Yildirim Mayruk fshion show

One of the last jobs I had here was a fashion show at the Swissotel at the Bosporous for one of the premier Turkish designer, Yildirim Mayruk. It was a great experience, and it was definitley one of the best shows I've done in my career. The designers are slightly crazy, but in a really fun way.

foreign models & designer (in the white shirt)

Finale with the designers (I'm in the back)

Akay bridal

Another job I did here was for Akay bridal couture. The client made a video that they posted on their facebook wall. Here is the link, if you are curious

 http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=336975103034001

I'm still trying to get all the photos from the client so I can use them in my book and share them here.  But in the meantime, the company posted ads using those photos all over the swankier places in Istanbul.

testing, testing

As this is being posted, I am beginning a week-long vacation with my family in the Dominican Republic and bridesmaiding at my sister's wedding there. So while I have fun in the sun, I have scheduled posts of the various shoots/jobs I did while I was in Istanbul.

Here is a test I did in Istanbul with a local photographer, Moustafa Gundogdu. Styling done by Elvan, the owner of Respect Models. :)

Amica Indonesia

As this is being posted, I am flying over the Atlantic ocean on my way back home. On my first day here, I booked a job for Amica Indonesia magazine which I shot the next day. I found some of the photos on the internet so I thought I share them with you. I shot it around the city, at historical and tourist sights. The last magazine editorial I did here was for Skylife Busines, the onboard magazine for Turkish Airlines, business class. It was also shot at historical and tourist sights, but different ones. So while those won't come out til next month, we can enjoy the first round.

Last day in Istanbul

Frescoed dome of Chora Church

Tomorrow I fly back to Canada, my time here is almost over. It's been a busy last few weeks, and really crappy internet, hence no blog posts. I've work a bit, and met some really cool locals who have been able to show me more of Istanbul than I thought, at least some of the places I can't afford to go on my meager allowance of 50 TL a week (that's about 28 US dollars).

more tulips in Yildiz Park

So when we last left off, I had just celebrated my birthday. Since then I have been to many other people's birthday parties, which always have cake, which I always eat. :) It is one of the few highlights of the food here in my opinion because they add nuts to the filling, which adds a new crunchy texture. It elevates the cake to a whole new level. But enough about food, I'll try and cover that in another post, if I get around to it.

view of the Bosporous from Ciragan Palace

In terms of sightseeing, I have checked off everything on my list, except for an actual tour up and down the Bosporous. I've been out on ferries going places, so I;m going to say that counts. I tried to get my friends to take me out on their yachts, but it's not boating season yet, so no one's boat was ready. Oh well.

mosaiced dome in Chora Church

exterior of the church

mosaic of Justinian presenting Chora Church to Jesus

mosaic of Jesus turning water into wine

On a positive note, I did get to see Chora church. I didn't know it existed before I got here, but I'm glad I went. It has beautiful and so many mosaics in the church. I also went to 2 more sultan palaces (making my grand total 4), Yildiz and Ciragan Palace. Yildiz palace was actually a guesthouse for other visiting royals in the 1800s and is set in a lovely public park which once used to be exclusively for the sultan. It had the largest carpet in the world (at one point, not sure if it still stands), 406 square meters. I actually prefered this tour to Dolmabahce, because it is less busy and therefore I could interact with the guide more.

Yildiz Palace

Yildiz Park

reception room with world's largest carpet in Yildiz Palace

So, I'm leaving with a little bit of money in pocket, and lots of memories and new friends. I'm glad I came to Istanbul, and though I know it's my time to go (I know when I recognized most of the models in ads and magazines), I'll miss it.



 

Another year older, not necessarily wiser

Last weekend I turned another year older. I'm not a big birthday person, I like things low key. This year I did celebrate with going out as usual on a Saturday night to dance and enjoy the nightlife. Then on Sunday I took a 'me ' day and went sightseeing by myself, as I didn't want to waste time waiting for others or compromising on what I wanted to do. And I had just started a no sugar week, so no cake or sweets for me. I'll make up for it on vacation in the Dominican.

I didn't really do much, just went to the Dolmabahce Palace and then wandered in Taksim and did a bit of window shopping. I finally found the alleyway bazaar there where items magically find their way into bargain shops and are sold really, really cheap. I don't like to question it, but I did get a maxi dress for 10TL (7 US$). I also saw a monkey as a pet on some guy's shoulder and a bride puking from a car.

Dolmabahce Clock Tower

Entrance to the Palace

The Palace was very lovely, especially the interior, but they do not allow photos inside. In fact, you have to take a guided tour. First time I have seen a crystal staircase though, and lots and lots of gilding. It was definitely more European than Topkapi. The line to get into the palace was ridiculous, which could have been because only one window was open for selling tickets. I stood in line for 1.5 hours,  thank goodness for my Iphone.

Main bullding and fountain

gates to the Bosporous

One of the highlights of my day was discovering the bird coop on the grounds of the palace, where various types of bird roamed in and out of the cages, including peacocks and peahens. But no turkeys, ironically. I spent a good 30 minutes trying to take a nice photo of the peacock. It wouldn't display its tail properly, but that's probably a good thing, because I think they do that when they are frightened, and may charge at me. Oh, and the tulips on the grounds were also lovely, but they always are, no matter what country I'm in.   

the other non-peacock birds

Just a pic post

Here are some shots from a test I did with a local photographer back in Canada.  His name is Vimal, and I've worked with him before.