Sea Captain
This shot has a bit of a story behind it, I was with a group of fellow photographers on what we call a Ferry Hop expedition. Basically we spend the day or most of it, riding the Sydney Ferries to different destinations taking photos on board and where ever we disembark. On this particular outing a few of my fellow photographers and I decided to issue a challenge, walk up to perfect strangers and ask for to take their photo. This was only the second person I ask after the challenge was issued. This lovely gentleman had a great face, a lovely white and gray beard and looked just the part for a nautical theme. As it happens when I approached him, we were nearing a replica tall ship and the Darling Harbour light house (scene in the background). Well all the elements just fell into place, and I only took two shots but I knew I had bag a great image, I thanked the Sea Captain as I’ve now called him, showed him the image and let him travel the rest of the trip in peace. I’m considering entering this in the portrait section of the Real Photography compeition, while it may be a little unconventional, it’s one of my favourite portraits (and most the others my wife won’t let me post as they are pictures of her).
Lost Lost, 11 months ago
Top shot, perfect treatment. Great comp and DOF.
Lucindawind, 11 months ago
Fantastic shot Craig
ozczecho, 11 months ago
Great shot Craig…sure luck played a part here with the bg, but u make your own luck…Plus the b&w conversion is 1st class, as is the light on the captains face…definitely enter this in the comp.
Deborah Fuller, 11 months ago
I love it, is that his boat
Christina Martin, 11 months ago
He’s wonderful Craig. Great shot!
Popular Mr, 11 months ago
it is a nice portrait
Charles Dobbs, 11 months ago
A great capture as it appears to tell you a story…
Lalit Bhusal, 11 months ago
humm.. this pic does say some story.. nice work mite
Corrie Kuipers, 11 months ago
nice atmospheric shot !
David Sundstrom, 11 months ago
Well captured Craig,
Was that from this years AW ferry hop?
Jeff Burns, 11 months ago
Wow this is stunning Craig. Great job. Love it It is perfect especially with the expression you caught on his face. He looks like a true fisherman. Is that the guy who does Gordons fishsticks? LOL just kidding
Craig Goldsmith, 11 months ago
Last years Ferry hop, when it rained a lot and we went to Balmain
Mugsy, 11 months ago
Great capture Craig….really like it
Chasity Edmonson, 11 months ago
WOW!!
bodymechanic, 11 months ago
great shot craig, i esp like the drama a brewin with those clouds,is he contemplating a storm?...
the pic leads us to many places.
Michael Douglass, 11 months ago
Terrific Craig!
Paul Louis Vil..., 11 months ago
The B&W is marvelous! Such a great face and the image is so well balanced! Great work Craig! :D
Keegan Wong, 11 months ago
Wow excellent shot there, this is great! Well done Craig!
Louise Cooke, 11 months ago
that gaze you’ve captured…that far, far away look..it just makes the image! Background and clouds just concrete it. Great work :)
Biswajit Pandey, 11 months ago
Very nice portrait, beautiful lights in the background.
Cadence, 11 months ago
This is amazing! I think you definitely have a good chance at winning that portrait competition! :D
Thomas Sielaff, 11 months ago
Ah, the photo gods were smiling that day.
Nancy Coyle, 11 months ago
I say you better enter this!!!!!!!! I really love how you shot it and the processing is really good. The man has such an interesting face and with the background…............... perfect!!!! A favorite!!!!!!!!!
BLYTHART, 11 months ago
A WONDERFUL portrait- a winner if ever I saw one – great background too – well done … well done!!!!
Brett Foster, 11 months ago
Craig, you’ve captured mood, atmosphere, background, story line, theme and an interesting character all in the one shot. I wouldn’t say it’s an unconventional portrait, I’d say it’s what a portrait should be. Good luck in the comp!
Holly Werner, 11 months ago
Very nice. Love it.
Catalin Soare, 11 months ago
Very good work
Torfinn Johann..., 11 months ago
Excellent portrait!
DarrellMoseley, 11 months ago
The talent here is blowing me away, that has so much character to it. What a beautiful shot, I love the feel of the B&W. That sould be hung in a gallery, somewhere! I bet the old seacaption, loved that one. Thanks for sharing your talent! Darrell
DarrellMoseley, 11 months ago
I slowed down to read your description, and just had to say consider nothing, enter that baby right in! That one is screaming! Glad to see you were there for that challange! It looks like everything had fallen, right into place! Darrell
Jenny Haskey, 11 months ago
Wow fantastic – & yeah make sure you enter that comp then remember to let us all know when it wins!!!
