The Harbor Queen Photo

Photographer’s Note

I grew up on a shipyard and I have always been fascinated by boats, so I often find myself taking pictures of boats. There is something remarkably beautiful in the shape of a boat – a shape and a beauty that originate from pure function. Consequently one of my favorite movies is “The African Queen”. The main character of the movie is a ramshackle old steamboat, with great personality, that has seen better days. She is old, dirty, ugly and unreliable, not the kind of boat anyone would take down a dangerous river.

Do you dream of a journey on a romantic boat? This Hamburg harbor launch boat (in German “Barkasse”), a genuine harbor queen is then exactly the right boat for you. The “St. Pauli” - named after the famous Hamburg entertainment and redlight district - was built in 1930 and served as a working and transport boat until she also became old, dirty, ugly and unreliable. So prolific are these boats they can be found in almost every German harbor where they are often used to ferry visitors around. The “ST. Pauli” was lucky, an enthusiast has found and carefully restored her and today she is from time to time sailing the Kiel Canal and the Elbe River. But unfortunately she is not a seafaring queen! Sailing the Baltic Sea would be as adventurous as the journey of the African Queen. Therefore she is spending most of her time in this tiny anchorage located on the island Rader Insel.

ghilain, holmertz, xuaxo, Gerrit, pablominto, JCG, alvaraalto, ciakgiak, gunbud, bakes888, Royaldevon, Vasa, patdeph, feather, Longroute, fanni, jlbrthnn, UlfE, Bluejeans, Buin, jusninasirun has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

claudeD (11564) 2009-10-04 8:39

Hello Harriet,

we are neighbours today.You are sharing a picture with theme "transports" and I am doing the same.You are presenting a very nice ship, my shot presents an old steam locomotive.Excellent fotojob here with very good infos.TFS.

With regards from Luxembourg

Jean-Claude

saxo042 (16576) 2009-10-04 8:42

Hi Harriet,
A great perspective and a very good POV. This really looks like a very comfortable boat! This also looks like a very beautiful summer day when a trip here would be very pleasant. The birches in the background also make this landscape look very Nordic!
Kind regards
Gunnar

mauro61 (16638) 2009-10-04 8:58

ciao Harriet,
l'amore tuo per le barche si vede da questo scatto e dalla cura che hai messo nella nota.
Inquadratura che mette in mostra il nero dello scafo con sullo sfondo la vegetazione a fare da cornice.
buona serata
maurizio

ghilain (1714) 2009-10-04 9:15

Hello Harriet,

I dream of a day on this boat in the waters that you describe!
Beautiful composition!
TFS

brigitte

AKITA (5683) 2009-10-04 9:30

dear Harriet,
a very uniquely designed boat, like a submarine.
its shape and colors are really interesting.
green trees, wooden deck, and rippled water are tenderly surrounding it.
clear light and fresh air are impressive and comfortable.
thank you for your wonderful shot,
Akihisa

holmertz (10115) 2009-10-04 10:37

Hello Harriet,
Did you see the movie "Titanic"? ;-)
No, I wouldn't cross the Baltic Sea on the St. Pauli, but she looks reliable enough for a shorter cruise. Looks like a very respectable old lady, harboured in an idyllic environment. Was it so cool and windy on this day in July that the plastic wind-screen was needed? The protective screen doesn't look like a permanent feature.
Kindest regards,
Gert

xuaxo (5911) 2009-10-04 11:44

Hallo Harriet,
Pretty view of the old Barkasse. The words "St. Pauli" are very clear, even on the thumbnail of this post. Everybody who has been to Hamburg knows this name.
Greetings,
Francisco

emka (22797) 2009-10-04 22:57

Hello Harriet,
Boats are romantic because they arouse nostalgy for traveling. For me rather airports than shipyards. beautiful photo with nice old boat and beautiful birch forest behind it.

regards

Malgorzata

delpeoples (7008) 2009-10-05 3:35

Hi Harriet, by the title, I thought this was to be a self-portrait - as harbours are your specialty :) But St Pauli is lovely too. I like the long lines created by the boat. Thanks for your Note, it explains alot and it is always interesting to know of people's history. This Barkasse sounds ideal to just sail away into the sunset with. TFS, Lisa.

