Peter Elliston  


Never grow old by Peter Elliston

September 2020 - Never grow old

About the Image(s)

During lockdown and when we were allowed to meet up outside with one or two people, I managed to do some unusual portraits of neighbours who were willing to create something different from the traditional portrait. This is Chris and for most of his life he was the captain of numerous merchant ships and sailed around the world. He still had his captain’s hat. I borrowed the tug boat from a friend and Chris and I found a small stream where he could ‘relive’ his past. The bear was not his but I added it to emphasise the story of never growing old and hanging on to childhood adventures. I have several other shots of Chris with both this tugboat and a model yacht which I may show another month. This one is formal in pose but different another ways. Taken on Fuji XT3 1/125 f3.6 ISO 400


This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted




Joe Kennedy   Joe Kennedy
(Group 28)
My first thought was a take-off on "Gulliver's Travels!" I like your thought process here - the experienced captain and a ship to command. Positioning him over the vessel allows him "command" of the ship and the waterway. I don't think the teddy bear and stool add to the story. I had to read your reasoning why it was there as it was not obvious in my looking at the image. I hope the Captain liked this.   Posted: 09/08/2020 11:58:59



Sheldon Wecker   Sheldon Wecker
Another excellent creative effort. Your captain friend certainly looks the part. I too thought about getting out locally in spite of the virus - but in Phoenix we have had 53 days over 110F, much hotter than normal. Many days, even the very early morning is too hot to walk or work outside.   Posted: 09/08/2020 17:53:36



 
It is a fun scene with lots of avenues for story-telling. Much enjoyed. Thank you.   Posted: 09/08/2020 19:12:04



 
Just passing by and found it difficult to pass this one up. Story telling is an art itself and you have aced the exam. I really like what you did and how you did it. I hope this is part of a series!   Posted: 09/11/2020 09:34:50
Peter Elliston   Peter Elliston
Mark, thanks for the comments - much appreciated. And yes, I do have a series of images of Chris with his boats/ships and may show another in a month or two.   Posted: 09/12/2020 02:10:55



Joe Norcott   Joe Norcott
I really liked the concept of this photo. It is a photo at this time in life (COVID-19) that brings out what someone has done in their life. Maybe two photos to see without the bear and then one with a smaller bear sitting on the stern would have been a different approach to the photo.

Again very creative and I do like it.   Posted: 09/11/2020 19:13:53



John Hackett   John Hackett
A great little story, what all retired sea dogs should get up to.I think the bear adds a ice touch of humour to the scene. Very creative and a bit of fun to lighten our days.   Posted: 09/14/2020 03:15:59



Glenn Rudd   Glenn Rudd
I like the creativity and storytelling in this image. The captain looks authentic and the model ship is perfectly detailed. The bear does not make sense pictorally and has to be verbally explained, as you did. I think it would be a stronger image if omitted.   Posted: 09/15/2020 18:47:25