Steven Agius, 11 months ago
A very nice portrait it looks excellent in black and white it does work well.
Gary L. Suddath, 11 months ago
Great shot,the background and B&W makes it even more awesome
pilomaya, 11 months ago
absolutley wonderful composition here. i love it
thanks for shring your photgraphy here
robjbez, 11 months ago
Excellent monochrome character study! The boats in the background help to complete the story.
Shay Larkin, 11 months ago
Hi Craig, I think you nailed it i your description “all the elements came together” Great portrait
Damian, 11 months ago
Fantastic shot, love the lighting in the clouds above his head. Sounds like a cool trip you were on, and I liked the idea of the challenge you took up to get the shot. I wouldn’t probably do something like that unless pushed by a challenge hehe!
Marilyn Brown, 11 months ago
Hi Craig, this photo is very eye catching, love the characterisation of the Captain with the marinescape in the background. You have really captured a story, well done! Timeless image, good choice to use B&W.
paul boast, 11 months ago
yes entering this in the competition is a must,
well caught, super image, good luck with it.
lukaszek, 11 months ago
Amazing piece of work. A must competition entry.
Nice story as well!
rebecca zachariah, 11 months ago
Better enter now Craig. Closing soon I think. Really like the expression. It was such an opportune moment for this shot.
Cathleen Taraw..., 11 months ago
Wow Craig, great nostalgic shot.
Kim Roper, 11 months ago
A wonderful evocative portrait Craig, beautifully captured!
Lee Burgess, 11 months ago
What a salty old seadog (as they call them in the navy!) he looks like!!!
You couldn’t ask for a more perfect backdrop, and his pose is just perfect!!!!
Nina1962, 11 months ago
Excellent shot I really do like it, outstanding work tells the story very well Good luck in the comp
margo, 11 months ago
TOPSHOT Craig. It’s a winner. Thanks for sharing both the image and the story.
WitheringMoon, 11 months ago
This is a super shot!!! you have a great eye – well done Craig!
DigitalDelights, 11 months ago
What a wonderful shot.. he really does like a Sea Captain.. your right when you said all the elements fell into place.. excellent piece of work.. the b&w is perfect for this pic…
Mel Brackstone, 11 months ago
This is fabulous, Craig, what a great idea, and you’ve really gotten a winner here!
Lina, 11 months ago
amazing.. you are really good I must say
Jim Sugrue, 11 months ago
Craig – That’s awsome, I love the tall ship & lighthouse in the backround. Great work!
K.D. Hemi, 11 months ago
Amazing mood in this image Craig!! Love it … the clouds look ominous
Chloe Flathers, 11 months ago
wow such a powerful shot. Amazing. Love this.
Lisa Kenny, 11 months ago
Really nice Craig. And I like the story behind it too, I’d never be brave enough to ask a stranger if I could take their photo. Good on you!
Adela Hriscu, 11 months ago
Nice story, wonderful capture!
Christiaan, 11 months ago
Craig, in my opinion it seems you had doubts about entering this shot for the competition, but this is definitely one of the better shots for me. Like you said, not only an interesting face and person, but also a great fitting background, good treatment, interesting sky, what more do you want in a portrait?! :)
Andy Buchowiecki, 11 months ago
Great shot!
Kristy Lee, 11 months ago
Loved reading your words..but what I absolutely adore about this is the portrait itself has such depth..you can practically feel the stories pouring out of the shot.
This is honestly one of my favorite shots. Love it!!
Kristy Lee, 11 months ago
p.s definitely enter this in the comp I say!!
Loredana Crupi, 11 months ago
Great depth, great story…lucky (?) capture. :-)
Nathan Jacobs, 11 months ago
magic timing craig! it was ment to be!
Cathie Tranent
,
11 months ago
Absolutely stunning! You must enter this in the portrait comp … please…....
hugo, 11 months ago
very nice portrait work here, craig!!
paul777, 11 months ago
This is a smashing shot….....lovely expression and the background has got everything, lighthouse and sailing ship.
Deborah Parkin, 11 months ago
a great portrait – love the almost halo effect above him from the clouds
freebornman, 11 months ago
Brilliant!
lightsmith, 11 months ago
the second i saw this I loved it.
lance leopold, 11 months ago
A terrific subject,great PP work,love it!!
Sheila Smart, 11 months ago
Wonderful image, Craig, amongst many!