Gerrit (36553) 2009-10-05 4:36

Hi Harriet,
good close view of a fine ship in great light and enough background features,
regards, Gerrit

pablominto (41690) 2009-10-05 5:27

Hello Harriet,

This is a funny little vessel with a mind provoking name! At first I thought she possibly once was used as a floating house of pleasure hehehe...
The point of view shows some interesting details, including some modifications for her present use!

Greetings,
Pablo -

rodgerg (25535) 2009-10-05 7:19

Hello Harriet,

The PMOV very well selected give agreat prospect to this image. Beautiful contrast well colected too nad good managment of light with the white colors well exposed.
Have a nice week,
Roger

JCG (25875) 2009-10-05 9:20

Hello Harriet,

That given pleasure of seeing these boats which take again life thanks to the passion of certain people. A quite interesting note and a beautiful photograph on this glowing boat. A tight point of view which emphasizes it well here, the light is beautiful and not over-exposed. Contrasts with the remainder of the landscape are pleasant. Pretty and interesting glance, thank you Harriet.

With all my friendships and a very good week,

Jean-Charles

carper (66132) 2009-10-05 9:29

very nice one Harriet,
a good composition here, fine shot of the St. Pauli
well composed good contrast fine job, have a good evening.
regard jaap

jurek1951 (26176) 2009-10-05 11:44

Hi Harriet,
Wonderful capture and place
Colors, contrast and details are excellent,
Georg

alvaraalto (5305) 2009-10-05 12:55

Hi Harriet,

A good picture with a good story. An attractive combination here.
I think the St.Pauli is a pleasant boat for sightseeing on the German rivers.

Groet Rob

ciakgiak (11602) 2009-10-05 13:51

Ciao Harriet,
uno scatto da cui il tuo amore per le barche viene fuori in tutta la sua forza.
Si evince anche dalla cura e dall'attenzione con cui hai composto l'immagine, tagliandola in maniera perfetta e mettendo in grande risalto la forma della barca sullo sfondo di alberi.
Congratulazioni, TFS.
Un caro abbraccio.
Giorgio

gunbud (28295) 2009-10-05 15:04

Hi Harriet,
St. Pauli looks just as fine as the day 80 years ago when she came out of the shipyards.
Strong lively colors and razor sharpness to this lovely little harbor shot.
Regards, Tom

bakes888 (18353) 2009-10-05 23:52

Hi Harriet.
Boats have always been a fascination of mine also, generally a bit smaller and faster though ;-). Nice catch, good sharpness and detail and well set against the green BG. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Paul.

Royaldevon (5988) 2009-10-06 1:18

Good Morning Harriet,

She looks quite sea-worthy from your shot but I can understand that such an old lady would enjoy the peace of rivers and lakes rather than the tumulteous nature of the sea.
A lovely diagonal composition where the prow to the stern of the boat gives a fine peerspective. Sharp and clear.

Have a good day,
Bev :-)

Vasa (6665) 2009-10-06 1:23

Hi Harriet,

I have the similar passion for boats, even Belgrade is far away of any sea. I see the optimism in your photos, the fresh air of the day. Many thanks, friend,

Branko

patdeph (18606) 2009-10-06 9:01

hello Harriet
I enjoy very much to spend a long time on a boat,and look at the lanscapes!I did this last summer during 1 day and half,and it was a great pleausure!I think I also would like to go on this beautiful "ST Pauli" even if it doesn't sail on the sea!Thank you for your very interesting norte.
Regards
Pascale

jmdias (20189) 2009-10-06 16:02

harriet

excellent pov to show the beautiful boat. I liked this light and framing, perfect sharpness, each detail is well visible. beautiful colors . well done

hugs

jorge

feather (50560) 2009-10-07 3:53

She doesn't look as ramshackle as your note makes her sound, although I guess sailing the seas would be a bit too adventurous for such a small craft. Your compositon ensures she fills the frame nicely, and the diagonal view works well.
Kath

gilou530 (35984) 2009-10-07 12:30

salut harriet
un bateau qui en impose avec ce nom et cette proue qui veut sortir du cadre, la netteté est top
amitiés
gilbert

danyy (69929) 2009-10-07 23:47

Bonjour Harriet,
une composition toute simple qui n'a d'autres prétentention que de nous montrer ce petit bateau de ce port aux abords très naturels.
C'est parfaitement cadré et bien exposé.
Mes compliments.
Daniel.

