Our Camera Club made a tour of the Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, PA. While some work is done with machinery, many parts of these guitars are handmade. The tours have a leader – we have to stay on the pathway and cannot stray. But the path goes right past the workers. They are always ready to explain their work; they are proud craftsmen and deserving of praise. All shots must be natural lighting. I liked this shot because it shows the concentration on his face and the body positioning necessary to get the right angle with his knife. I burned in his hat, face, and the background a bit. I didn’t want to lose the face entirely. Then I used a high pass filter on overlay, masking the sharpness off the face and background. If any of you happen to be near Nazareth, Pa., Martin Guitar is a great place for photos.
5 comments posted
Ally Green
That is a great visual of the hands working on the wood and the angle you shot this really emphasizes this. I liked that you included the craftsman face to show the concentration adding to the story. I used to play the guitar so this has a special meaning for me that they still make parts by hand. Nicely done. Posted: 07/16/2025 22:44:34
Bunny Laden
Hi Connie,
I love this image. It communicates both the focus and the ability to make small movements with the hands. AND it's a Martin guitar. I used to own a Martin D28 but sold it to finance graduate school. It is one of the finest guitars and requires skilled, and dextrous, craftsmen like you've shown in this photo. The angle is very dynamic. Great job! Posted: 07/18/2025 04:58:11
Nancy Armstrong
Just beautiful, both the handwork on the guitar and the way you captured it. His total focus on his work is so clear. Nicely done! Posted: 07/20/2025 00:06:09
Lisa Salisbury Hackley
I love this Connie. I like not only that you included the craftsman's face, but the depth of field - with a softer focus on the face and the hands in sharp focus. Posted: 07/23/2025 19:17:44
Carole Kropscot
What a great capture of those hands! I noticed the hair on his arms most of all! I like the way the fingers are positioned. I get a feeling he is trying hard to do an excellent job. A very interesting photo. I had never thought of being able to photograph in a guitar-making workshop. Posted: 07/28/2025 20:29:51
