Umbrellas in the sky

The Dimitrie Cantemir Müze Cafe in Istanbul is a colourful place to visit, but apparently you need to order something to take photos inside.

I popped my head in the door, saw two gentlemen watching me, one laughing, and took a few photos. Not a penny spent inside. The reviews on Google Maps are terrible. Nice umbrellas.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO1600
Shutter speed1/60s

Whiskers Among the Tombstones

This beautiful tortoiseshell cat was sitting near the main shopping area we were visiting on this lovely sunny day in Istanbul. She was just on the edge of the graveyard that went on for some distance up the hill, keeping an eye on everyone who passed by.


Apertureƒ/3.5
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO800
Shutter speed1/500s

Feline Wanderer on Cobblestone Paths

While wandering near the coloured houses in Istanbul, I came across a small cat staring off at something behind me. He seemed preoccupied, so I took one photo and walked on.

Before and After


Apertureƒ/5.6
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO1600
Shutter speed1/500s

Food for the orange cat

An orange cat snacking on some kibble in Istanbul. Some people like to say orange cats aren’t very smart, but if you can make yourself so adorable people will feed you, then who’s the smart one?

Yes, I do have a few more photos of cats in Istanbul. Not many, mind, so enjoy them while they last!


Apertureƒ/6.3
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length150mm
ISO3200
Shutter speed1/500s

I’m a Government Cat

She’s guarding a Government building in Istanbul, I think. I forgot to scan that QR code when I was in Turkey and attempts to do so now require a Turkish IP to see it. Well done cat, protecting your secrets.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length101mm
ISO5000
Shutter speed1/250s

Nostalgic Lights and Classic Bytes

It was quite amazing what you could get into 64KB of memory on an 8-bit computer. The Commodore 64 is a really remarkable machine, a favourite of mine, and my first introduction to “proper” programming using assembly language to get the most out of it.

It’s not dead yet, either. There’s a vibrant community of developers creating stunning demos on it, ever pushing boundaries in their efforts to impress each other.

Do you recognise the blurred box in the background? It’s a game compilation by a very famous UK software publisher, who had ties to one of the top C64 mags of the time. Come on, should be an easy one. 🙂


Apertureƒ/1.8
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length75mm
ISO200
Shutter speed1/160s

Two cats looking for donations

Two cats on a makeshift bed and a sign looking for donations. Unfortunately, I had no change on me, and with inflation the way it is in Turkey, small currency is worthless. €1 is currently around 36Tl.


Apertureƒ/4
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length35mm
ISO1250
Shutter speed1/500s