Longroute (10113) 2009-10-08 0:55

She seems quite safe and reliable to me, a strong boat built to tackle the storms of northern sea. I agree with you: there is something remarkably beautiful in the shape of a boat. An Italian architect said once that boats (the old classic ones) have a soul (or should have one!)
I like how you dedicated most of the space to this boat and so it almost fills the photogram completely. The trees behing give the necessary contrast.

Best regards,
Donato

fanni (9037) 2009-10-09 1:03

Hi Harriet,
taking photos of ships is sometimes like taking photos of people: you capture their soul and their "history".
You took this photo from a very good angle which shows "St. Pauli" from the best possible side - proud and shining in the sun :) Now she must be happy to have a caring owner!
Interesting Note, as always :)
I also like the nice background!
Warmest regards,
Elena

jlbrthnn (39501) 2009-10-09 2:00

Hello Harriet,
The lines and the colors of this boat, are made to allure, as the silhouette of a woman. The low framing and point of view describe the boat in the best way. The made background of sky and tree is very pleasant. Very good realization. Cheer.
Have a nice day.
Cordially.
Joël

UlfE (9260) 2009-10-09 11:34

Hi Harriet,

It is really beautiful boat you have captured here. I am bit surprised that you say in your note that this kind of boat could be found in almost any harbour. This boat looks very original in my view. Almost like it has been something else before and rebuilt. I love boats and water myself and I really enjoy your photo. TFS and have nice weekend!

Warm regards,

Ulf

Bluejeans (33423) 2009-10-10 2:30

Ola Harriet,
Bonita diagonal sobre este barco em grande plano , a tua paixão por barcos é muito grande , quase todas as tuas fotos tem barcos :), são um belo assunto a fotografar , ficou muito bonito este barco com o fundo cheio de vegetação , bons detalhes, parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Bom fim de semana

Buin (38600) 2009-10-10 4:02

Hallo Harriet!
Eine wirkliche Schiffspersönlichkeit. Ohne Schnörkel, ohne Blendwerk - Vertrauen erweckend!
Dieses Foto ist eine Art Portrait, das den Hauptdarsteller von seiner "besten Seite" zeigt. Einfach nur schön!
Grüße aus dem sehr nassen tiefen Süden - und ein schönes Wochenende nach Büdelsdorf!
Frank

wolf38 (13159) 2009-10-11 0:09

Hallo Harriet. St. Pauli einmal anders als gewohnt. Hier wirkt es sehr bescheiden. Auf jeden Fall ist das Photo mit diesem Schriftzug ein Blickfang. Gut gemacht. Viele Grüße, wolfgang.

jusninasirun (10401) 2009-10-11 7:09

Hi Harriet.

I love close framing like this especially when the subject is so gorgeous. Bright and beautiful image in superb low pov. The lush green bg provides excellent contrast. Well done Harriet, and I like it.

Best regards,
Jusni

Silvio1953 (43412) 2009-10-15 12:20

Ciao Harriet, lovely composition with beautiful boat and wonderful trees, splendid light and colors, very well done, ciao Silvio

Greg1949 (8545) 2009-10-22 10:36

Harriet, whatever she can and can't do she is truly a beauty. Th crowned cabin speaks of shedding a lot of spray or white water over the bow and despite her age her condition seems to be fine. It is great she has not yet completely retired, maybe some of the younger generation will get an appreciation for a real little ship that isn't made of plastic and doesn't reach 25 kts. Great photo.

Greg