Jerusalem Photo Tour
Our original photo walk, and still one of the best. Be guided through this amazing city by a native professional photographer from Jerusalem as you capture the history and beauty of it’s architecture and people, while improving on your camera and photographic skills. Soak up the atmosphere and be prepared to get inspired as you wander the ancient streets of the Old City. Being a private photography tour with one-on-one instruction, we will go over your camera settings and functions, how to create images with atmosphere and drama, as well as help you to perfect your composition and the use of natural light. Our guests range from beginners to advanced amateur photographers, however we also tour with semi-pro and professional photographers that are seeking a location scout that knows the city from a professional photographer’s eye.
People have been writing about Jerusalem for the better part of it’s 3000-year history, but still today your first glimpse inside the ancient walled city will leave you speechless. More than beautiful, however, Jerusalem is a spiritual centre, holy to the three great monotheistic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. That three religions have assigned so much importance to a solitary city makes Jerusalem one of the most fascinating places you’ll ever visit.
Known as the city of gold, Jerusalem was also once known as the centre of the world in ancient maps. A strong spiritual, mystic and captivating atmosphere, an abundance of fascinating historical and archeological sites, a colourful variety of ethnic groups and communities, a richness of scents and flavours, impressive structures, numerous vivid stories and a wonderful cool weather await the avid photographer in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel.
This photo day tour is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualising a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.
Itinerary
After meeting our guests at the entrance to the Jaffa Gate, we will start the itinerary by walking the Ramparts walk, circling Jerusalem’s perimeter at roof level. This is a great way for the adventurous photographer to get an overview of the Old City’s various highlights including the Arab market, the Lions Gate Plaza, the Church of the Dormition, and residential clusters of the Armenian and Muslim quarters. On returning to Jaffa gate, we will walk down the narrow lanes that house the Arab market – a fabulously photogenic maze housing traders selling everything from aromatic spices to Turkish coffee.
Continuing down the market arrives to Via Dolorosa, the route that Jesus took between his condemnation by Pilate and his crucifixion and burial. For many Christians visiting Jerusalem, this is the most important and meaningful site to visit in the city. Photo opportunities abound on this route, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, as worshippers practice their faith. Nearby is the Austrian Hospice, a unique vantage point to photograph the Old City from the rooftop. This is also one of the best views over the Dome of the Rock, with it’s shimmering golden dome.
From here we will head the the Kotel [Western wall], Judaism’s most holy site located within the Jewish quarter, and one of the main reasons that millions of people from around the globe come to visit Jerusalem. The last remnant of King Herod’s temple, it has had an amazing history since the destruction of the Temple in the year 70CE. During the Six Day War of 1967, paratroopers broke through to the Old City through the Lion’s Gate. The Western Wall and Temple Mount were liberated, the city of Jerusalem was reunified, and the Jewish people were again able to come to the Western Wall to pray. We will spend time here in capturing the atmosphere, as worshippers come to practice their faith, where thousands of dreams are written down on notes and placed between the ancient stones.
Also on the itinerary, is a visit to the rooftop of the Aish HaTorah building, located directly in front of the Kotel. This s!ite offers spectacular 180 degree views over the Kotel, Temple Mount and Old City.
Finally, The last site on the itinerary is the marvellous food and spice market at Mahane Yehuda. This is one of our favourite sites for street photography and environmental portraits. One of the most colourful spots in Jerusalem and a must visit for any tourist to the city, the vibrant Mahane Yehuda Market, or “The Shuk” as they say in Hebrew, makes for a great ending to our tour.