Tag Archives: Ocean

SEASCAPE :: Sunset, Ocean and 19 Friends

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Chip Bunnell Photography Travel Images from Boston Palm Beach FloridaWhat do you do when Beantown has a heat index of 101 on a July afternoon?  Find the nearest boat, meet roughly 280 people and head 26 miles off shore for a 3 hour tour.  Yes, there was a skipper, several that looked like they wanted to be Ginger and I had my own Mary Ann, but no, this was not part of a remake of a famous TV show from my youth.  It was a quest for adventure on the ocean with some of the largest inhabitants of our blue world…and a magnificent show of color for a closing treat.

One of my enjoyments in Boston during the summer is taking a whale watching tour.  This is one of only a few places you can be so close to these incredible creatures and witness some of their natural behaviors on their terms. There are no trainers or tricks, just observing them surfacing to catch a breath and then, with a high waving tale, descending to great depths. Sometimes they are seen in the distance and other times they come close…quite close…giving us wonderful view.  Inspired by the great novel from Herman Melville, I texted by bride, who was sitting right next to me mind you, the simple words “Calm me Ishmael.”  With a smile, she quickly replied with a witty quote from the same.  This continued for the duration of our trip.

After priceless encounter after encounter with a small group of humpback whales, it was time for our 120’ vessel to return to her home port in Boston Harbor.  The setting sun had not only cast a wonderful golden light on our aquatic friends, but now it was to treat us with a truly amazing show of rich colors for the closing act of the day.  While I knew I could never capture the full natural beauty we were enjoying, I wanted to capture the feeling of the moment through our eyes and the reaction of those around us.

To make this image, I used the perspective of the unique bow design of the boat to move your eye forward in the image towards the setting sun.  The soft cloud pattern added interest in the sky.  The near-white reflection in the water acts as a welcome map leading to the principle player in this play. I was careful to capture the gentle rim-light that outlined the 19 souls that frame the bottom edge of this image. It was truly the perfect end to a perfect adventure on a perfect day!

“I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I’ll go to it laughing.”
― Herman Melville, Moby-Dick

Photo Tip: 3 Frame Hand-Held HDR, Processed in Photomatix Pro, LR and Topaz Clarity.

Travel Tip: Boston Harbor Cruises provides an excellent service for whale watching with frequent trips from Boston’s Long Wharf.

www.ChipBunnell.com

OCEAN :: Tupelo Honey

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Chip Bunnell Photography Palm Beach FloridaI’ve been off the radar for a bit due to a photo trek throughout the Northeast with some fellow photographer friends. To get back in the groove, I wanted to share an image that, by its individual look, may be somewhat of a “snapshot”, but to me is one that is filled with emotion. It depicts the combination of freedom, friends and adventure.

While in Boston, my beautiful wife and I had the opportunity to enjoy a whale watching tour. As this was a 530P departure, we were headed out 26 miles off shore while many others were headed back to the safety of the Boston Harbor. We passed a number of channel markers, several lighthouses and even a deserted military fort in the distance. One of my interests is observing others and trying to understand a bit of their unique lives. The wide variety of water vessels we passed allowed ample opportunity to quickly get a glimpse into their activities at that particular moment.

The boats was saw ranged from small 17’ power boats in the harbor to the famous New England lobster boats checking on their day’s catch. A strong, but manageable wind was blowing from the east which gave movement to the flotilla of sailboats that seemed to surround us. A sleek, modern 120’+ sailing yacht cut through the waves with great ease and power. Of all these wonderful water craft, my eye was drawn to the Tupelo Honey.

She wasn’t the smallest, or the grandest or the fastest. She was actually rather average in size and speed. She did, however, seem to exude character and grace. Her styling was that of the ships that fill the pages of history books. Her bowsprit and masts were fashioned from beautiful, well cared for timbers. Her sails were unfurled as they grabbed captured the passing breeze to move her and her passengers to their desired destination. Onboard, it was obvious that each line had its place, and each was neatly secured in its place. The precious cargo consisted of 6 souls; two that bonded their minds with her might and four others that were able to enjoy the sweet sound of the wind and the waves while embracing the companionship of the others.

To me, this image is a combination of rich details, freedom and wonderful companionship with good friends on a perfect, sunny day. The blending of these simple ingredients makes for an adventure worthy of a long lasting memory.

Single Frame, Processed in LR

www.ChipBunnell.com