[Garf]

Camera: Nikon D40
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/16.0
Focal Length: 19 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: -1/3 EV
Flash: No Flash
Date and Time (Original): 2009:06:14 08:45:29

Upped the contrast and the highlights a small amount and added a vignette.

The Gull, a Lightship. Lightships were permanently moored boats with the purpose of being a navigational aid for other vessels, where it isn't practical to have a real lighthouse.

It was in active service for a number of years, but was retired some time ago, and has been neglected ever since. In that time it has apparently been subject to numerous acts of vandalism and a few arson attempts. Seems a bit of an undignified end.

My Dad lives nearby to the place that the Gull now rests, and has said a few times that I should grab a shot of it. When I mentioned the theme to him yesterday, he reminded me about it, so when I woke up to nice weather today, I took advantage and got down there early on.

When I got there, I was a bit disappointed to see they had removed (on checking, it was only a few weeks ago) the large tripod-like mast that housed the light source - this was because it had become unstable over the years and was a danger to the public. It was a shame as it would have added to the photo, but hey ho..

I've also done a B&W version of this, but on my wife's advice, I've gone with the colour one as she reckons the lovely blue sky is a good contrast against the grimness of the boat - hope she is right

Anyway, sorry for the essay and thanks for looking..

[robfosters]

I like it.

I want to see what it looked like at it's best. Therefore, it's interesting to me.

I would have been tempted with the black and white one to be honest. Can you put it up please?

[Garf]

Thanks. Yep, I agree it would have been good to see what it was like in all it's glory.

I've put the B&W version in the 'Not Valid' thread, and in hindsight, I think I should have gone with that one - never mind...

[Antpink]

Looked at both this and the B&W and it's honestly difficult to decide between them, although if I was really pushed, I'd say the entry version is the better one for the comp. Excellent shot, and appreciated the essay - nice to get the background to give some more perspective on it.

[tracymae]

This is fabulous Garf, I think the missus is right and the contrasting colours really make the subject pop

[robfosters]

Congrats Garf, you deserve this one. Lovely shot.

[mark.carline]

this is the one I voted for ! - nice pic !