Anton Agarkov’s practice. Take pictures of the craftsman

Masters are somewhat like gods. They can create incredible works of art from the simplest things. But how to shoot in a way that captures that magic of creativity? Let’s explore.

All about the Nikon Z7 mirrorless camera

From general to medium to close-up

Nikon Z7 Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4

First, get at least superficially acquainted with the craft you want to shoot. Find out what stages the process of making a piece is divided into. You will be able to understand how long it takes to make an item, and whether you can pull off all the key parts of the process in one go. For example, creating a carpet takes months of painstaking work, but at the same time, it’s a rather monotonous and monotonous process – the craftswoman ties hundreds, even thousands of knots. All you have to do is to take a few pictures of the process, and then show any finished carpet, so that your viewers can understand all the nuances of carpet weaving.

At the same time, pottery consists of molding, drying, painting and firing. Each part can yield interesting photos, but it can take a couple of days to capture the entire process, since the stages of the process are separated by time.

Also try to clarify exactly where you will be shooting. Masters often work indoors, so it’s not always the best lighting. So it’s best to take a fast lens, or set your ISO higher. Try to take a variety of shots. Start with the background: show the environment in which the craftsman works, in his studio.

Close-ups of the masters at work are always interesting

Nikon Z7 Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4, 70mm, f/9, 1/80, ISO 320

Next come closer – take a close-up shot of the master. Don’t be shy about asking him to pose for you, but don’t overdo it either. One staged portrait will suffice. It’s better to focus on photos of the master at work, which will convey the creation process much better.

Master of tandoor in the background of his works

Nikon Z7 Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4, 33mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO 640

Master potter painting a plate

Nikon Z7 Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4, 32mm, f/4, 1/400, ISO 2000

A woodcarver in his workshop. The overall plan allowed to show what kind of environment the master works in

Nikon Z7 Nikkor Z 35 f/1.8, f/3.2, 1/1000, ISO 320

Be sure to shoot close-ups. Hands at work – the most important angle. Partial close-ups of the finished product are also fun. Don’t forget to take pictures of the tools the craftsman uses. If you shoot a craftsman who is engaged in some exotic craft, you may well show his tools on your social networks and ask – what is it? I assure you people will start to guess. A great way to shake up the audience.

Finished work is a must-have subject

Nikon Z7 Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4, 49mm, f/5, 1/60, ISO 320

Workshops are always filled with interesting things. Sometimes out of this chaos can emerge a curious abstract subject. Be sure to keep an eye out for these and take them down as soon as you see them

Nikon Z7 Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4, 33mm, f/4, 1/2000, ISO 2000

Tool kits are a great subject for a shot and a tricky question on social media

Nikon Z7 Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4