Princess energy, fast. This rooftop photoshoot turns a walk in Süleymaniye into a mini fashion moment, with dreamy flying dresses and quick-moving shots against Istanbul’s Bosphorus view. You also get a second look at a lights-themed spot for variety, so the set doesn’t feel like one pose in one place.
Two things I like a lot: you receive all original photos (so you’re not forced to love only the “perfect” picks), and you get a mix of stills plus short videos recorded on your mobile during the run toward the Bosphorus. One drawback to consider is the weather risk—this is designed for good conditions, and if rain hits, it can affect the dress and the sky.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you book
- Why a flying-dress shoot makes sense in Istanbul
- The two photo spots: rooftop Bosphorus view and the Turkish lights corner
- Starting in Süleymaniye: quick wayfinding and a strong setting
- Posing and the running video moment (what it’s really like)
- What you get back: originals, 10 edited photos, and short videos
- Price and extras: what $99.16 is buying, and what costs more
- Weather reality check: rooftop sky, wet dresses, and edit expectations
- Who should book this and who might skip it
- Should you book this rooftop flying-dress photoshoot?
- FAQ
- How long is the photoshoot?
- Where does the session begin?
- What photos are included in the package?
- Are short videos included?
- What extra costs should I plan for on the day?
- How many photo locations do you shoot at?
- Is this activity private?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key highlights to know before you book
- Two backdrops in one session: the Bosphorus-view rooftop plus a Turkish lights corner
- Full photo safety net: all original photos are included, with 10 enhanced edits per person
- Dress + accessories styling: crown, necklace, and earrings are provided
- Videos on your phone: short clips are recorded during the shoot
- You’ll pay extra on the day: rooftop entrance fee is 55 Euro CASH only, and the flying dress rental costs extra
Why a flying-dress shoot makes sense in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of those cities where “pretty” photos are easy to get—so the value here isn’t just the backdrop. The value is the styling and the pacing: a flying dress look with accessories, shot at two distinct spots, in about 45 minutes.
The flying dress part matters because it gives you movement right away. Instead of standing still and hoping your face cooperates, you’re guided into poses that match the outfit, including a moment where you run toward the Bosphorus while the photographer records short videos. That means you’ll come away with images that feel more like a story than a single pose.
What also makes this experience feel worth it is how much is included beyond photos. You get coffee and tea with a Bosphorus view, and you can borrow the crown, necklace, and earrings to complete the princess look. You don’t have to bring your own accessories or plan a styling kit.
The main “watch-out” is that the dress effect depends on conditions. If weather goes sideways, the dress can get water marked and heavy, which can reduce how magical the flying-dress look appears in the final images.
You can also read our reviews of more photography tours in Istanbul
The two photo spots: rooftop Bosphorus view and the Turkish lights corner
This session is split across two locations. The first is the Bosphorus-view rooftop, where the big payoff is the Istanbul water-and-city angle you’d normally have to chase across multiple viewpoints. The shoot happens with you in the flying dress, plus the borrowed accessories, so you’re not only getting a view—you’re getting a styled outfit against it.
The second location is a corner of Turkish lights. This is the practical reason the package includes two spots: if the rooftop sky is flat or shadowed, the lights area can add atmosphere and variety. It also prevents the whole session from feeling like the same background again and again.
Here’s a real-world consideration: rooftops can be exposed. One person described a rainy session where the sky became dark and the dress got wet. That didn’t just affect comfort—it affected photo clarity and how the dress photographed. So you’re buying the rooftop look, but you’re also accepting that rooftop photos can swing with the weather.
Starting in Süleymaniye: quick wayfinding and a strong setting
The activity starts at Siyavuşpaşa Sokak in the Süleymaniye area (near the Suleymaniye Mosque). That neighborhood choice is smart for two reasons. First, it puts you in a historic, photogenic zone without needing a long transit day plan. Second, it helps you access the rooftop shooting point without turning the day into a scavenger hunt.
The meeting point is straightforward: Siyavuşpaşa Sokağı / Siyavuşpaşa Sok., Fatih, Istanbul. You also get a mobile ticket, so you’ll have the info on your phone. The whole session is private for your group only, which matters because it keeps the timing tighter—you’re not waiting around for other people’s wardrobe changes.
The one drawback in this area is also a general rooftop reality: getting to the exact viewpoint can be a little step-and-stair heavy depending on where you come from, though the experience notes it’s near public transportation and most people can participate. If you want smooth logistics, aim to arrive a bit early so the shoot doesn’t start while you’re still trying to find the entrance.
Posing and the running video moment (what it’s really like)
A big promise here is action: you’ll have short videos recorded on your mobile while you run toward the Bosphorus with the flying dress. That is where the experience becomes more than a static photo session.
Why that matters: the flying-dress effect looks best when there’s motion and lightness in the outfit. When the photographer captures you running, you’re more likely to get those flowing moments that separate “good photo” from “wow, that’s me in a film scene.”
Now the practical side. The dress rental is not included, and the rooftop entrance fee is extra, so there’s a likely on-site setup moment. If you’re tense about timing, you’ll enjoy the short duration—about 45 minutes. It keeps you from feeling like you’re tied up all afternoon, especially since the shoot is focused on two tight locations.
One caution from a less-than-perfect outcome: when it rains, the dress can get heavy and marked. That affects movement, the look of the fabric, and even small details like sky darkness. If weather is questionable, your best friend is not control—it’s choosing the day carefully and being ready for adjustments if conditions turn.
