Ian Cambourne  

Harbour Racers by Ian Cambourne

March 2023 - Harbour Racers

About the Image(s)

Last Saturday 4th March about 18 friends from a camera club spent an afternoon on Sydney Harbour Photographing the 18 foot skiffs racing. The day was quite overcast with very little wind to help these skiffs reach their full potential and speed. At least the predicted rain didn't come. Being a passenger on a ferry owned by the racing club, we had to be satisfied with where we were taken. It can also be quite challenging getting some images standing on a floor that is constantly bobbing up and down on the water. But a good time was had by all. Details are: Nikon D810; Sigma 150-500 at 300mm; ISO 640; 1/4,000 & F8. Processed in LR & PS. Sadly I am unable to attach the original image at this time as this computer is not letting me convert the RAW into a JPEG. I did the processing on my laptop which is all good, but I'm pushed for time this month. The original is just the same basic image but in the normal 2/3 format.

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

Henriette Brasseur   Henriette Brasseur
Under the circumstances you were in when you took this image you did quite well to get images that were pleasing to you. I like the three boats with the colorful sails and their placement in the images as my eye is drawn to them immediately. Cropping is nice, just enough sky at top and water at bottom. I understand that you were pushed for time this month but I suggest revisiting this image once again. I see possibilities such as selecting the sky (in Lightroom Classic) in the Masking category. I see some nice clouds in the sky that could be enhanced and provide a nice backdrop for the skiffs.   Posted: 03/13/2023 17:26:04
Ian Cambourne   Ian Cambourne
Thanks for your comments Henriette. Yes, I really must spend time to improve my post processing skills, which are sadly lacking.   Posted: 03/22/2023 03:51:44
Gordon Watson   Gordon Watson
I like the fact that you have separation between all the main sails, and also that the group of three coloured sails are in the middle, flanked by the two white ones. I do think the image looks a bit undersaturated in the background, and needs a bit of a contrast boost to give it a bit more definition, but well done for photographing from a bobbing boat!   Posted: 03/16/2023 17:45:55
Ian Cambourne   Ian Cambourne
Thanks Gordon. I'm always suggesting to others to step out of their comfort zone and try new things, such as removing solid ground from beneath your feet and no tripod. The weather will constantly be beyond anyone's control. We get what we are given and just have to deal with it as best we can.   Posted: 03/22/2023 03:55:22
Jay Joseph   Jay Joseph
Nice image Ian. I do like the colorful sails and the position of the boats. I also like the action you captured with the (almost) horizontal position of some of the sailors. The sharpness is excellent throughout the entire photograph. Well done.   Posted: 03/19/2023 19:37:26
Ian Cambourne   Ian Cambourne
Thanks Jay. On the day I was trying to get some of the "racing" rather than skiffs on the water. There are also a good number of close ups showing individual skiffs and their crews. Maybe next month.   Posted: 03/22/2023 03:57:49
Sophie Pouillon   Sophie Pouillon
This image is very nice. The feat of standing on a boat and taking pictures is impressive. The atmosphere is still a bit dull but it's true that I like bright colors. A little bit of Pro Contrast would have made the sails more vibrant, but that's just my opinion.   Posted: 03/21/2023 05:54:31
Comment Image
Ian Cambourne   Ian Cambourne
Thank you for your comments and enhanced colours Sophie. I do like what you suggest. Your opinion, as is everybody else's, is very valid.   Posted: 03/22/2023 04:00:25
Trey Foerster   Trey Foerster
Very good job in shooting to get that sharpness. I would have gone up to 1200 if neede but 640 seemed good. Ditto on the colors of the sails brodered by white ones, nice touch. I'd burn the tress a tad in the background left to create more DOF. Yes, play with the sky but you might want to lob a portion of it off from the top - the action isn't there but on the water so it's not really important to the story. Excellent capture for the conditions in which you shot!   Posted: 03/24/2023 13:09:58
Ian Cambourne   Ian Cambourne
Thanks for your thoughts and comments Trey.   Posted: 03/26/2023 05:30:46