Hoshedar Cooper  

Stilt fishing in Sri Lanka by Hoshedar Cooper

March 2025 - Stilt fishing in Sri Lanka

About the Image(s)

This was shot on my recent trip to Sri Lanka where I attended the PSA Photogathering 2025 along with 70 other participants. This was shot not too far away from its capital Colombo. This is a unique way of fishing that the local fishermen adopt called "Stilt fishing". They balance themselves on these thin bamboo rods and throw their fishing lines in the ocean to catch fish. It was an amazing and an unusual experience and sight for me. The settings for the image were as follows:

Shot on my Z9, shutter speed 1/125, 28 mm focal length, F8, ISO 64 and white balance at shade or kelvin(do not remember this).

Whilst photographing and processing my thought process was that the sky is colourful with some lovely patterns and hence I included it though it may be said that it is a bit of a negative space. I wanted a silhouette-like effect of the fishermen and underexposed them a bit. The colours of the sun were also nice and hence increased the oranges and red a bit. Not sure if the image could have been improved if I went even lower. I will be guided by the comments and feedback from the other members. Thank you.

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

Butch Mazzuca   Butch Mazzuca
A truly beautiful and visually interesting scene with strong cultural and storytelling elements that are truly timeless which, IMO give the image its impact and power - this image more than passes my usual six second rule, i.e., if I look at an image for more than six seconds I know I am looking at a good photo - I couldn't take my eyes away ? One of the best images I've seen in DD   Posted: 03/14/2025 15:32:48
Hoshedar Cooper   Hoshedar Cooper
Thank you very much Butch. Much appreciated.   Posted: 03/21/2025 04:21:54
Tom McCreary   Tom McCreary
You captured a really great image of this unusual fishing method very well. The time of day and your exposure are right on. I really like that the one fisherman is closer and so appears taller than the rest, making him a great center if interest. I can see what you are saying about the setting sun. It is off to the right, and in some ways seems not a part of the image, but I think that you should leave it as it adds to the image. You have a really great image! But to play with the image, I did remove the stand on the right that appears larger and has no one on it.   Posted: 03/15/2025 15:00:13
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Hoshedar Cooper   Hoshedar Cooper
Thank you Tom. Your changes have enhanced the image. With your permission I will make the changes and then maybe use it in a competition.   Posted: 03/21/2025 04:23:44
Tom McCreary   Tom McCreary
Next, I moved the sunset area to the left some, by selecting and moving it. I then selected a narrow strip where the original part and the moved part met, and used generative fill to blend the parts together.   Posted: 03/15/2025 15:03:54
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Judith Flacke   Judith Flacke
I love what Tom has done by removing that large, empty 'stand' and bringing the sunset nearer. Very nice! :)
  Posted: 03/20/2025 19:26:30
Hoshedar Cooper   Hoshedar Cooper
Thank you Judith.   Posted: 03/21/2025 04:24:11
Barbara Mallon   Barbara Mallon
Wow! What a way to fish! Great capture of the fishers. The lovely sunset to me conflates with them. I am not sure how I could fix that other than moving to the left so the sunset would be behind them. I think Tom's final image works better than the original.   Posted: 03/21/2025 03:35:49
Hoshedar Cooper   Hoshedar Cooper
Thank you Barbara. I am going to make the changes suggested by Tom.   Posted: 03/21/2025 04:24:53
Tomi Kelley   Tomi Kelley
A very pleasing image, both with initial reaction and with further exploration. Just fascinating. I agree the sunset is a bit of a side note, but adds to the stage-setting of the time and location of the entire image. Moving it slightly left as Tom has done is a great thought. Nicely done.   Posted: 03/26/2025 04:17:44