One of my principal frustrations (and a frustration of a number of photographers before me) is being unable to capture the feel and the dynamics of a displacement sailboat powering along in a stiff breeze - when you're shooting from the deck of that very boat. Friday, we sailed in such a breeze (we had to put a reef in about mid afternoon) and I tried some shots which generally failed. Nevertheless, I post some here in the hope that others might have ideas how this might be done better (NaClH20, I'm betting you've got ideas, since you owned a classic folkboat).

A shot just prior to reefing; the boat is smoking along but you can't tell that from this image:



The next two were shot at 1/60s and I'm surprised that they're as sharp as they are given the (uncaptured) lively motion of the boat (SR working?); note the pristine look of the new boat shoe which won't be worn in public until its appearance becomes fashionably disreputable (otherwise one might be mistaken for a power boater):





The wind pulling at the first mate's hair, who's red appearance reflects how hard she's actually working:



My favorite of the bunch which appears absolutely static, even though the boat was haulin':



Comments on how to add visual dynamism are welcome (note: I didn't spend much energy PPing these).

Thanks,

Jer

[Sailor]

Can't blame you for not wanting to risk a K10D on my camera-on-a-stick idea.

But how would it be to pick up an old film body for a few bucks and dedicate it to making such shots?

Now that's a thought! I mentioned above I used a Nikonos for this sort of stuff - it dawned me - after reading your reply - that I've still got the thing somewhere. Maybe it still works and I could use it as I did before.

Thanks,

Jer

[NaClH2O]

Let's talk Tartan 4100!!

Jer

Heck Jer, I hit the lotto and we're talking a custom Hinkley ketch in the 50' range. Anchored in front of the "summer cottage" in Maine of course.

NaCl("All you need is a dollar and a dream" )H2O

[Sailor]

Heck Jer, I hit the lotto and we're talking a custom Hinkley ketch in the 50' range. Anchored in front of the "summer cottage" in Maine of course.

NaCl("All you need is a dollar and a dream" )H2O

For this dream, you'd need considerably more than a buck, my friend.

Speaking of spending money, I order a grip for my K10D, even though I think the camera is too heavy to start with. Don't know why I did it, really. Maybe my wife has the best explination: "you'll go crazy until you do, so you might as well get it - even if you never use it."

Jer