ドキュメンタリー
ポートレート
芸者
そこにあるもの
京都の、狭狭とした路地にある伝統的な家屋。そこで特別なゲストを待つ。そう、今や数少ない芸者である。芸者とはどんな人物なのかを知り、マスクをかぶる前の素顔と、かぶった後の姿、二つの顔を写真に納める。このワークショップで、ドキュメンタリー撮影のコツも学ぼう。
撮るもの・学ぶこと
このワークショップは、本物の芸者をモデルにした、徹底した写真撮影である。LEDライトや反射板などのスタジオ撮影に必要な機材はこちらで用意。ライト類の使い方、そして自然光を使った撮影法も指導を受ける。カメラの設定や写真の構成の仕方を学ぶだけでなく、物語が伝わるような写真を撮るためにはどのように被写体へ働きかければ良いのかを学ぶ。
探検ルート
京都を探し回り、このワークショップに適した素晴らしい場所を見つけた。撮影の舞台は、堪庵という茶室。このあずまやは幾つもの時代を経て、街の中心地の近代的な建物に囲まれながらも、今もなお存在している。1958年、裕福な慈善事業家により京都国立博物館に寄付されたものである。その古風な建物には、茶道具類や障子、金の屏風など、写真家にはたまらない趣のある小物で溢れている。
7safaak –
This team was incredible. Before I left Los Angeles, the communication was very fast, they always responded to my emails right away. They were able to pick me up from my hotel and take me to the photo session location. The location was fantastic and so were the Geishas I photographed. I highly recommend this company. I would work with them again for sure. Especial thanks to Paul who assisted me and made sure all went well.
John –
I attended the “Behind the Mask” workshop in November and was delighted by the intimate access afforded us in working with a maiko in both a behind-the-scenes environment and then in full regalia on the streets of Gion in Kyoto. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and should not be missed.
Bacco –
I joined the Behind the Mask workshop in November 2017. Both Lukasz and Axel, the key men of EYExplore, are friendly, patience and professional. The workshop was well organised. I could really learn the cultural and working life of the geisha. Excellent experience in Kyoto!
Monkeybuttface2 –
I had the privilege of doing 6 different EYExplore courses while I was in Japan, from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto all of the courses were an amazing learning experience. Both Lukas and Axel provided tips and tricks to capture images I would not have been able to create on my own. The absolute highlight was the Behind The Mask Geisha experience, sure you could try your luck at spotting a Geisha walking to a job or catching a taxi on the dark streets of Gion and maybe come away with a couple of blurred pictures but for me that was never going to be enough so I knew I had to book Behind The Mask. A half day small group experience of shooting with a Geisha, firstly without her makeup and then later with the familiar makeup, kimono, obi, umbrella and okobo. Not only to photograph a Geisha but to ask questions and communicate with her was such a special experience. Something I will definitely try to do again next time I am in Japan, which will be soon.