Cheers
Sheila
petelangman, 11 months ago
what a shot. i find myself trying to read his thoughts. i want to know more about his life… i’ve been sucked in i’m looking at the man not the photo. weel done you
Basia McAuley, 11 months ago
Wow, this picture really is worth more than a thousand words! I love it!
Christopher E..., 11 months ago
outstanding shot, excellent composition, great effect with this in blk n white, the perfect image of what most see for a sea captian
ABSTRACT, 11 months ago
amazing picture, where is this place.
robertvr, 11 months ago
Wow what a brilliant photo. I could look at this forever..
Heather King, 11 months ago
this is EPIC
his expression, the contrast, the clouds….
stunning
Aubrey Bergman, 11 months ago
Very cool shoot. Wish I had people to go and spend a day shooting and issuing challenges with.
Kerry McFarland, 11 months ago
Wish we had something like that here, what a fun day! It’s a great shot. You did a good job of catching him in interest. The contrast and tones look great, too. All is a perfect fit!
Sabrina Swingle, 11 months ago
I love this shot. And your right, he certainly fits the scenery quite well! Good job!
Graeme Pettit ..., 11 months ago
Another gem – looks like an old salt…..
Helene Kippert, 11 months ago
Beautiful portrait Craig – brilliant
maxxx, 11 months ago
Awesome portrait!
Andrew Bosman, 11 months ago
How did I miss this Craig!
Just awesome!
Jessica Tremp, 11 months ago
what an amazing picture Craig, you must be so proud of this
Miss Misery, 11 months ago
craig this is an amazing portrait, i love the fact that the good captain looks so weathered
rebecca zachariah, 11 months ago
I am glad this is in the comp along with one other my favourite of your photos, the 2 beach chairs by the water. Just awesome.
Simon Gladwin, 11 months ago
Fabulous portrait, it works really well in B&W. The conversion is super!
Paul Louis Vil..., 11 months ago
Keep coming back to this for another look! It’s really fantastic! :D
rodriguez, 10 months ago
speaks of a time past
Joyce Dickens,..., 10 months ago
What an excellent composition – the “Captain” certainly was in the right place at the right time; I think Black and White is the perfect medium for this particular image and I can only see great things coming of it! The lighting, focus, depth, fine detail of the Captain’s weathered features all ties it together – Very Nice! :-) JD
Nicole Goggins, 10 months ago
What a fantastic shot! the black and white works a treat! this man kind of reminds me of my dad – although not as old, he does have a beard and a boat… beautiful shot – even my husband commented on this one…
Craig Goldsmith, 10 months ago
Thanks everyone for the great feedback :) I appreciate you all taking the time to give me your comments and thoughts on this special shot.
Steven Sandner, 10 months ago
Beautiful shot!
pintsize, 10 months ago
Amazing photo Craig, would not have picked that it was taken in Sydney seems too oldworldy if that makes sense
Craig Goldsmith, 10 months ago
Thanks Steven !
Pintsize I know exactly what you mean.
lanalang, 10 months ago
I love this portrait a lot!
Hans Kawitzki, 10 months ago
Superb image nicely framed against the background
PNFdeb, 10 months ago
excellent image
Stefan Trenker, 10 months ago
very nice portrait! i like the tones and DoF is great!
StacyLee, 10 months ago
A Stunning image
Joan Smart, 10 months ago
Wonderful!!!!!
Heather Rivet..., 10 months ago
gorgeous
Frank Legault, 10 months ago
Wonderful capture!!!
sian houle, 10 months ago
I absolutely LOVE this image…love, love, love!!!!
Rhona, 10 months ago
great composition, and like the use of a square crop too.
Deb Gillett, 10 months ago
Really impressed with this- it would come up beautifully as a painting too- I’d make it all crusty and weathered.
Antoine Dagobert, 10 months ago
A real winner Craig
bunnij, 10 months ago
Awesome picture Craig! I thought I had commented on this some time ago, but I guess not. My friend DannyC and I were out taking photos the other day and this photo came up in conversation. It really is a stunning shot, love the composition, lighting, great theme.
hanARGH, 10 months ago
love this.
well done.
MtnMan, 10 months ago
A seaworthy classic!
Kimuw, 10 months ago
worth it.
Paul Quinn, 10 months ago
I could say something in reference to Captain Pugwash but I’ll refrain..
Great shot Craig, I remember that day as a cold, wet but fun day for candids on the ferry.
Nice PP as well mate.
Jennifer Resemius, 10 months ago
it’s great! It’s memorable.
Jennifer Lachney, 10 months ago
It seems I don’t have to tell you what an amazing shot this is. The amount of comments you received is proof enough :).
