With today’s WordPress Daily Post prompt of Craft, my first thought was certainly one of talking about the craft of photography, but as I looked for an image to go with that I came across different craft!
As a matter of fact, this image works well with both aspects of the word, as my photo of these craft on the beach during low tide on the Bay of Fundy had originally failed to impress me enough to make it part of my regular rotation of images that I didn’t mind displaying. When I captured it, the weather was kind of overcast with a low cloud cover and lots of gray tones. I decided to take the shot anyway, as the contrast between the height of the pier and the boats on the beach was so striking.
Craft at the Bay of Fundy
It wasn’t until several years later that I decided to try some different processing of this image. Using HDRsoft’s Photomatix Pro, I tried some different processing to get the sky to speak a bit more… and I like the end result. Of course, I also realized that I should have shot this as a 3 or 5-shot HDR series 🙂
Do you ever have a photo that you breathed new life in with a bit of processing?
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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13 thoughts on “The Craft Rest…”
Very impressive and a low tide indeed! Our water level dropped significantly a week or so ago and it seemed some of the boats were resting on the bottom of the marina. We have a draft of 18″, but are not flat bottomed like some narrows. My photos are however very hit and miss, but Hubby is pretty good with ‘tweaking’.
The Bay of Fundy has the most amazing tidal difference that can be as much as 50+ feet.
Sounds like you have a great team effort in your photography. Over time, I have developed a standard processing flow that provides a consistent look to my images that I like. I still do play around with it, though, as I’m always looking for something just a little better 🙂
Dutch goes the Photo! 
Very impressive and a low tide indeed! Our water level dropped significantly a week or so ago and it seemed some of the boats were resting on the bottom of the marina. We have a draft of 18″, but are not flat bottomed like some narrows. My photos are however very hit and miss, but Hubby is pretty good with ‘tweaking’.
Thank you!
The Bay of Fundy has the most amazing tidal difference that can be as much as 50+ feet.
Sounds like you have a great team effort in your photography. Over time, I have developed a standard processing flow that provides a consistent look to my images that I like. I still do play around with it, though, as I’m always looking for something just a little better 🙂
My camera is very basic (a Nikon coolpix) but I’ve surprised myself by getting some pretty good shots, especially of the kingfisher and swans here.
Camera makes little difference. Most of my yoga tree images are taken with my iPhone 🙂
Ah, my phone is a relic (text and calls only) but still works. I understand newer phones have some good cameras on them now.
🙂
Indeed! A beautiful picture 👍
Thank you!
It’s amazing that the area where the boat are is bright even though the gray clouds are low and dark.
Thank you kindly!
You’re welcome, Frank!
like your use of the word craft and i love the contrast of the different tones of grey with the bright blues, reds and yellows
Thank you very kindly!