The Spirit Of South Shields

[Black Pearl]

The Spirit Of South Shields is a statue I've passed countless times, photographed almost as many and never been entirely happy with the resulting shot - until today.

I noticed that the cranes further up the Tyne were (almost) all pointing in the same direction as the statue's outstretched arm so shuffled about a bit, stuck the 55-200mm on the X-T1 and cranked it open to narrow the DoF. The original image was virtually monochromatic so went all out just adding a little tone to suit the industrial riverside feel.

[Shadowman]

Nice, I'd crop to the base of the pedestal removing the vertical fence pattern.

[John 2]

I like that. Nicely conceived and executed Robin.

[Donald]

That is beautiful. Wonderfully composed. The background has just enough detail for us to be clear as to what we're looking at. I like the fact we have one crane arm going the 'other way'. The light on the statue's back and on the back of its legs just gives it that 'pop' and helps separate it from the background.

A real beauty.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Robin,

Well spotted and shot.

Did you shoot any alternative angles?
I was wondering what a lower angle, one that would make her taller than the cranes and also remove the railings, would look like.

However, the lack of a 'middle ground' (the water), might be a problem though.

I'd also be tempted to try a version with the ferry(?) cloned out.

Cheers, Dave

[Black Pearl]

The railings go right around the statue and I was shooting at the full reach of the 200mm from further down the river so it wasn't really possible to get rid of them and a lower angle would (I think) have made the closet ones seem higher. I might try cropping them out but I kind of like the base they give the image (?) and they are part of the riverside.



The ferry I could remove but it was there - would make a cleaner shot though.


Thanks for the replies.
I had a fantastic photo wander with a friend and IMO this is the standout shot from the ones I took.

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Robin - I would crop it so just the bottom railing is eliminated. You'll still have the 'base' of the second railing but the verticals of the first one won't be there to distract.
Great image and I like the alignment of the cranes. Right place/right time strikes again.