Ian Chantler  

Making Waves by Ian Chantler

July 2024 - Making Waves

About the Image(s)

A friend from my photo club told me about a power boat racing event at Carr Mill Dam in Lancashire run by the Lancashire power boat club so decided to go along and have a look I managed to get a place on the bank opposite one of the turning markers with the sun behind me,sadly there were only 5 boats racing during the afternoon as it was a club event not a National but one of the boats was this Formula 2 class boat which went like Greased lighting each race was 6 laps long and the Formula 2 boat had to wait until the other boats had completed 2 laps before he could start his 6 laps and he won every race except one.
The formula 2 boats are a catamaran design 2.5litre Mercury engine,speeds in excess of 120mph and 0 - 60in under 4 seconds.


How I did it

Canon EOS 5D Mk III lens Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM focal length 65mm f6.3 1/2000s ISO 500 using auto ISO,focus set to A1 servo high speed burst
Basic adjustments to RAW file made in CS6,highlights,shadows, and contrast adjustment,cropped all the way round sharpened using a high pass filter

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

Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Ian, I can hear the roar of the engine and feel the strong vibrations indeed. Image is sharp and really denote high speed. The presence of the second boat in the back implies it is a race. Well done   Posted: 07/02/2024 16:43:36
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Many thanks Isaac something I have not attempted before so a fun learning curve.   Posted: 07/04/2024 19:15:17
R Gary Butler   R Gary Butler
Ian, nice capture. For me all of the spray behind the boat really helps make the picture. It just says there's speed there. The colors work well to make for a pleasing shot. These races are always fun. It looks like you got into a good place for a great picture. I would love to have been there with you.   Posted: 07/07/2024 14:24:54
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Thanks Gary
would have so loved to have your company on the afternoon.   Posted: 07/09/2024 11:40:41
Guy Davies   Guy Davies
That is some mean machine! You have caught the action really well and everything is sharp, including the cloud of spray. As Isaac says, the presence of the second boat shows that this is a race and that seems to add to the tension in the picture. On the performance side, 0-60 mph in under 4 sec is better than a lot of cars. Also, if you hit a big wave at 120 mph, it would be like hitting a lump of concrete!   Posted: 07/08/2024 14:14:51
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Thanks Guy
It cornered like it was on rails though it was explained to me the drivers have to wear a 5 point harness almost identical to those worn by Formula 1 racing drivers and he has to wear a Hahns device.   Posted: 07/09/2024 11:42:48
Bill Buchanan   Bill Buchanan
You were very fortunate to be in a prime location with almost ideal conditions. Your image is tack sharp and that boat in the background adds to the scene. Great job.   Posted: 07/08/2024 15:39:10
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Bill
Many thanks there were not to many photographers there to be honest and most situated themselves on the main straight I thought the better shots would be on the bend markers as he came towards me and then cornered in front of me I had room to wander around to get the best angle each lap.
But what do I know.   Posted: 07/09/2024 11:45:29
Vella Kendall   Vella Kendall
You made an excellent conscience decision because it really worked for you in this image. The spray is my favorite part, it makes me cooler just looking at it. Of course th3 colors are good also. I know this sounds crazy but there is a tree in the middle that I would get rid of to have a smooth background. It must have been a fun day.   Posted: 07/12/2024 00:24:20
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Vella
Many thanks
Yes I did think of removing the tree but I may use the image in a PJ comp and I am not allowed to remove anything in PJ   Posted: 07/12/2024 05:51:21
Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
Ian, you have a trained photo eye, good position anticipation ant that is why you get the most out of the majority of your images. "Making Waves" displays a perfect turn followed by vibrant spray that screams speed and the following boat denotes a race. My only suggestion would be to remove the tree if you are going to enter CPID.   Posted: 07/16/2024 16:51:00
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Erik
Firstly I hope your recovery is going well
As always your kind words are very much appreciated'as for the tree if it goes in CPID the lumberjack will be called to attend to it if it goes in PJ he will stay in his lodge.   Posted: 07/16/2024 18:47:30
Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
Well stated my friend. Is your back feeling better now?   Posted: 07/24/2024 12:54:29
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Erik
More good days than bad days with it now thankfully I will attempt a phased return to work when my latest set of x-rays are reported on but with the Microsoft outage last Friday most of our health service went down which is causing delays so still waiting and hoping   Posted: 07/24/2024 13:30:29