Kathleen McCrary
October 2022 - Venetian Ambulance
About the Image(s)
This image was made in Venice in 2013. I took lots of pictures of boats there because you see all kinds of vessels including ice cream freezer boats, garbage boats, construction boats, and ambulance boats. I like this image because the boat's appearance and movement is dynamic and the contrast with the ancient buildings in the background is interesting. I hope you enjoy this image!
Canon S95
1/800
f.4
ISO400
This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted
Kathleen, very interesting image of the aquatic ambulance which would be the easiest and fastest way to transport somebody ill or injured in Venice. Very bright colors, contrasting with the classic gothic and Renaissance buildings in the back. The boat denotes movement by the water waves. I just wonder if you still have some real state in your frame in front of the ambulance boat, since it is too close to the edge of the frame as well as in the back, causing some tension. It is always good to have some space so the active component of the image has space to move into. The image is sharp. Posted: 10/01/2022 13:41:29
Hi Isaac - I agree the cropping is real tight. The original is just as tight. I like the image in part because of the tension which existed in the situation as I made the shot. There were lots of boats of all kinds zipping around in a relatively confined area. Thanks for your feedback, Isaac. Posted: 10/05/2022 15:08:51
Thanks so much for the explanation, I will definitely notice this on my next trips to Venice. Posted: 10/05/2022 21:07:59
Kathleen, A wonderful travel image. The movement of the water adds to the excitement of the photo where the viewer can sense the urgency of the ambulance boat to get to its destination. The contrast of the dynamic colorful boat with the static muted architecture makes for an interesting composition. That said, I agree with Isaac, the boat needs more room in front of it and behind it. Posted: 10/05/2022 18:37:50
Kathleen, this is a great composition and strong storytelling. I appreciate the color arrangement of the vivid color of the speedy boat with the vintage constructions at the back. Unfortunately that the weather was too cloudy to add more contrast. I camera raw'd with regional dodging and burning slightly, hope you like it. Posted: 10/05/2022 21:15:44
As in Susan's image, I think Pamela's edit is successful. The interesting conversation about the relative size of the boat vs. the rest of the image brings up the topic of how important or dominant do you want to make the main subject? I think there is no general answer. If the boat were smaller it would appear farther away and the image would be more a scenic overview. With the boat so big, the image is definitely more dramatic. It's in the eye of the beholder and each is a valid approach. Just my two pesos. Posted: 10/11/2022 16:16:13