Peggy Reeder
August 2026 - Boathouse
Original
About the Image(s)
Our theme this month is Doorways. To me, the interesting part of a doorway is what is through it on the other side. The doorways here open to the inside of an old boathouse (renovated) on the shore of Lake Michigan. This was one of the stations for the rescue boats that were located around the lake back in the day. The boats were part of the U.S. Lifesaving Service, and you can see that written on the prow. You can also see the rails leading out of the boathouse that allowed the boats to slide down to the water.
I did a lot of small adjustments to this image in Lightroom to bring out the colors, and especially to open up the view to the interior. The last step was to add a vignette and to crop to a square.
6 comments posted
Interesting concept to see what's behind the doors. With all the grass growing up, it doesn't look like the boats are need too often. Which is probably a good thing! I wonder about the composition. Shooting from the side seems a little off-balance. I feel that when you have two equal elements -- the two matching doors -- I almost wish that you have shot directly down the middle and captured both equally. That's just me, however. I also wonder if the image is slightly tilted. That may be due to the angle you shot from. Anyway, just an observation. Posted: 08/03/2026 21:24:20
Great symmetry and overall capture but I agree that it would look better had it been shot from the center line, or cropped tight to the bottom of the doors. I would also get rid of the tree sticking out of the right side of the roof. Good color. Posted: 08/05/2026 20:02:13
At first look, I saw two pictures, but as I kept on looking, it made more sense to look at it as a unit. The angle and the rails create a leading line. I think than the boats could use a little brightening and sharpening. By all means, the tree tips by the roof should go. Posted: 08/11/2026 17:29:42
I find myself going back and forth between the two boats. It's eased a little by having the left side a little higher than the boat on the right. You brought out the boats nicely as they were in the shadows. Posted: 08/16/2026 16:10:14
I remember visiting this attraction -- part of a museum near Traverse City? I think the rails provide a nice leading line, in fact, I don't think there would've been any problem shooting even farther away. I agree with Joe that the "bushy hat" should be cloned out. The trees on either side provide a good framing. The bottom part seems level -- you could try using the free transform tool in PS to correct the slight distortion. Sharp, with good exposure. Posted: 08/16/2026 21:17:49
You're exactly right Jerry. Glen Haven, just west of Traverse City.
Posted: 08/16/2026 22:36:15
Posted: 08/16/2026 22:36:15