days

Getting your photos matters as much as taking them. This shoot gives you options for delivery, and that flexibility is genuinely useful.
You can choose one of these methods:
- Photos transferred to your phone after the shooting
- Photos sent via Google Drive or WeTransfer within 1–3 days
That turnaround window is a good fit for a trip timeline. You’re not left waiting weeks while your vacation memories fade. You also get a practical way to share with friends right away if you go with phone transfer, or if you want to handle files more neatly on your computer using Drive or WeTransfer.
One more advantage: since the crew is working from specific shot locations and guided poses, you’re more likely to receive a consistent set rather than random “maybe this works” images.
Pickup, Vehicle Comfort, and the Private-Only Advantage

The experience is built around pickup from your hotel area in the Göreme region. They’ll ask for the name and room number of your hotel when you book, which helps them locate you quickly. The tour starts and ends back around the Göreme meeting point area, so you’re not dealing with complicated drop-offs.
The air-conditioned vehicle inclusion is a small line item that actually matters. Even on days that aren’t scorching, you’ll feel better arriving for photos in a calmer state than if you’ve been stuck in hot transport.
And again, the private-only format is the biggest quality-of-life boost. You’ll be able to:
- hear direction without competing for attention
- keep your pacing aligned with the crew
- have a more intimate couple vibe if you’re on a honeymoon or anniversary trip
If you’re traveling with people who hate crowds, this is an easy way to dodge some of the hassle that comes with busy sightseeing areas.
Price and Value: Is $473.39 Fair for Two Hours?

At $473.39 per person for about two hours, you’re paying for more than a camera click. You’re paying for the whole package: vehicle transport, a private session, and someone managing the timing and composition around balloons and fairy chimneys.
Here’s how I think about value:
- If you’d otherwise hire a random photographer for a couple hours and still need to figure out locations and timing, this can end up feeling like a bargain.
- If you’re the type who wants consistent results without spending your time researching the best vantage points, you’re paying for that planning.
- If you’re comfortable DIY shooting and you love experimenting, you might find cheaper options. But you’ll be trading convenience and guidance for cost savings.
The price also lands differently depending on group size. The experience notes group discounts, which can improve value if you’re booking with more people who also want the same kind of images. Since it’s private-only, you’re not diluting attention the way you might in mixed tours.
In short: I see this as a “pay for the outcome” type of experience. Two hours is short, so the crew has to deliver quickly. Based on the consistent praise for light, color, and memorable movement, that expectation seems to match what’s actually delivered.
Who Should Book This Photo Shoot (and Who Might Skip It)
This is a strong fit if:
- You want Cappadocia balloon style photos without spending your vacation time figuring out logistics.
- You like guided posing and appreciate a team handling the technical details.
- You’re traveling as a couple and want something more intimate than a group session.
- You care about getting your photos back promptly, with delivery in 1–3 days or a phone transfer option.
You might skip it if:
- You only want a few casual snaps and don’t mind doing some work yourself.
- Your schedule is too tight to handle weather changes.
- You’re comfortable coordinating locations, timing, and composition on your own.
Also remember this is weather-dependent. That doesn’t mean it’s unreliable; it means the best results require real conditions.
Should You Book Cappadocia Photographer in Göreme?
Yes, if you want your Cappadocia photos to look intentional, not accidental. The balloon-first approach, the fairy chimney focus, and the second stop at Love Valley give you variety in a short session. Add the private-only format and the photo delivery options, and it feels like a well-priced way to get polished images without turning your trip into a logistics project.
Book it if you’re willing to be flexible with weather, and if you pack a sensible wardrobe plan (especially for dress sizing). If that sounds like you, this is one of those activities that can turn your trip photos from souvenirs into keepsakes.
FAQ
How long is the Cappadocia photo shoot?
It runs for about 2 hours.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts in the Göreme meeting point area and ends back at the same meeting point.
Is pickup from the hotel included?
Pickup is offered, and you’ll need to provide your hotel name and room number so they can arrange it.
Is this a private tour or a group tour?
It’s private. Only your group participates.
What locations are included during the shoot?
You’ll visit Peri Bacıları and Love Valley, with photos also taken around the balloon take-off area and fairy chimneys.
How do I receive the photos after the session?
You can transfer the photos to your phone after the shoot, or they can send them via Google Drive or WeTransfer within 1–3 days.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.




