LoreLeft27, 10 months ago
this is cool i love the mood the clouds the ship i wished i had awesome
snurfdood, 10 months ago
a characterful face and love the tall ship in the background – looks great in black and white too :o)
Fiona MacNab, 10 months ago
fantastic image, one to aspire to
Tony Elieh, 10 months ago
amazing job the choice of black and white add the right mood to this shot good work!!!
gemynd, 10 months ago
wow this image has an almost mythic quality …wonderful feel
Byron Tik, 10 months ago
classic
DawsonImages, 9 months ago
Great portrait, really conveys a man of the sea
photoeyes, 9 months ago
You have some wonderful images, I do think this is my favorite.
Michael Kienhuis, 9 months ago
Wow a long way to this point! My finger nearly fell off the mouse! Great image and so intense! M:>
alexkess, 9 months ago
You can’t get more captain than this!
googa, 9 months ago
Brillant shot mate well done !
BonitoPhotography, 9 months ago
Great Image!
Bluetiger, 9 months ago
This is a wonderful portrait and i love the big ship in the back ground!
John Douglas, 9 months ago
lovely shot – nice tones and great expression
Catherine Crim..., 9 months ago
perfect portrait. beautiful in b/w and the lighting is great
Andy73, 9 months ago
Owww, loving this. Beautiful composition!
RachJayn, 9 months ago
Great shot! Very nice in b&w
TheFatman, 9 months ago
what an absolutely stunning portrait Craig….special
Reflections, 9 months ago
This is a wonderful shot. I especially like the appearance of what could be a storm approaching. This photo really speaks to me. Great work!
Wickerman, 9 months ago
The choice for B&W was inspired to bring out the tones and lines of his face and with the choice of backdrop – perfect.
Eyal Nahmias, 9 months ago
My first thought was: “The old man and the sea” story. Love the dark tones and the overal low key setting. excellent portrait and the BG is tied perfectly with his character. excellent.
Dakolina, 9 months ago
this photograph reminds me of Earnest Hemingway’s book the Old Man and the Sea. its almost the perfect book cover
cozmist, 9 months ago
This is a beautiful shot..I love the moody clouds in the background and the b&w is perfect
BarryKing, 9 months ago
Another great shot, and btw thanks for adding me too :)
Bear
LoveMy7Cs, 8 months ago
If he didn’t look so much like my father-in-law .. I’d love it more!!
An excellent shot anyway.
collectiveone, 8 months ago
Worth a competition for sure. One of the better portraits I have seen. Background interest is great with this image. Perfect.
Christophe Testi, 8 months ago
Superb image. B&W works so well.
kfphotography, 8 months ago
the textures on the captains face are just sepurb, great work!
kcranmer, 8 months ago
It doesn’t get any better than this, very powerful image!
Heather Loster, 8 months ago
great shot. reminds me of the story “the man and the sea”!
Trevor Armstrong, 8 months ago
Great Shot, you have captured him prefect. I feel as though I know him (even if I don’t) well done.
Brian Puhl IPA, 8 months ago
This man looks as salty as the sea!!! Quite well done!!! Amazing shot actually!
missalyshachri..., 8 months ago
exquisite, really.
i adore your work!
Craig Goldsmith, 8 months ago
Thank you guys, I appreciate your feedback!
Richard Veal, 8 months ago
Great picture. That face looks like it could tell a thousand stories. Is that a square rigger in the background???
Bahoke, 8 months ago
Fantastic portrait
andrewmay, 8 months ago
rrrrrrrr me mates
Birgitta, 8 months ago
Hey-I remember this! Saw it the other day but then I lost it. :
/) This is outSTANDING.Glad I caught up with you again. :
You should enter this into “your shot” online-National Geo.
Seriously…it’s just fantastic. At first I thought it was HDR.
A++++ !
Hazel, 8 months ago
THis is one of the most fantastic photo jurno portraits I have seen
clau, 8 months ago
Brillant shot …well done,Graig!!!
mlgkats, 8 months ago
love the b&w , this is very stuuning
Colin Tobin
,
8 months ago
Such a strong portrait.
Great work!
docophoto, 7 months ago
Great tones with those ominous clouds behind & excellent job to get a stranger to relax and play the part.
Kirsty Semple, 7 months ago
Perfect compisition, i love how this has all the ingredients of the ship and lighthouse in the background.
