Harbours, Quays and Ports

"What we’re after is the look, feel and make-up of these places, which is so shaped by their function, and by the marine-focussed lives and pastimes that inhabit them.” The brief provides great scope to interpret our subject, harbours, quays and ports. This photograph addresses this in an original and articulate way. The photographer is quayside and close to a group of boys, one of whom is frozen mid-air in a dramatic exclamation before plunging (we presume) into the sea.

I love the quality of the light — the way our daredevil is seemingly spotlit by the sun's rays. I also notice that the onlookers, though engaged with the jumper's actions seemingly couldn't care less. It is never-to-be repeated slice of life, and a novel approach to our subject. Wonderful.

This photographs dramatically illustrates how manmade harbours came into existence. Building a barrier from the ocean swell provides sanctuary for seafaring craft. This elevated view provides the scale and the drama of the sea and the sky. The grittiness of the origin film emulsion is clear in this digital rendering, but adds to mood of the scene — calm and protected.

This photograph has a quiet, thoughtful presence. Compositionally, it is excellent. Very simple, but very effective. Our eye neatly moves from element to element, taking in the detail and small features. The tone and structure of the water and clouds above marry with that, providing nuance and information to quietly ponder. Look closely and we see a ship on the horizon, a long, dotted line of gulls on the breakwall, and a fisher adjusting their rod. The almost monochromatic hues provide a realistic rendition of this cold winters day. Fantastic photograph.