A load of junk Photo

Photographer’s Note

Hong Kong is a fascinating mix of the old orient and an international commercial hub. Here we see a traditional style Chinese "Junk" plying the waters in front of the highrise skyline of Hong Kong's Central district.

The warmth of the lighting from the sunset behind the towers completes the scene.

In reality the boat is part of the burgeoning tourist industry and does harbour cruises, but you wouldn't know from first glance; and that's part of the charm of HK. Remember, things aren't always what they seem!

Nikki/Cherryripe was wondering about a horizontal format shot; and it just so happens I have one here if anyone else is interested.

Tech: EOS 10D, 24-105 IS f/4 L @ 83mm. f/5.6, 1/180th. Converted in DPP. Sharpened and resized in Photoshop.

P.S. If you like it; why not buy a print!

P.P.S. I'm now also posting on Flickr; but don't worry I'm also sticking with TE :)

Angelillo, cherryripe, lasscor, ktanska, tsti003, rushfan2112 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

paulw (2014) 2007-10-01 11:53

Great photo. Lovely view and colours. Very good DOF too.

Gustaw (21670) 2007-10-01 11:57

Hi, friend!
It is very oryginal photo. Very beautiful view from China. I like your composition and oryginal colours. Nice light. Well done.
Marek

Framboisilla (5400) 2007-10-01 12:40

Hi Adrian,

Soft composition with this light warm color in the sky and the boat which contrasts. Good framing !

Stéphanie.

cherryripe (18794) 2007-10-01 13:00

Hi Adrian
I tried booking one of the free cruises on this junk offered by the tourist office. I couldn't believe that there was a 10 day wait. So too bad. I like the way it's silhouette of the junk stands out, the hazy background, pale orange sky and sparkling water. I get the feeling it would have been more dynamic in a horizontal format as there seems to be a bit too much empty sky and water.
Regards
Nikki

Angelillo (9065) 2007-10-01 13:00

HI Adrian,

Very beautiful the contrast between the dark, but very net, boat, and the lightned city, involved in the atmosphere! It's a great way to show the distance, to mark the two planes! I like too the silver tones in the sea. The light is magnificent! Thanks!

lasscor (7623) 2007-10-01 13:37

Hi Adrian,
Lovely golden Hong Kong postcard.
I like very much the mix of modern and traditional styles on your composition.
I like very much the silhouette of the junk.
TFS,
Corinne

molla (6871) 2007-10-01 15:13

Okej Adrian
that's what I called a Hong Kong postcard.
Anyones excpectation of what this city would look like.
To be honest, normally I dont really fancy images that you could find in any souvenir store... unless they are really really good... and this is.
all regards
Anders Mohlin

darrasin (2860) 2007-10-01 22:29

Hello Adrian! Very well conceived and executed composition, the main elements are well placed and the juxtaposition of the old and new is striking. Sharpness is quite good and the sky and it's reflection show nice pastel tones. The nicely saturated yellow flag adds additional contrast.

Well done!
Doug

ktanska (16365) 2007-10-01 23:19

Hi Adrian,
Beautiful old ship against modern skyscrapers. Pastel toned sunset colours look nice and bg haze separates the main subject well from the background.
Kari

jjcordier (24028) 2007-10-01 23:26

Adrian
Superbe lumière et contraste saisissant entre ce vieux bateau et ces immeubles ultramodernes. J'aime beaucoup la composition dans ce format vertical mais la photo horizontale en WS est excellente également. Difficile de faire un choix....
Amicalement
JJ

greg (2835) 2007-10-02 15:11

Hi Adrian! It's taken you a while to get something up from that exotic trip! I like very much the delicate colours and clean contrasts - I'm sure you could also make a nice b/w from it you were so inclined.

I don't really like the boat, though - if you imagine a normal yacht in its place, where the mast in this perspective would reach higher than the building, this one's got about a fifth of the sail area it would need to ever have a chance of going somewhere using the wind... it is, as you say, not what it seems!

Guto (1738) 2007-10-21 13:50

Hi Adrian, It's a lot of time I don't see one of your pictures here in TE. It's good to know you're still in it. Well, it's another big shot of yours. Colors are nice, composition is pretty good also. I like the grey tones of the buildings contrating with the boat's sillouette. It's very nice to view. Well done.

picardo (2282) 2008-03-19 20:23

Hi Adrian,
Excellent picture!.. what a wonderful and warm colors! The focus and details are great. Great work
TFS
Picardo

donluicu (23877) 2008-03-21 10:34

hi Adrian
this is a great capture, as usually.
lovely colors..

congrats

rushfan2112 (2965) 2008-04-06 11:22

Hi Adrian.

Stupendous colours and lighting make this a real eye-popper. The juxtaposing of old boat with the ultra-modern skyscrapers works extremely well. I prefer the vertical format as the boat's masts reflect the tall buildings - though the landscape version is also very good.

Great work. Regards, Paul.

capthaddock (28640) 2008-08-08 12:39

Before I ever visited HK, the photo I most wanted to take was one of these junks with a backdrop of highrise jungle. I've been there 3 times already, yet have never seen one. I agree with Nikki, a ls format is also my question. I understand why you chose this, as the outlines of the buildings contrasts the centuries more than the outline of the hilltops in the other version. I'll check out your flickr gallery, you upload so few photos on TE.