Photography courses: Istanbul, Berlin, and online
Photography Course: One-on-One Private Lessons Since 2020
I have not been offering regular or paid group photography courses since 2020. My current training services are tailored to the student’s skill level, equipment, and goals. One-on-one private photography lesson We’re continuing as usual. We can work at our Istanbul studio, in the Berlin/Europe service area, or online.
In addition, I occasionally organize free, exclusive group workshops in collaboration with Sony Alpha Turkey. These are periodic Sony Alpha events; they are not part of a regular group course program with ongoing enrollment.
If you arrived at this page by searching for a photography course, for the current course outline, class format, and application information, the service page for private photography lessons you can examine.
21-yearindustry experience
6.000+student
Since 2005professional photography
Since 2020one-on-one training model
Is the photography course still going on?
I have not been offering regular or paid group photography courses since 2020. My current teaching service consists of one-on-one private photography lessons. Topics such as studio lighting, product photography, portraiture, Lightroom, Photoshop, and professional mentorship can be included in a personalized lesson plan based on the student’s needs.
About group workshops: From time to time, I organize free, exclusive group workshops with Sony Alpha Turkey. These sessions are part of Sony Alpha’s seasonal events and are not offered as part of LUX Production’s regular photography course program.
What experiences does your educational background draw upon?
Burak Bulut Yıldırım has been a professional photographer since 2005 and has worked with over 6,000 students. His teaching experience includes photography training sessions, workshops, and seminars for corporate employees. Since 2020, individual training has been conducted exclusively in a private lesson format.
Past corporate training, workshops, and seminars
The names of the organizations listed below are in the context of past employee training sessions, workshops, or seminars.
Aktifbank
Allianz Insurance
Duracell Turkey
Hayat Asset Management
Ikea Turkey
Isko Denim
Business Bank
Koç System
Maltepe Municipality
Mavi Jeans
Ozdilek Holding
Pandora Turkey
Space Real Estate
Turkcell
Teaching and Professional Experience
Sony Alpha Europe Imaging Ambassador, 2018–2026
Seasonal Free Workshops with Sony Alpha Turkey
FOTON Advisory Board
6,000+ students
Professional photography since 2005
What do students who take one-on-one lessons have to say?
From the genuine reviews posted on Google for LUX Production / Burak Bulut Photography Workshop, we selected the ones most relevant to one-on-one lessons and photography training.
“First and foremost, he’s very kind and warm-hearted—you’ll feel right at home with Burak Hoca. In terms of technical knowledge, he’s far more skilled than many who call themselves photographers, and he’s an instructor who conveys his knowledge exceptionally well. He’s a photography instructor who truly loves what he does and is great at analyzing the needs of his students. I’d also like to thank his assistant, Özlem, for her hospitality. I’m so glad you’re here...👍🏼😊”
“Even though my schedule didn’t allow for group training sessions, I was able to take advantage of the individual training options and had the opportunity to get to know myself better :) In a short period of time, I had the chance to experience a truly meaningful training program. Mr. Burak is a respectful, warm-hearted, and approachable person, and as an instructor, he’s truly excellent. Although I haven’t had the chance to stop by since the training, I’m closely following their other training programs, and I’ll definitely be knocking on their door again for another training session :)”
“I took a class from Burak Bulut, whom I consider a successful photographer, and started doing children’s photography. During the one-on-one training, I had the opportunity to ask everything I was curious about, and thanks to the knowledge he shared, I’m now taking higher-quality photos. I’d like to thank him 🙏”
“We took a private lesson on lighting from Burak Bulut. I’d attended another workshop at the studio before. This time, too, we left the workshop with no unanswered questions by the end of the class. We left having truly absorbed the material and gotten plenty of practice. Thank you so much 🧡”
How do the practical exercises proceed during a private lesson?
If the course topic requires practical application, decisions regarding the camera, lighting, and composition are discussed with the student. Photographs are reviewed during the shoot; if issues related to settings, framing, or lighting are identified, the same subject is photographed again to compare how the results have changed.
You can share the topic you want to learn about directly
One-on-one lessons can also be scheduled for a single topic, such as camera use, lighting, product photography, portraiture, Lightroom, Photoshop, portfolio, or a professional workflow.
How do you plan a one-on-one private photography lesson?
At the LUX Production Istanbul studio and, when schedules permit, in the Berlin/Europe service area, private lessons are planned in four steps: goals are set, skill level and equipment are assessed, a lesson plan is created, and the lesson is conducted with hands-on practice and feedback. For online lessons, the same plan can be implemented using the student’s files and screen sharing.
Goal
We’ll determine what you want to learn, what photos you’ve taken, and what problem you want to solve by the end of the class.
Level and Equipment
Technical information, existing photos, the camera, lenses, and any studio equipment are evaluated together.
Course Content
Unnecessary topics are omitted. The class duration, order of topics, and format of the sessions are tailored directly to your needs.
Implementation and Feedback
Shooting or editing is done, the results are reviewed together, and we see how technical decisions change the image.
The course content is determined in advance. The main objectives and topics are determined before the lesson. The order may change during the lesson depending on the student’s pace. If a new area of specialization, additional practice, or an extra session is needed, a separate lesson plan is prepared.
What topics can be covered in a one-on-one lesson?
One-on-one lessons can combine six main areas of study: camera control, lighting, portraiture, product photography, Lightroom, and Photoshop, along with professional mentorship. It is not necessary to cover all of them in the same program; the relevant topics are selected based on the student’s questions and desired outcomes.
