This is Brent. He asked me to call him "Boat Brent" as he lives on a small vessel within the harbor close to my home. I encountered him while I was searching a shot for the Ansel Adams challenge along the shore of a local beach. While parked, I noticed a skiff approaching through the fog appearing as if returning from Valhalla. Uncertain of the rower's purpose, we exchanged obligatory nods, I watched him beach then embark on some sort of scavenging recon up, down, and across the shoreline.
Alone and not certain of his ambitions, I continued with my original plan to find a shot. The fog was thick and I thought it wise to retain awareness of all entities slipping in and out of the mist. After a while, he reappeared and I figured it a reasonable opportunity to engage him and see what the heck he is about.
Nice man, simply stating he has been stranded on his boat for the past 4 years as poverty does not afford him many options. He jokingly boasts of the great tax advantages of boat life which are regrettably offset by high winds, damp and isolation. He rows ashore each morning cleaning the beach of garbage acting as some de facto caretaker. He seemed like a guy who's earned a wisdom many of us will fortunately never share. We chatted for a good twenty minutes when I sucked up enough "Joey Lawrence" guts to dare ask him if I could get a few photos. He agreed and I was able to snap off a dozen difficult frames of someone who would not stand still as if pained by having a lens pointed at him. We chatted a bit more and respectfully parted ways.
I'm happy with the image and the sincerity it embodies. Encouraged with the experience of stepping out of my comfort zone to ask for a photo. Amused with the title as it was really a task to put it together.
I'm happy I got to meet "Boat Brent".
Enjoy.
POST CHALLENGE: Wow, haven't seen a ribbon for a while. Been about a year since that last happened. Thanks for the comments.
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Along with your photo, I truley enjoyed reading your comments. Not only did you find a unique character walking along the beach, but you were able to let the reader (myself) walk along with you as you told your story. Amazing and unique composition, well done!!!! :O)
Definitely personality... Seems a bit oversharpened... but a lot of the ribbon winning images seem to be leaning that way these days, so you're in style.
I like story that you've included, too.
Ummmm ....thanks .... I think ..... ummmmm?? Hmmmm lol
Definitely personality... Seems a bit oversharpened... but a lot of the ribbon winning images seem to be leaning that way these days, so you're in style.
This is a wonderful image, and it's an even more wonderful title. For those who question whether titles have anything to contribute in DPC, I offer this example :-)
Personally, I'm a little bothered by the haloing around his head (it's especially noticeable int he thumb, so you can see what I'm talking about) But not enough to take away my sincere\ enjoyment of this marvelous image.
Congratulations on your portrait in "landscape" format. You can do well with portraits, too. After all, much of the landscape is littered with all kinds of people.
interesting face, i like your shot and the story... i'd like to see other shots of this guy in its boat that explain to me its life style... congratulations.
Alot of people took straight portrait shots with very little facial expression. You took a portrait shot with a slight expression that speaks volumes. I love the shot. I like the lighting and the details present. The DOF pulls you right to his face and eyes.
Heir Of The Fog That Bit Me
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