One thing, out of many, that I miss about living on the coast is being able to shoot images like these. These are all somewhat older images I took at public docks or marinas. All featuring a sharp foreground object (usually a cleat or rope) with a leading line to boat of some sort, usually a sailing yacht, with a shallow depth of field.
I remember when I first got my first dslr I saw a local photographer who had similar images on his website and I wanted to create my own.
I've always been drawn to the sea. I would love to sail around the world but I know nothing about sailing. And I've always been attracted to these sailing yachts. IDK there's just something about them. I think I would have been a pirate in a former life haha!
I thought about sharing more of the images I have around the many marinas of coastal NC but I thought these had a stronger "connection" with their similar style and black and white conversion. The black and white really make these images for me. They were all taken basically mid day, which is actually a great time for black and white. The color versions just don't have the same feel. The bnw also really brings out the textures in the foreground I think.
These are really, really good, Kyle. Really creative idea to use for the challenge. I also agree with you that the black & white works just right in these photos. I think color would only distract from the story you're telling. I love how after looking at the subject, the rope invites the eye into the rest of the photo!
Thank you!
Lovely and very specific connections Kyle, I don't think anyone could question your intent.
I can see why you converted to black and white. The harsh shadows and contrast work well in highlighting the form of the subject, especially in the second.
Your selective focus also works well in ensuring the boats remain reduced to a supporting role, the eye guided by those wonderful leading lines.
Very nice!
I love these images of yours, Kyle - your best, I think. The monochrome does suit them, and I Iike your compositions and use of selective DOF. The first here is the cream of the crop, and the image I always think of when I see your name. Sometimes we can just nail it, can't we, in a way that's hard to repeat, when everything just comes together somehow? Maybe you should do more mono.
Thanks Chris! I know you always liked these images. That first one has always been one of my personal favorites as well. I wish I was still on the coast where I could try this type of thing more often. I may have to try to find a different subject to try this style with. I do like doing black and white images and probably should do more of them.