Behind the Scenes on the Clyde Oak Shoot

I always love featuring the behind the scenes of a photo shoot. It gives me a chance to credit and feature the wonderful team behind the project. It also sheds a bit of light on the styling-photo process. For the Clyde Oak shoot I got to work with Corey Mason, Mike and Megan Gilger of Wild Measure, and Jenn Elliott Blake. Our models were Justin and Matthew of ArrowHead Collective. The perfect guys to represent such a masculine brand. It was a superb group of creative professionals. Now, I'm already excited for our next project... what will it be?

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

Introduction to Istanbul // On Adventure

I am one of the least adventurous people I know. 

Seriously. I understand that I have the public persona of a courageous gypsy... but I don't know how much of that is truly me. It is of course who I want to be- carefree and adventurous- but I'm still working on it. Really I desire a comfortable place to create, and to be surrounded by the people who love and inspire me. I tend to shy away from risks unless pushed- I get stuck in routine and comfort. So when Ricky Cohete invited me along to Istanbul I immediately came up with a million reasons why that would be the least responsible decision ever. Thankfully I have friends and family who understand that I also desire to be adventurous- who urged me to go. 

As I sat on the plane from Chicago, I began thinking about all of this. Comfort and security in my mind create a cocoon to heal and prepare you for the next adventure. Some times I get so focused on the recovery phase that I forget about the next adventure. When I get on an airplane I can feel the cocoon being stripped away- exposing me as the person I want to be. 

I am excited to share my trip to Istanbul with you over the next few weeks. While I was there I got to meet several designers, chat with locals in street-corner cafes, and explore to my heart's content. It was a beautiful experience. So many friends gave me suggestions and advice on this trip- Kareen, Peter, Shamila, Katie, and Alara from The Guide Istanbul... They all helped shape my experience and connected me to this fantastic place. 

These are a few of the images that Ricky and I captured on our first day. 

Istanbul has intrigued me for many years. It was the constant focus of my collegiate studies on the crusades, and it has always seemed a complicated and mysterious place. I love cities where cultures converge- and Istanbul has more cultures converging than just about any place I know. There were neighborhoods that felt like the left bank of Paris, parts that felt like Nantucket, entire districts that seemed like they had stopped the progress of time in about 1860, and some that were as modern as New York. Denizens from every corner of the earth seem to converge there- and its growing reputation as a fashion capitol had in no way escaped my attention. 

 If I had to sum up Istanbul in a few sentences (which I feel obliged to do) I would describe it as a very raw city- teeming with life- almost to a dizzying pace. The city seems caffeinated in a way far outpacing New York or London. Perhaps the narrow streets lend to this effect, but on the european sides at least, one cannot seem to get away from the crowds. I loved it. Energy all around. It is a dirty city- I don't say this as a negative aspect- but merely to give you the idea that it resembles an old city- like London or Paris a hundred years ago. It is a city that still has large portions that are un-gentrified and un-modernized. Such a refreshing refreshing aspect in a city today. 

In Beyoglu- the neighborhood where I stayed- this meant that I constantly saw street children running around, and old ladies sitting on my front steps when I returned home at night. It meant that neighborhoods felt like neighborhoods, and everyone hung their laundry to dry over their street. It meant that by the end of the week I knew the street dogs by name, and the girl at the corner shop knew me as "the guy who buys orange juice". I will tell more stories about Beyoglu soon. It was a raw, beautiful, sometimes frightening place.

As if calculated solely to win my heart- Istanbul is full of fresh fruit and juice. Its pretty much the thing there. Local markets, vendors and kiosks full of vibrant delights. I am constantly comparing Paris and Istanbul... and in this area, Istanbul wins the prize for healthy habits.

What we wore this day-

Me- Vintage Gold trousers, Vintage Army Jacket, H+M Tee, Cole Haan Loafers 

Ricky- Striped Shirt he created, Vintage Harem Pants, Vintage Bomber Jacket, Baggu Backpack

This post is simply an introduction to my adventures in Istanbul... more posts are forthcoming. I am excited to share with you all of the exciting finds and stories and people I met along the way.

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

Off To Istanbul

Photo by Ricky Cohete

In a few days I will be leaving for Istanbul. Its crazy because for the past year that city has come up in conversation at least once a day. Totally serious. Something is drawing me there. Of course I am excited to see all the usual sites (though normally I abhor touristy things)... but mostly I am excited to meet all sorts of awesome people. I will be doing a few shoots for Culture Keeper, as well as interviewing designers... including the lovely ladies behind Cuyana. Best part of the trip? It has been my dream since childhood to visit the underground cities of Cappadocia.

Also new for this adventure: I will be leaving technology behind. No cell phone, no laptop, not even an electric shaver. Nothing. Mostly I am doing this just to prove to myself that I am still a human being and not some kind of robot-pawn-of-industry... and in part because I am attempting to travel with only a tiny carry-on bag. I also have this romantic idea: I want to travel in such a way that- should all my possessions be stolen- I would not even be slightly bothered. Just pick up and carry on. I am sure I would freak out a little bit- but getting a new passport seems a lot easier than getting a new computer at this point. So there. I want to be a bit more care-free. As a blogger this means that I will not be updating twitter, Facebook, or this site... for at least 10 days. An exercise in abstinence. All this being said- I will be traveling with a photographer- so brace yourselves for a barrage of posts following the trip.

Jonathan Ranall Grant

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Culture Keeper