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Critique By:
Chris Moore (K:5591)
1/5/2004 10:41:23 AM
Hi Isaac,
Thank you for your kind comment on my work. I see you have asked for help on this image, so I'll try to offer some ideas.
Firstly, on a purely technical note, the horizon is tilted - you've composed the ship vertically in the frame, but this has resulted in a slightly odd look asif the sea is running downhill to the left of the picture. I'd correct this, which will show the rake of the masts better etc.
Moving on, your use of high speed film on an overcast day has created quite a flat grainy look. There's nothing wrong with that if this is what you're trying to achieve, and indeed I can imagine this giving a result where the image is a very soft blue-grey coloured result, a bit like a painting, and quite serene. If this is the result you're after then you're well on the way. In that case I'd look for a day when there's more cloud contrast, perhaps shooting in black and white and increasing the contrast with filters (or digitally I guess). A slight blue or sepia tone might work nicely in that case, as might a very fast grainy film like Delta 3200 perhaps.
I see you're already at your maximum zoom, but I would consider a crop to reduce the quantity of the frame that doesn't contain the ship. Some of this area can add to the peaceful colouration of the image as above, but too much of it reduces the impact. If you use a tripod and your lenses sharpest aperture (probably f/8 to f/11) a crop shouldn't be too much of a problem unless you're really wanting massive prints. I'd crop more from the right and less from the left, giving a little space "forward" of the ship implying its ability to move (though with no sails up this is less clear).
Similarly, the tripod would allow you to use slower film if you wanted a less grainy result, good for cropping also.
The ship should provide many opportunities for good shots especially if you pass it regularly or it is nearby. I'd watch the weather forecast closely, look out for a flat calm day with some cloud but not entirely overcast, and try for a vertical composition including the reflection of the ship. On a similar day, get out there at dawn and sunset for the best light. Perhaps consider where the sun is going to come from, and whether you can get in a position to silhouette the masts and rigging against the setting/rising sun. Or look for great colours in the sky behind the ship, and colouring the sea. You'll need very still weather to get anything reflective from what looks like a wide stretch of open water, but if you're there regularly it'll work out for you sometime.
Finally, I'd try to get in touch with the owner/captain and find out sailing times then get out there ready to catch the sails up, filling with wind.
Anyway, just some ideas and opinions, feel free to discard etc. I enjoyed looking over your other images, but chose this one to comment as you specifically asked for ideas.
Best wishes,
Chris
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