Bell Rock Watch Tower Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is the Lighthouse Station for the Bell Rock Lighthouse, which lies 11 miles out from Arbroath on the Tay Estuary. This watchtower communicated with the men on the rock by signalling using a ball and flags raised on the mast. It was a tough life for the men who manned the lighthouse for up to 6 weeks at a time without relief, and often longer if the weather conditions prevented a landing. Even the imminent arrival of a son or daughter was no reason for coming off the rock early. On the birth of the baby, the proud father would be notified with a special signal from the tower: trowsers on the mast indicated a boy, a dress, a girl.

www.bellrock.org.uk

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Critiques | Translate

graffer (1764) 2008-05-28 6:35

Hello David,

Although the horizon is pretty much in the middle of the image, I think this is a very well balanced composition.

The curve of the sea wall leads the eye nicely to the tower and its adjacent buildings, set against a lovely blue sky.

The softly coloured wet sand, that makes up the lower part of the picture, gives way to the rocks, the breakwater and finally the sea.

My only niggle is that I feel there could be just a little bit more sharpness in the image.

I'd like to try a WS for you.

Regards,

Peter.