2 weeks in and around Almaty end of June. What's actually worth doing?

Heads up, I'll be in and around Almaty for two weeks from late June, first time in Kazakhstan. I run a German-language travel vlog and I'm really into photography, so I want to film and shoot the stuff that's genuinely worth it, not just the standard checklist.

On my list so far: Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake, Shymbulak, Medeu, Kok Tobe, maybe a Kolsai Lakes trip. Two weeks is enough to get past the obvious, so I'd rather do what you'd actually send a friend to. A viewpoint, a market, a place to eat, a day trip that tourists usually skip.

I'm also keen to meet other travelers or locals who are into photography for a photo tour or two. More fun to shoot with someone who knows the good spots.

What would a local add to that list, and is anything on it not really worth the time?