The Young Artisan

Ferghana Valley, Uzbekistan 2012

The family of this girl has made pottery for generations. The skill and artistry handed down for generations will continue as she and her sister are already masters at painting the intricate Uzbek designs.  Moments prior to this photo, she was sitting on the floor of the room behind her, lost in concentration, holding her face just inches from her work. She didn’t look up from her painting. She aimed for perfection.

It seemed the family consisted of women only. At least eight lovely young women were  gathered in the tree shaded courtyard where they took turns stirring a pot of thick, dark brown something. Anvar told us it was a soup made of sorghum. We were invited to wait until it had finished cooking and enjoy a bowl full or a plate full. (I think it could have been served either way.) To be honest, Torie and I were thankful it hadn’t finished cooking. Later, Anvar told us it was delicious and I tried to order it in a restaurant, but couldn’t make myself understood.

The Young Woodcarver

This young fellow was working in the narrow street outside his father’s workshop. He and his brothers came straight from school to learn what might turn out to be their most important lessons. Not only learning the traditional carving, but working with his brothers and father to support his family.

This type of portrait is my favorite…well almost. I prefer the person to be working but not really aware that I am photographing them. Here, the subjects are too young to go all self-conscious and they retain the spontaneity I want. A good portrait photographer can put the subject at ease by telling jokes, etc. I must say that I prefer the stealth method.

A trusted tour agent for the Ferghana Valley and all of Uzbekistan is Penelope Price at www.uzbekjourneys.com

A note to blog subscribers: Sometimes I think of something to write after I have published and you won’t see it as the blog emails don’t revise. If you don’t see some comment on photography, check the internet version. I may have added some comments that would interest you. BTW. I appreciate every one of you who signed up to read my blog on a daily basis.