Last Autumn, Looking Back, a photo from Victoria, East

Photographer's Note

In Australia, our Spring is declared to begin on the 1st day of September. So here we are in Spring already, and indeed the temperatures are very 'temperate' - warm and sultry in fact - here in Melbourne, after the warmest August ever recorded. Daytime average maximum temperatures were 17.5 celsius. It was certainly colder than that when I took this shot in Autumn, May 15th, and the grey stillness created a typical melancholy mood in Hobson's Bay.

It was around Hobson's Bay and Williamstown that the capital city of the state of Victoria was originally going to be built, since it was the colony's first port, but the city of Melbourne on the banks of the Yarra River became the capital and Williamstown was just drawn into its spread. It has a strong sense of history and many fine buildings from the era of Queen Victoria, and impressive streets. Several yacht clubs are located here, and the area attracts thousands of visitors who swarm around the cafes, pubs and restaurants on Nelson Place and take photos of the yachts and other nautical things, and the views of Melbourne across the water.

Hobson's Bay itself is a small indentation at the northern end of the much larger Port Phillip Bay near the mouth of the Yarra, around which the suburbs of Melbourne sprawl, as this street map shows. Zoom out and you will see the rectangular grid of the streets of central Melbourne to the north-east of our position on the pier beside the Morley Reserve.

This is another photo from the day Santo, Klaudio and I went with Francesco to Williamstown.

snunney, Kofman, dta, maria-v1981, holmertz, gildasjan, Budapestman, adores, jlbrthnn, delpeoples, BluSimo, baddori, annjackman, ManuMay, Kielia, Vasa, Glint, fotka, fotka, ChrisJ, skippy007, Royaldevon, bayno has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

snunney (130967) 2011-09-04 3:46

Hello Andrew,
A superb long perspective down this waterway. The lighting is very attractive producing some lovely reflections. Very good sharpness.

dta (98848) 2011-09-04 4:29

Hello Andrew ,
Not easy to take good shots with such weather conditions . And you've succeeded in it . The sky is grey , but very intersting , with the clouds in the low part and the little parts of blue . The light is superbly captured , and the composition is excellent .
Very well done .
Regards

i9l2y1m8a8t3 (4814) 2011-09-04 6:07

Hi Andrew!

Well captured and very well said, love how the yachts are positioned. Nice melancholic mood, creates this cool feeling and a great sense of calmness. Great shot!

Have a great day,
Matt

Sergiom (117241) 2011-09-04 6:25

Bonjour Andrew

J'aime beaucoup l'atmosphиre qui se dйgage de cette image. Beaucoup de gris , mais un gris йclatant et un grand calme.

Bon dimanche

Serge

maria-v1981 (10966) 2011-09-04 6:47

Hello Andrew,
Very mood and cloudy atmospheric shot. Perfect composition full of silence and intimacy. Excellent horizontal framing gives the shot more clarity.
Have a nice week,
Warm regards,
Maria

holmertz (101956) 2011-09-04 10:38

Hello Andrew,
There aren't many colours in this photo but the silvery grey tones with slight touches of blue are very elegant. The forest of masts along the far shore are beautifully reflected in the quiet water and contrast nicely with the single (well, almost) boat by the nearest pier. In spite of the grey weather there's a wonderful clarity in the air.
Kind regards,
Gert

gildasjan (43826) 2011-09-04 10:47

Bonjour Andrew
Une belle symbiose entre ce ciel et ses reflets cadrйs au tiers.Les mats dans ce port de plaisance apportent la bonne touche pour habiller cette image.
Bonne journйe
Amicalement
gildas

Budapestman (82620) 2011-09-04 12:07

Hi Andrew,
a superb photo of this place with effective composition and beautiful soft lights, great depth and the POV is very nice likewise, Tfs! Have a nice week! Kellemes hetet kнvбnok!
Gyцrgy

adores (46979) 2011-09-04 17:11

Hi Andrew!
Even with a cloudy weather, the photo is very good. I like the atmosphere and the composition, with the city skyline and that row of boats forming a diagonal in background and this one here, lonely, on the right side.

mafegan (8626) 2011-09-04 19:02

Hello Andrew
An impressive scene with the cluster of thin masts reaching for the dark sky - then there is the metropolis of Melbourne in the distance. Well balanced with the single yacht to the right. Cheers, Marlene

saxo042 (38078) 2011-09-05 3:18

Hi Andrew,
The masts provide a fine pattern along the left side of the photo. The lonely boat to the right is a good counterbalance. I like the link to Google maps, seems like a very pleasant city.
Kind regards
Gunnar

jlbrthnn (76043) 2011-09-05 7:06

Hello Andrew,
The pontoon pulls us in depth. I like the almost metallic colors of the water. This boat isolated in the foreground balances the composition. Good exposure and neatness. Bravo.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joлl

delpeoples (60342) 2011-09-05 14:37

Hi Andrew

The silvery tones make this almost look monochrome but the little hints of blue prove otherwise. The perspective created by the pier is stunning but what I like most of all are those silvery reflections from the yachts and their incredible definition. Lovely shot, thanks for sharing.

