On a cold, rain mixed with snow day in Kahramanmaraş I watched blacksmiths and coppersmiths transform crude lumps of metal into knives, kebap skewers, door hinges and tea pots. Brothers worked side by side in shops they had inherited from their fathers. Little was said as the pieces came out one by one, all handmade, all unique to the person that had made them.
For more of what I'm up to in Turkey click here for an interview with me in photo agency Wonderful Machine's blog.
Love it when you see those guys wheeling those huge metal cauldrons on their side down the alleys.
Posted by: Benjaminbrowett | February 16, 2012 at 08:28 PM
David. I love SkyBlueSky and have followed your blog religiously. I have to say, The Blacksmiths of Maras is one of the most outstanding posts you've done. Your photography inspires me. Thanks from Seattle!
Posted by: Ivan | February 16, 2012 at 11:46 PM
Benjamin - Would liked to have seen that. I saw a couple of craftsmen fabricating cauldrons that were 4-5 ft across. Amazing.
Thanks so much,Ivan! It was a quick visit to Maras, but I've earmarked it for a visit at some point in the future. I think there is much to explore in better weather (it rained/snowed for the duration of our stay).
Posted by: Dave | February 17, 2012 at 10:12 AM
Simply great! Thank you.
Posted by: Mart | February 18, 2012 at 04:15 AM
Thanks, Mart! Glad you liked it.
Posted by: Dave | February 18, 2012 at 10:22 AM
David,
These photos are amazing. I'm wondering, were they only shot with available light? The quality of the light is really seductive.
Posted by: Frederick A. Reddy, II | February 20, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Thanks, Fredrick! Yes, all available light. In a sense the rain/snow helped otherwise I would have gotten a bit more contrast at the doorways to the various workshops. Most were shot at iso 320-400 at around f3.2. The 35mm f1.4 does well in these situations.
Posted by: Dave | February 20, 2012 at 12:04 PM
I too loved the low lit situation you were in. I am amazed your ISO was so low! Watching craftsmen go about their daily activities helps them to see how special they are and how prized their craft is to society.
Posted by: Thyme (Sarah) | March 18, 2012 at 09:09 PM
Sarah, there certainly was a 'quiet pride' among the craftsmen. It was amazing to watch them work. Brute force and sublety in one.
Posted by: Dave | March 19, 2012 at 09:49 AM