Laurie McShane
February 2025 - Ghost Ship
About the Image(s)
his image was taken a couple weeks ago on one of the colder mornings in our harbor. When Lake Superior is much much warmer than the air, something called sea smoke appears and photographers love to shoot it. As my husband and I were down there to get a shot of the sunrise, the Hon. James L. Oberstar cruised out of the sea smoke and headed in to harbor. It was very cool to see it appear, seemingly out of nowhere. It was taken at ISO 500, 100mm, F9, and 1/160 sec. I am struggling with the composition. Do you think it would be better to eliminate the water on the bottom? Should it be cropped on the left so the ship and lighthouse are more centered? I would really appreciate your opinions. Thanks!
9 comments posted
Very cool image, like the sea smoke a lot!
When I view your image I get the feeling of unused space on the left side of the image. I think a bit of cropping can help. In my VF I show my attempt at it. I copped up from the bottom to the rocks and left the rocks in the image (removing them leaves in my view an awkward layout with little water at the bottom. I also cropped in from the left to position the ship on the left 1/3 line and also cropped the top just a bit. Just my suggestion and I find that cropping can be very personal so what works for me may not work for you.
It looks like a very chilly morning there and capturing the ship as it appears was well timed. Posted: 02/02/2025 17:37:44
When I view your image I get the feeling of unused space on the left side of the image. I think a bit of cropping can help. In my VF I show my attempt at it. I copped up from the bottom to the rocks and left the rocks in the image (removing them leaves in my view an awkward layout with little water at the bottom. I also cropped in from the left to position the ship on the left 1/3 line and also cropped the top just a bit. Just my suggestion and I find that cropping can be very personal so what works for me may not work for you.
It looks like a very chilly morning there and capturing the ship as it appears was well timed. Posted: 02/02/2025 17:37:44
Laurie McShane
Thanks, Keith! That's kind of what I was thinking.... Posted: 02/02/2025 20:05:53
This is one of the best images I have seen in a long time, truly magnificent. I wouldnt change anything in the frame. the rocks and water in front gives so much of depth to the image. it's lovely . Well Done !! Posted: 02/04/2025 02:19:27
Laurie McShane
Prasad,
Thanks so very much for your support! Posted: 02/04/2025 17:47:26
Thanks so very much for your support! Posted: 02/04/2025 17:47:26
(Group 40)
Laurie, you captured our iconic Duluth Ship Canal entry! Posted: 02/05/2025 17:26:44
Laurie McShane
Henry!!! I didn't know you were on here. How wonderful! Posted: 02/05/2025 22:05:06
Excellent capture! The coolness of the photo almost makes me shiver. What is the object to the left of the ship? I wonder if cropping some of the space to the left would add more balance to the image? Posted: 02/06/2025 10:46:08
Laurie McShane
Thanks, Harrison! I've gone back and forth about cropping it, and I appreciate your perspective. I don't see anything on the ship's left....? Posted: 02/06/2025 11:58:31
Egad I love this. It captures the mood, the story, the mystery, the weather perfectly. I agree with Keith's suggestions. I would take out the water in the front as I work the image a bit to create more of a a curve to the lighthouse. This is yummy Posted: 02/12/2025 22:08:36