I hope you have a great day
Lisa

TopGeo (38220) 2011-09-05 23:53

Hi Andrew!

Well captured this composition with as the yachts are positioned in line. Nice melancholic mood, Wonderful composition, excellent POV, a superb detail of long port with charm
Great shot!

Have a great day,
Georgios

resat1972 (7586) 2011-09-06 12:51

Hello
reflections of a beautiful composition
beautiful light
well done
Resat

BluSimo (9392) 2011-09-06 13:02

Hi Andrew
i like very much the mood of your photo. I find the graphical effect of the boats and their glares very interesting. they design some dark signs within this seascape only made by light grays and shadings. the lonely boat in FG is great.
best regards
Simonetta

baddori (20341) 2011-09-06 22:00

Andrea
Vedo molto filo di tristezza in TE in questo periodo .
Una stagione l'autunno invocata ...o la natura che la sente .
La foto и allegra ..come sempre in queste situazioni.
La diagonale ..la banchina ..una profonditа piacevole agli occhi ..una nota riflessiva .
GF

annjackman (23019) 2011-09-08 10:19

Hello Andrew,
I do like the subtle tones in this picture which, together with the gentle reflections and the partly stormy sky, makes a moody image. The boat with its mast in the FG strengthens the composition. Technically excellent as well - TFS.
Regards, Ann

Longroute (19600) 2011-09-09 2:29

As you'd probably know I'm fond of marinas and harbours which I have photographed thousands of times. But, due to the excessive crowding of the boats and the narrow spaces between the pontoons very often it's not possible to get fine compositions. Here, on the contrary, everything is so neatly and orderly set to create a very fine perspective and a harmonious composition. A very good choice to have that small sailing boat in foreground and the whole length of the pontoon to the right. I also like the reflection and the melancholic atmosphere created by the overcast sky.

Best regards,
Donato

Nicou (193806) 2011-09-09 3:22

Hello

quelle profondeur et perspective d'image, superbe, et ce graphisme de mвts, ces refelts, grandiose compo de ce port superbe.

Bravo et amitiй

Nicou

Waylim (25436) 2011-09-10 0:16

Hi Andrew,

The sky has a mind and temperment of its own :) It really doesn't always go by the season. Anyway, sure not an ideal light for a cheerful spring like image, but a moody one with a sense of melodrmatic atmosphere. I kind of like it, we seen too many beautiful blue sky and or sunset, what about the rest of the other times, right? Excellent quality shot under this circumstand, I can see clearly the distant sky line. Well balance composition nicely chosen POV.
Way

batalay (41261) 2011-09-12 11:37

Hello Andrew,

The most eye catching aspect of this photo is the silvery sheen in the water. The composition, with one prominent yacht occupying this dock, and the crowded line of yachts on the other side as the counterpoint, is exceptionally effective. Each time I see a date from Australia, I have to translate it in my mind to the seasons we have in the Northern Hemisphere. And indeed, on November 15 we would see in inexorable passage into winter. A month later, it will be cold.

You've captured a beautiful, melancholic mood, and created an understated, complementary mat (frame) for it.

Warm regards, Andrew.

Bulent

ManuMay (36447) 2011-09-13 4:41

Hi Andrew!

Impressive view, this has a special mood given by clouds colours and its refelction, perfectly composed and arranged...good composition due to point of view choosen...Great work!

Have a nice day...

Manu

Kielia (24077) 2011-09-14 4:48

Hi Andrew,
I appreciate this fantastic image a lot, it is showing this wonderful anchorage from a very well working POV. The perspective is excellent. Very good management of the light! My compliments – also for the interesting note!
Warm regards
Harriet

Vasa (515) 2011-09-14 15:40

Hi Andrew,

you know, from Serbia I see Australia like exotic country - all in strong colors and warm atmosphere. Some of your photos in black-white are surprising. I know also that in last autumn, in Victoria cannot be different. Than, I am happy that the spring is going to you...and warm colors. So glad to see you, friend.

Branko

UlfE (14641) 2011-09-15 12:33

Hi Andrew,

Perhaps not autumn mood for me but a wonderful shot with plenty of atmosphere. The silvery tones and colours are very attractive. The dramatic sky is also really great with some patches of blue and very bright at the bottom right. The photo is also a bit unusual since the very right is some sort of a focal point with the line of lamp-posts and a lonely person in silhouette. Also a really fine composition with the sailing boat in the foreground, the line of sailing boats to the left and the reflections of masts and the sky in the water of the marina. TFS and have a nice day!

Kind regards,

Ulf

mozzy27 (2) 2011-09-16 3:14

Hello Andrew
Beautifully composition and perfect exposure considering the gloomy weather conditions but I think it has worked to your advantage, creating a very somber or serene atmosphere - a typical Melbourne winter's day.
TFS
Cheers Peter
Have a nice weekend Andrew

Disabled_A (0) 2011-09-16 11:39

Hi Andrew,
excellently composed, this steel-blue image has a very "cold" impact on the viewer! the sky and the water are of the same colours, so, actually, is there any difference between the top and the bottom (in the philosophical sense, of course)? :)
my very best wishes,
aka fanni

ChrisJ (171194) 2011-09-24 7:59

Hello Andrew

Wish now that I had spent a few days in Melbourne. Currently in China for a year, but did manage to get over to Perth in May, which I've been meaning to do for some time now. Excellent sharpness & good repetition of the yachts. Tfs!

