In the last 3 months I have virtually had very little or no affordable internet connection on the Queen Mary 2 traveling across the high seas. I did not take a lot of HI photos but this one was amusing.
Crossing the Line Ceremony involves a historic maritime tradition that marks a sailor's or passenger's first time crossing the equator. Presided over by a crew member acting as King Neptune, the lighthearted initiation transforms novices into experienced veterans to ensure safe passage across the equator.
Here you can see a lady uninitiated ("Polliwog") kissing a fish presided over a male holding the fish an experienced ("Shellbacks") .
The photo has 2 pro photographers taking photos as well, trying to sell their photos to Polliwogs if they wish at $20USD each. It was not possible for me to avoid them or leave them out, they were just doing their jobs.
Camera Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ150, Focal length equivalent 369mm 35mm equivalent, 1/400, F8, ISO 100
Process with Topaz AI Photo, Lightroom Auto.
4 comments posted
Jen Fawkes
Hi Ron, welcome back from your 'high seas' journey. I think this is a great HI story, and while the viewer might not understand the history or meaning behind the image, the story tells itself - she's kissing a fish! While you mention the surrounding photographers, I don't have a problem with them as I feel they add to the story, making the 'kissing' something worthwhile of photographing. The one person off to the right is possibly a distraction but i see that can't be helped. The background has no distractions, the colors looks good and its all quite sharp. Posted: 06/04/2026 12:51:36
Leslie Larson
Oh ugg, kissing a dead fish. Rituals like that are amusing. I think you did a good job of catching the moment.
Wow, 3 months on the Queen Mary II, that must have been an interesting adventure. Posted: 06/07/2026 10:16:18
Richard Goldenberg
Love it! "Kiss the fish" is a great moment to capture and here it's very well captured! Posted: 06/07/2026 16:04:20
Tom Brott
Wonderful shot and story with the lady kissing the fish. The photographer on the image does not bother me as I believe it is an important part of recording the the event. I also feel that the impact is much greater with a lady kissing the fish rather than a man. I like this a lot. Posted: 06/10/2026 12:14:51
