Mount Erciyes, an extinct volcano of just over 3,900 metres, rises directly south of Kayseri and is visible from much of central Anatolia on a clear day. Its slopes hold one of Türkiye’s largest ski areas, about half an hour’s drive from the city. Two kinds of photography bring people up the mountain in winter: action pictures of skiing and snowboarding, and wedding or couple sessions in the snow. Each has its own demands.
The setting
The ski area is reached through several gates on different sides of the mountain, including Tekir, Hacılar, Hisarcık and Develi, linked by gondolas and chairlifts. Tekir is the oldest and busiest base, with hotels and cafés. Above the tree line the terrain is open and white, with the summit ridge as a backdrop and, in the other direction, long views over the plateau. The absence of forest on the upper slopes means clean, uncluttered backgrounds, but also no shelter from wind.
The season typically runs from around December into spring, depending on snowfall. Outside winter the mountain is used for hiking, cycling and camping, and the Tekir plateau with its small pond gives green or golden grassland settings with the peak behind.
Winter sports photography
If you want pictures of yourself or your group skiing or snowboarding, look for a photographer who can ski and who has shot action before. That matters more than the camera. Points to discuss:
- Which runs suit your level and have good light at the planned hour. Morning light is generally cleaner, and pistes are less cut up.
- Whether the photographer will work from fixed positions beside the piste or follow you.
- Lift passes: who pays for the photographer’s pass.
- Bright jackets and trousers stand out against snow. All-white outfits vanish.
- Whether you also want portraits with goggles off, since action shots rarely show faces.
Ski schools and clubs organising events may need coverage over several days; agree on usage rights if the images will be used for promotion.
Wedding and couple photos in the snow
Snow sessions in wedding clothes are popular with couples from Kayseri and with visitors combining Erciyes with Cappadocia, which is roughly an hour away. The results can be striking, and the conditions are hard. Prepare accordingly:
- Warmth: thermal layers under the dress and suit, warm boots that stay on between shots, hand warmers and a coat or blanket within reach. Faux-fur wraps and knitted accessories look good and help.
- Time: keep it short. Thirty to forty-five minutes of actual shooting in sub-zero wind is plenty.
- Access: you can get good snow backgrounds a short walk from the car parks at the base areas. Going higher by gondola gives wider views but adds cold and logistics.
- Light: midday sun on snow is extremely bright and makes people squint. Early morning or late afternoon is kinder, and light cloud is ideal. Sunset can turn the peak pink for a few minutes.
- Hair and make-up: wind is constant; choose a secure hairstyle and bring lip balm.
Weather on the mountain changes quickly, and lifts can close for wind. Check the forecast and the resort’s status on the day, and keep an alternative date.
Things a photographer should handle well
Snow fools camera meters into underexposing, turning white slopes grey, and white dresses on white snow need careful exposure to keep detail. Batteries drain fast in the cold. Ask to see a complete winter gallery from Erciyes: the snow should look white, skin tones natural, and the dress should not be a blank shape.
Drone footage of the slopes is appealing, but drones in Türkiye must be registered and flown with permission, and a ski area with lift cables and crowds is a sensitive place to fly. Only work with an operator who has the necessary authorisation and the resort’s agreement.
Booking
Most photographers who cover Erciyes are based in Kayseri; some come from Cappadocia. Before paying a deposit, confirm the meeting point and gate, session length, number of edited photos, delivery time, travel and lift costs, and the policy when weather forces a postponement. A written agreement avoids misunderstandings. If you are combining the mountain with a Cappadocia session, ask whether one photographer can cover both and how the travel time is charged.
Find photographers in Kayseri and central Anatolia in our photographer directory; if you shoot on Erciyes, add a free listing so visitors can reach you. For other locations, read more Türkiye photography guides.
Cover photo: Mount Erciyes (Argaeus), Turkey (31870998063) (cropped).jpg by Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
