Friday, September 11, 2009

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Rudder

Looking For A Change Of Direction

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Because the rudder of any deep-sea vessel is mostly concealed beneath the surface of the water, I jumped at the chance to shoot this image about six weeks ago. This is the Polly Woodside, a 19th-century vessel built in Belfast, Ireland, by the shipbuilders Workman Clark & Co Ltd.

A major landmark here in Melbourne, she was restored in the early Seventies, to be used as a museum ship for The National Trust.

This was shot on 17 July, on a sunny winter afternoon here in Melbourne. I could have pushed the lens through a gap in the wire fence, but I chose this composition deliberately.

By using depth of field to concentrate on the rudder and the stern, showing the vessel’s name, you can actually see the criss-cross of the metal fence in the immediate foreground.

This image might not have been as effective if I’d shot it on a cloudy day. Because of the bright, sunny conditions, the metal fence pattern shows up brightly as it reflects the strong natural light.

Visit MamaGeek and Cecily, creators of Photo Story Friday.

13 comments:

Cloudia said...

looks like my floating home!

aloha


Comfort Spiral

Michelle said...

Cool shot David. I like the fence in the shot as well. It makes you focus on what is beyond it.

Happy PSF - One crafty Mama :)

Chris said...

Wow, what a well framed shot -- maximum impact. I love that you can see the name of the vessel!

James said...

Hi David, for some reason your title cracked me up. Your picture is very good. i posted a photo looking through a fence like that earlier this week. It's a really cool look.
I really enjoy the way you explain your photos and your thoughts.

James said...
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James said...
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James said...

Hello again David. If you click here it should take you to the post that you asked for.

If that fails there's always cut and paste. :-)

http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/2009/09/hidden-eyes-watchng-and-waiting.html

Have a great day!

Maggie May said...

Now how come you end up with a Belfast ship in OZ?
Makes a good photo.

Funny how we both chose similar topics for Photostory Friday...... but so different!

Word ver. PLOMIES (Well almost pommys!)

Shadow said...

peeping through fences are ya? damn papparazzi, heee heee heeee

Wayne said...

Hmmm a very intresting picture, you don't often see what lies beneth the surfice, great photo friday

tiarastantrums said...

great capture this week

Cecily R said...

That is such a cool shot...LOVE the composition!

Anonymous said...

Love this shot! I agree that the fence gives it some good depth!