What you get back: originals, 10 edited photos, and short videos
This package is fairly clear about deliverables, and that’s a plus. You receive:
- All original photos
- 10 edited photos per person
- Short videos recorded on your mobile
- Coffee and tea during the shoot
- Accessories like a crown, necklace, and earrings
The “originals included” part is important. Many photo packages force you into a narrow set of finals. Here, you’re not. If you don’t love one edited image, you still have the raw options.
The edit count is also good to understand upfront: only 10 are edited per person. If you’re hoping for heavy transformations—like adding birds into the sky, removing water marks, or changing major weather effects—you may need to manage expectations. In one unhappy case, the complaint was that only brightness and skin tone were adjusted, and things like dress water marks weren’t removed. That doesn’t mean editing is bad; it means the editing approach may be more subtle than some people expect.
On the video side, the experience is designed for quick shareability. One person reported that the photographer shared videos right after the session. Even if your timing is different, you’re still getting short clips recorded during the run moment, which is often the best part for turning the photos into a real memory.
Price and extras: what $99.16 is buying, and what costs more
The price is $99.16 per person for a roughly 45-minute private session. That sounds affordable for a styled rooftop shoot, but the real value depends on what’s included vs. what’s extra on the day.
What’s included in that base price:
- All original photos
- 10 edited photos
- Short videos
- Coffee and tea with a Bosphorus view
- Borrowed accessories (crown, necklace, earrings)
- A session across two photo spots
What’s not included:
- Flying dress rental (extra)
- Rooftop entrance fee: 55 Euro CASH only
This is the “don’t get surprised” part. You’ll likely need cash for the rooftop entrance fee, and you’ll pay separately for the dress rental. Because the dress rental price isn’t listed here, I’d treat the $99.16 as your photo-session cost, then budget additional funds for dress rental plus the 55 Euro entrance.
Is it good value? Often, yes—especially if you want the Bosphorus viewpoint, the princess styling, and the safety net of getting your originals. But if you’re coming strictly for the edited images, remember you only get 10 edited photos per person. The rest are originals.
Also, availability matters. This kind of experience averages being booked about 42 days in advance, which suggests demand. If you have specific dates in mind, plan ahead so you don’t end up hoping for availability.
Weather reality check: rooftop sky, wet dresses, and edit expectations
This shoot requires good weather, and that’s not marketing fluff. Rooftops and flying dresses both react to weather in obvious ways.
Here’s what can go wrong if rain arrives:
- The sky may become dark or overcast, which affects background brightness.
- A wet dress can look heavier, which changes movement and fabric flow.
- Water marks can show on the outfit and may not be removed in edits if the editing style is more basic.
One disappointed outcome described rain during the shoot despite rain being forecast, and the dress becoming wet enough that it couldn’t “fly.” The final 10 edited photos were reportedly disappointing because the edits didn’t remove water marks or add elements like birds.
The balanced way to read that: the experience can still be fun and photo-worthy on a cloudy day, but rain is the big risk. If the conditions look iffy, it’s worth choosing a day with clearer odds and planning your Istanbul schedule so you’re not forced to treat the session as your only photography moment.
On the upside, the setup includes coffee and tea with a Bosphorus view. Even if you’re not getting “perfect sun,” the atmosphere can still feel special.
Who should book this and who might skip it
This fits best if you want:
- A short, photo-focused session (about 45 minutes)
- A princess vibe with styling (crown, necklace, earrings)
- Two different backgrounds in one go: Bosphorus rooftop plus Turkish lights corner
- Both still photos and short videos
It’s also private for your group only, which makes it easier to relax and get direction without a crowd. The experience notes that service animals are allowed and that it’s near public transportation, and most people can participate.
You might consider skipping if:
- You’re only happy with a highly retouched, composite-style result (especially with weather changes)
- You’re set on a specific dress color. One negative note included limited choice and a requested color being unavailable.
- You rely on the session as a must-have on a day where weather could be rough. Even with policies in place for poor weather, the rooftop risk remains.
If you’re traveling with someone who loves photo moments but hates long tours, this is a better match than half-day sightseeing. It’s compact. It’s styled. And it leaves you time to enjoy the city after.
Should you book this rooftop flying-dress photoshoot?
My take: book it if you want a stylish, time-efficient memory with strong Istanbul views—and you’re flexible about weather.
This is a great value when you see the full package: all originals, 10 edited photos, short videos, and included accessories, all wrapped in a princess-ready session above the Bosphorus. The fun factor can be real too; one positive mention singled out a photographer named Ramadan for making the experience joyful, with lots of laughter.
But don’t treat it like a guarantee of flawless weather effects. Rain can change everything—especially how the flying-dress concept photographs. And remember: edits are limited to 10 per person, so you should choose those 10 with the weather conditions in mind.
If you’re excited by the idea of moving in a flying dress while Istanbul does its thing in the background, this is a memorable way to spend an hour. If you need perfect sky replacement and flawless fabric cleanup, you might want to look for a package with clearer promises about heavy retouching.
FAQ
How long is the photoshoot?
It’s approximately 45 minutes.
Where does the session begin?
The meeting point is Siyavuşpaşa Sokağı (Siyavuşpaşa Sok.), Süleymaniye area in Fatih, Istanbul.
What photos are included in the package?
You get all original photos, plus 10 edited photos per person.
Are short videos included?
Yes. Short videos are recorded on your mobile during the shoot.
What extra costs should I plan for on the day?
The flying dress rental is not included, and the rooftop entrance fee is 55 Euro paid CASH only.
How many photo locations do you shoot at?
You take photos in two locations: the Bosphorus-view rooftop and a corner of Turkish lights.
Is this activity private?
Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
