PHOTOREPORTAGE:
BEEKEPING IN
ZAGORJE OB SAVI
In my thesis, I present a photo reportage about the work of a beekeeper Ivan Sopotnik in Zagorje ob Savi. The reportage consists of six reportage photographs capturing his work and beekeeping activities in the field. Additionally, there are five product photographs showcasing five different beekeeping products, created with the purpose of advertising and sales promotion.
About my
thesis
The project client was Ivan Sopotnik, a holder of a supplementary activity, who is engaged in beekeeping in Zagorje ob Savi. He has been involved in this field for more than 20 years. He produces and sells various beekeeping products, such as honey, propolis, mead, pollen, and more. In the Zasavje region, he is very well-known for his high-quality honey, which he has been producing since 1984. His honey was praised in 2010 by the Swedish alpine skier Anja Paerson. At the Ivana Skvarča Elementary School in Zagorje, he also teaches a beekeeping club. He is very conscientious about the environment; hence he never discards beeswax. Instead, he creates various decorative wax figurines from it.
The main objectives of a project were:
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promoting beekeeping in the Zasavje region;
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informing and raising awareness among people about beekeeping.
The aim of the thesis was to increase awareness about beekeeping in Slovenia and Zasavje, and to boost the sales of the client's beekeeping products by at least 10%. With photos posted on both my and the client's social media, I aimed to increase both my and the client's visibility by 50% compared to previous posts
The location where the client has his beehives is carefully chosen. It is exceptionally beautiful during the springtime. The beehives are situated in a small village called Prapreče, high up on a hill between the towns of Trbovlje and Zagorje ob Savi. They are placed away from people, in the middle of a flowering meadow in a natural environment.
In the background, there were trees, plenty of different greenery and flowers, adding a natural and harmonious feeling to the entire scene. I also carefully studied the daylight or, more precisely, the direction of the sunlight to correctly illuminate the beekeeper and the hives naturally.
Product photographs
Photographing products took a lot of time and effort, but the results were excellent at the end. Cassey Chin wrote an interesting observation on a website, in which he also mentioned a famous quote by the photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson: "Your First 10,000 Photographs Are Your Worst". This thought conveys the idea, which I relate to my own development as a photographer, evolving and improving through practice and experience.
Every new photograph was an opportunity for learning and growth. In the process of taking a large number of photos, I discovered my mistakes and weaknesses. Over time, I became more attentive to details and nuances. Only with perseverance and patience was I able to achieve a higher level of quality and skill in photography.