Kirsty Semple, 7 months ago
apologies for the bad typing, composition!
lanebrain phot..., 7 months ago
Great shot and story, thanks for sharing that.
coffeetea, 7 months ago
Thanks for listing me. you make great portraits! Captain…..my fancy and admiration. Beautiful!
Globalphotos, 7 months ago
This is such a wonderful image !!
Herkissable, 7 months ago
Fantastic portrait
nikki024, 7 months ago
GREAT COMPOSITION! VERY DRAMATIC!
Jamaboop, 7 months ago
I can well see how this is a favorite!!! This is a marvelous composition and it should be seen by many!! The background, even the sky are perfect for this photo!!!
sasha, 7 months ago
Lots of character
Roddy Atkinson, 7 months ago
This is fabulous portrait work Craig, you couldn’t have asked for a more perfect model. Composition and background are perfect and an interesting sky to boot. Great work!
LocoCow, 7 months ago
A Cpt. full of silent thoughtful wisdom…. Great Capture….
Jonicool, 7 months ago
Fantastic shot!
Madeline M. A..., 7 months ago
Just A stunning portfolio Craig ! Outstanding work my friend!!
mieclarke, 6 months ago
Very nice B/W portrait.
SHAZZ, 6 months ago
Superb caputure. I love story that unfolds in the background behind the main subject. It marries it altogether very well. The tones, framing and focus accentuates the gentleman perfectly and draws you into the rest of the shot. Great work….congrats & well done.
Geoff Coleman, 6 months ago
This is just such a brilliant image Craig – yes he is perfect for it but it is the way you’ve composed him against the tall ship and lighthouse in the background, plus the use of b/w and the sky processing that really makes this such an exceptional image. Definitely competition material!
Ani Corless, 6 months ago
my god man! amazing.
kevsphotos2008, 6 months ago
perfect,this is a Fantastic shot,well done….....
ElitePhotoArt, 6 months ago
Great shot, well done!
coffeebean, 6 months ago
Absolutely a winner of a shot. The Sea Captain is perfect in every way. Congratulations.
Quigi, 6 months ago
Fantastic…it’s just really good. Like the story with it too.
chilloutbuddy, 6 months ago
Awesome mate, I found your portfolio through your post at OCAU, you have a very noce set!
Raul Brzic, 6 months ago
Realy great work Craig.
derekmccrea, 6 months ago
Awesome capture of my favorite subject.
Sincerely,
Derek McCrea
www.derekmccrea.50megs.com
US Artist by Profession…
Visual Artist by Choice
Cathy Cavolo, 5 months ago
Fantastic work. So wonderful to have a challenge and get such a good result from it. It’s certainly not easy approaching strangers for photos, let alone getting such a dramatic mood. Perfect timing and great composition.
Darren Henry, 5 months ago
This really is great work! Amazing tones, and great comp.
Kiwikiwi, 5 months ago
An amazing photo – as are the rest in your portfolio – awesome.
Jeremy Harrington, 5 months ago
absolutely stunning shot Craig, very nice work
dinghysailor1, 5 months ago
wonderful salty image! well done- great capture!
nikki75, 5 months ago
all these comments probably say it all, but this photo is fabulous, the face is very interesting and eyes are kind. its really lovely.
Lumineux, 4 months ago
Perfect in so many ways. I just love the square crop. One of the best portraits, and the most interesting I have seen here to date. A real winner.
David DeWitt, 4 months ago
You have beautifully melded the very sharp image with the background. This shows so well in b&w. Well, well done!!!
tomg, 4 months ago
Not hard to see why you are so enthusiastic about this shot Craig. It has so much going for it …
John Brotheridge, 4 months ago
Great B&W capture Craig, esp’ the backdrop. Liked all your work, thanks for viewing mine.
Jean M. Laffitau, 4 months ago
Excellent portrait shot!
Gaurav Dhup, 4 months ago
What a shot!
ZuzanaD, 4 months ago
so dramatic!
Talkingwatermelon, 4 months ago
Love the glow behind him – gives the captain a hint of magic.
Claire McAdams, 3 months ago
Awesome dramatic sky!
Mindy McGregor, 2 months ago
Amazing photo! Really captivating!
AuntieJ, 2 months ago
Arrrrr! He does look a bit salty. Works well in bw, I think the background boats, light house and buildings would be distracting in color. Good position in the frame; that left eye is right on the R3 intersection. This is a good one for teaching/learning.
Joseph Gunderson, 2 months ago
you are a phenominal photographer
dallison, 2 months ago
it’s just wonderful… sometimes the best pictures are just from an immediate impression.. you captured everything in this to tell the story…