Glint (6171) 2011-09-25 5:15

Hello Andrew,
this is a well balanced composition and I like the colour palette of grey/blue with a hint of silver. The shimmer of the boats' masts reflections offer a silvery glow.For me the scene is not melancholic but rather still and reflective.
Bev

ravinmb (1303) 2011-09-25 22:23

Hi Andrew,

Very nice cloudy image.. good reflection of the boats.. beautiful way with lamps.. very nice that you included all..

Have a nice day.
Ravin

fotka (8899) 2011-09-27 12:51

Hi Andrew,
There is an interesting shot of marina with long perspective. With a cloudy weather you still get nice reflection on the water. I like the sky just before the storm. Great colors, light and sharpness.
Best regards,
Zbigniew

wolf38 (30) 2011-10-01 9:48

Hi Andrew. What a nice theme. The composition is excellent. Light and colors blend perfectly. The reflections are perfect. The photo is absolutely worth seeing. Rgds, Wolfgang.

ifege (46891) 2011-10-09 22:41

Hi Andrew
Just noticed that I hadn't commented on this very atmospheric photo under good cloud and with interesting light.
cheers
Ian

skippy007 (12510) 2011-11-03 15:38

Hello Andrew, I saw the thumbnail & wondered if it was taken when Francesco was here, same sky I thought but with the weather we had lately it could have been taken yesterday.
I like the silvery grey tones they help to create a beautiful cool & calm feeling.
I think the yacht in the FG is well placed, it is linked to the group of boats in the distance & Melbourne’s skyline in the BG forming an invisible line for the eye to follow.
A well balanced composition that is moody,has plenty of depth, good light & clarity.
Take care
Santo.
PS let me know when you are free.

Royaldevon (85606) 2011-11-13 5:16

Hello Andrew,

This is such a different mood from autumns experienced in my area of the country. Our autumns are warm, with golds, oranges and reds, whilst yours depicts cool blues but with a most magnificent sky.
I love your pov with th strong lines leading to a very strong disappearing point.
I absolutely love your balance, with so much attention on the sky.
Everything is well placed in the frame.

Have a good day,
Bev :-)

jaywalker (16105) 2011-11-16 10:26

Hi Andrew, A beautifully captured photo with wonderful soft light & a powerful sky, I love the composition with the tall mast tight to the right of shot, the sharp quality is superb, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

ines8 (6128) 2011-12-02 12:38

Hi, Andrew,
A very beautiful composition, i love this special light and the splendid reflection.
Best regards,
ines

yquem46 (38752) 2011-12-04 12:16

Hi Andrew
Nice light on this marina with a long diagonal of the forest of masts and their reflections
the gray threatening sky is perfect for this shot
have a nice evening
Cheers
patrick

vasilpro (41801) 2011-12-05 9:07

Hello Andrew,
Wonderful composition, lovely soft light and color tones, beautiful cloudy atmosphere, excellent POV and DOF, very good clarity and sharpness, very nice framework, TfS!
Greetings from Greece, Vasilis.

bayno (18348) 2011-12-05 10:07

Hi Andrew, what is immediately striking in this picture is the beautiful prospective and the perfect framing, very nice soft reflections on silver water, the clime was not the best...but strangely the image is very very pleasant...clear with great depth, regards, Valter

patdeph (35750) 2011-12-06 9:54

Hello Andrew
wooow,what a splendid harmony of grey tones,and what a beautiful brightness given by the water and the reflections.this is also ^refectly framed.Magnificent.
Regards
Pascale

jemaflor (146258) 2011-12-09 5:11

Hi Andrew,
Interesting effect with this light and this silver tone, well balanced with all these boats in each sides of the view, great depth also.

quillo (11858) 2011-12-16 9:59

Hola Andrew ...

A magnificent photographic work ...
framing, color and light perfectly balanced,
the result is great,

Congratulations.

Un saludo desde la otra parte del mundo.

leo61 (0) 2012-01-15 3:10

Hi Andrew!

I like the grey/cloudy atmosphere here and the composition.
The row of lamposts is great and the lonely person is at the perfect position.Amazing depth with the skyline in the far distance.The diagonal of sailing boats with nice reflections makes it a great composition in all pixels!!!!
Regards,Leo

adidas5nb (5743) 2012-10-30 20:16

1st of all i really like the graphical effect created by the masts and their reflections on the water,and the lonely boat on the right of the frame. secondly the light management has been fantastic,to create such an attractive pics under these lighting conditions is really commendable....and finally..i have to say...just love the MOOD of the pic...
great job..regards
dwaipayan

sacavem (18620) 2012-11-14 6:22

Olб Andrew,

Lovely view at the harbor, great reflection in the water. Very well done.

Cumprimentos,
Filipe