Basic and Advanced Camera Use
Aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus, exposure, metering, lens selection, and motion control.
Natural and studio lighting
Light direction, intensity, contrast, volume, shadow structure, flash, and light modifiers.
Portrait and Figure Drawing
Lens and framing selection, direction of light, directing the model, expression, body language, and portrait photography practice.
Product photography
White background, product surface, reflection control, lighting setup, framing, and e-commerce photography best practices.
Lightroom and Photoshop
RAW processing, color and tone adjustment, masking, basic retouching, cleaning, and file preparation.
Portfolio and Professional Mentoring
Portfolio review, equipment and studio layout, client communication, pricing, and workflow.
How do you choose between online and in-person classes?
The choice between the two formats depends on the subject matter. Lightroom, Photoshop, portfolio work, and technical evaluations can be conducted online; studio lighting, portrait photography, product photography, and hands-on set practice are more effective in in-person classes. If necessary, both formats can be used within the same private lesson program.
Online class
Topics that can be worked on using the screen
- Lightroom and Photoshop
- Portfolio and Photo Review
- Camera Settings and Technical Theory
- Equipment and Lens Selection
- Professional work environment and mentoring
In-person class
Topics that require hands-on practice
- Studio flash and continuous light
- Portrait and Model Direction
- Product photography and reflection control
- Practical Training in Cameras, Lenses, and Lighting Equipment
- Feedback during set setup and filming
How are private lesson fees and scope determined?
The current rate is determined based on the duration of the private lesson, the subject matter, whether it is in-person or online, studio usage, and, if necessary, the need for a model or specialized equipment. We do not publish starting prices on this page; current package and scope information for active services is available on the private lesson services page.
You can schedule a lesson even for a single technical issue, portfolio review, or software-related topic. Before starting a long-term training program, simply let us know the specific topic you’d like to address.
Please enter your level and the topic you'd like to study
Please let us know what equipment you use, your current skill level, the topic you’d like to learn, and whether you prefer lessons in Istanbul, Berlin, or online. We can then determine the appropriate course content based on this information.
Questions about photography courses and one-on-one private lessons
Is the photography course still going on?
I have not been offering regular or paid group photography courses since 2020. My current training service consists of one-on-one private photography lessons with Burak Bulut Yıldırım. Lessons are tailored to the student’s skill level, equipment, and goals; depending on the subject and schedule, they can be held in Istanbul, in the Berlin/Europe service area, or online.
Are there no group photography workshops being held?
I do not offer regular or paid group courses. However, I occasionally hold free, special group workshops in collaboration with Sony Alpha Turkey. These are seasonal Sony Alpha events; they are open to everyone, and there is no ongoing course schedule with continuous enrollment. My current one-on-one training service consists of private photography lessons.
Are studio, product, or portrait photography offered as separate courses?
No. Topics such as studio lighting, product photography, portraiture, Lightroom, Photoshop, and similar subjects are not offered as separate, fee-based group courses. These topics can be incorporated into a one-on-one private lesson plan based on the student’s needs. This way, instead of having to follow different course schedules, you can focus directly on the specific topics and practical skills you wish to develop.
Who is this private photography class suitable for?
Private lessons can be tailored for beginners in photography, those who want to use their camera more effectively, amateurs looking to advance in a specific area, and photographers seeking to refine their professional workflow. The content is not tied to a fixed curriculum; your current skill level, portfolio, equipment, and desired outcomes are assessed before the lesson begins.
Is it possible to take private lessons online?
Yes. Lightroom, Photoshop, portfolio reviews, equipment selection, camera settings, and professional mentoring are suitable for online instruction. For hands-on applications such as studio lighting, portraiture, product photography, and set design, in-person classes may be more effective. The class format is determined based on the topic being covered and the level of hands-on practice required.
Can I take private lessons if I don't have a camera?
Yes. The initial lesson plan can be structured around the intended use, budget, portability, lens requirements, and the subject you want to photograph before purchasing any equipment. This way, you’ll choose your equipment based on the lesson’s objectives. Before making a purchase decision, you can also evaluate how the camera body, lens, and basic accessories will work together.
How are private lesson fees determined?
Fees are determined based on the duration of the lesson, the subject matter, whether the session is in-person or online, studio usage, and, if necessary, the need for a model or special equipment. Starting prices are not listed on this information page. Current scope and fee information can be found on the private photography lesson service page; you can review the details or contact us directly.
Can the lesson plan be changed later?
Yes. The main objective and topic headings are determined before the class; during the session, the order of topics may change depending on the student’s pace. Technical explanations and feedback within the planned scope are addressed during the lesson. If a new area of specialization, an additional shooting session, or an extra session is required, these are considered as part of a separate lesson plan.
Current educational service: one-on-one private photography lessons
Since 2020, we have not been accepting registrations for regular or paid group courses. For course content, current program options, and application details, the page for one-on-one private photography lessons Take a look.
If you know your current level, your equipment, and the topic you want to learn, you can also send a direct message.
Sony Alpha Turkey Workshops: From time to time, free, exclusive group workshops may be organized in collaboration with Sony Alpha Turkey. These events are separate from the regular paid course program and can only be followed through the specific announcement for each event.
Service area: In-person private lessons can be scheduled at the Istanbul studio and, depending on availability, in the Berlin/Europe service area. Online lessons are available to participants from different cities and countries.
The page content was last updated in August 2026.
Burak Bulut Yıldırım is a photographer and photography instructor based in Berlin and Istanbul. He is not the same person as the Turkish pop singer Burak Bulut.