Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON
There is a lot to be said for planning and for being prepared, but a huge percentage of pure creativity derives from mental flexibility. If something stimulates you, run with it. So when I found myself on the banks of the Yarra River recently, I took a few shots in mellow light when I saw this tourist vessel, the 'Grower', approaching.
I had my 300mm Sigma lens on and shot a couple of frames as she drew closer. I waited on the bank and as she came level with where I stood, I realised there was a cycle, of all things, placed above the vessel's roof. I thought I'd shoot a really tight vertical frame, showing the bike, the red life rafts lashed to the roof, a section of the hull and the waterline.
As I composed the shot, I realised that the wake provided a really interesting view, because the curve of the bow wave was starting to produce a clear but distorted reflection. So I quickly changed the focal length and took two quick horizontal shots instead, showing the quick degeneration of the beautiful reflection.
20 comments:
Awesome shot, David!
Great shots. Don't you sometimes find with reflection shots that you start out, as you've done here, aiming at one "image" and end up seeing something quite different, far more magical.
I take crap photographs. Respect.
The reflection caught my eye more than the boat did. Really hits home how incredible it is to freeze one specific moment, doesn't it?
Amazing pictures. Your observation is too good David. You just don't cut off to only the subject but have an eye for surroundings as well.
Applauds...
Cuckoo
Aloha David,
It's a gorgeous shot of the boat and the dancing of the reflection on the water.. Great job.
Peace, Kai
I never would have thought of that in time...the shot would have been but a thought before it was gone! Damn you're good!
Sandi
These boats all seem different to me. I don't know what it is but it seems like they are leftovers from the canal days here in the states. We used to have a whole series of canals but they gave way to the railroads and those gave way to the 18-wheeler trucks that now cost about $1400 to fill up.
I like the boats and I also like the photography of them. I like the reflections you spoke about.
I love the waving reflection, that's an awesome shot.
Oh wow, I love the third shot. Beautiful and interesting.
Well caught! You have such an eye...
You are very talented David.
Great shots!
Kimmy
Love the reflections. Beautiful shots!
Thanks for mentioning my tractor eyes in your post of the day.
Looks like a nice day to be on the water!
Great reflection, wonderful capture!
Are you paying "amusement taxes" for your 300mm lens? It looks like so much fun!
Yup, David these shots are great - and I like the 3rd best.
Bluebells are nearly over now.
Magnificent shots. The type of wake every one enjoys!
I love these photos!
Lovely - it really reminded me of childhood holidays on Narrow Boats on the canals back home.
I only wish my brain could work fast enough to do the calculations to know which focal length, which aperature etc. I am not wired this way at all...maybe with practice? Nice work!
I liked the shots very much, but one has to be alert and be quick enough to decide how to take the shot. I found your description very educative too. Thanks. :)
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