See Türkiye through the lens of our Wanderlust Visions 2025 winner

Videographer Daniel Chong was sent on commission after winning the top prize in our video category

Earlier this year, we named the winners of the UK’s most prestigious and longest running travel photography competition, Wanderlust Visions.

Formerly known as the Travel Photo of the Year competition, the 2025 edition saw video entries for the very first time.

Daniel Chong took home the top prize, winning both a £3,000 cash prize and the chance to turn his lens to Türkiye on commission for Wanderlust.

Now that Daniel has returned to the UK after his epic journey, we’re sharing the spectacular scenery he captured as well as his experiences in the country.

What were your first impressions of Türkiye once you arrived?

From the moment we stepped off the plane in Istanbul we were greeted with warm smiles and kindness.

I was especially touched by how often people offered us tea, it instantly made me feel welcome and at home. Despite it being the height of the summer travel season, this part of Türkiye was refreshingly free of large crowds, and we found ourselves among the few foreign visitors in the area.

Was there anything that surprised you about your trip to Türkiye? Culturally, visually, or through your interactions with people?

I was pleasantly surprised by how warm and welcoming the Turkish people are toward visitors. At one point, a group of kids approached me for a photo, and their excitement and friendliness made me feel genuinely included.

Beyond that, I was moved by the strong sense of community in Turkish culture and how close-knit families are. You’ll see large families gathering for meals or spending time together at the beach and in parks, it’s really heartwarming.

Can you share a standout moment from the trip?

While in Sinop I stumbled across this small Turkish coffee stall called Pervane Medrese. I can’t speak Turkish, and she couldn’t speak English, but between hand gestures and smiles, we got there in the end.

Not only was the coffee excellent, but she let me film the coffee-making process which made it into the final cut of my short film.

After finishing up, the owner tried to refuse payment for the coffee (though we insisted and paid). Her humility and kindness made this encounter one of the most heartwarming moments of my journey in Türkiye.

Of all the places you filmed, was there one shot that really captured the essence of your trip? What’s the story behind it?

The shot that truly captured the essence of my trip was taken in the historic city of Safranbolu. During our visit, the region was battling a massive forest fire, and temperatures soared to nearly 40°C. Despite the heat, strolling through the cobblestone alleys and admiring the beautifully preserved Ottoman mansions made the experience unforgettable.

While there, we visited the Old Bazaar where we got to meet two local artisans: Erhan Başkaya, one of the last remaining Yemeni craftsmen, and Hüseyin Şahin Özdemir, a UNESCO-recognised locksmith.

Both are true masters of their craft and among the most skilled artisans in Türkiye, dedicated to preserving traditional knowledge passed down through generations, so it was amazing to capture their workshops for the film.

Did you discover any off-the-beaten-track locations that other photographers and travellers should know about?

Valla Canyon was one of the most memorable hidden gems I discovered in Türkiye. The journey there was magical, passing through a quiet village and dense forest before arriving at an observation deck that rises high above a deep canyon.

I spent most of my time here capturing aerial photographs and footage, some of which I later included in the short film I created for this trip. Despite its breathtaking beauty, we were among the few visitors at the site, which shows that this place truly deserves more recognition.

The contrast between the tranquillity of the path and the dramatic vastness of the canyon makes it a perfect destination for photographers seeking a “wow factor” and something truly unique.

If you had more time in Türkiye, where else would you have loved to go?

There are three places I would specifically want to visit if I had more time.

Firstly, I would visit Yedigoller National Park again in the autumn season. This national park consists of some beautiful lakes surrounded by dense and tall trees, which would paint the entire place with red and orange hues in autumn. It would be a completely different experience in autumn compared to my time there in the summer.

Secondly, a large plain called the Menderesler Karagol. In the rainy season, the plain fills with pots of rainwater, and a long, snake-like river forms. This would be a photography playground, particularly for someone who enjoys an aerial perspective. However, I went to Türkiye during the dry summer season.

Lastly, I would also visit the more well-known Cappadocia if I had more time. This place needs no additional introduction – it is a dream location for all photographers.

Do you have any advice for people considering entering the Visions competition?

My advice for those considering the Visions competition next year is to approach the journey with an open mind and a genuine curiosity for exploration. As photographers, we often fixate on a specific type of photography and overlook the incredible opportunities hidden in seemingly ordinary or unexciting settings.

I’m an aerial-focused videographer who primarily captures vast landscapes, but when given the chance to explore the cultural landscape of Türkiye, I found the experience refreshing. It allowed me to capture portrait-style footage I never imagined myself attempting.