Category: Travel

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The Making of a Classic Bridge Photograph

Charles W. Cullen Bridge over the Indian River Inlet at Sunset

Once in a while I get asked, “How long did it take for you get that picture?” My usual answer is, “less than a second, but…there’s more.” Yes, “but” – because there is a lot more involved than snapping that shutter at 1/125th of a second or thereabouts.

Indian River Inlet Bridge at Sunset Printed on Canvas
Sunset under the Indian River Inlet Bridge printed on artist-quality canvas.

Imagine planning to create a pleasing sunset photograph of a popular and photogenic bridge – such as the Charles W. Cullen Bridge over the Indian River Inlet at the Delaware Seashore State Park. Here’s a sequence to think about: 1) Packing the camera gear, 2) don’t forget the tripod), 3) driving to the location, 4) setting up the gear and tripod, 5) calling on years of experience to frame the shot from the right angle (or several angles because one is not enough), 6) repacking the gear and trekking back home, and finally 7) editing the image captured from the outing to create just the “right” couple of images for display and to offer for sale. The 1/125th of a second to get “that” picture was actually several hours of time on “that” day and, really, might have been several years in the making. Also, figure in the complexities of the weather – to have the clouds and the sun cooperate in just the right way.

Camera Screen with a Scene of the Indian River Bridge at Sunset
Trusty ol’ Nikon on a tripod on the north jetty at the Indian River Inlet.

Not only did I have prep and driving and time on site, I also had a slight bit of danger involved. (Cue the ominous music here.) I had to walk out on the rock jetty with no handholds and water-sprayed rocks (slippery?) while carrying my camera bag, a tripod – and me. But the result was well worth it. Shots from this particular photo shoot have proven to be quite popular photograph over the years, having been purchased by several art buyers to decorate their homes and offices. Another photograph from this location has appeared in a popular Indian River Bridge Calendar.

Indian River Bridge at Sunset Wall Art in Room Setting

Where would you hang this in your home?

Click the links below to see the actual image in a larger size and to browse or shop the different substrates for wall art and/or a variety of home décor items.

Link: Indian River Inlet, Bay and Bridge Wall Art

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Fine art America

But, please don’t get me wrong. I am in no way complaining. I love doing my photography – as I have for the last half century. It gets me outdoors and it provides exercise. It is mentally stimulating and fulfilling – to know that, in my own way, I am contributing some art to the world.

There can be more…

Oh, yes, once the image has been rendered as it was envisioned then some creative editing may be applied. Here is a simulated watercolor version of the above photograph. This version is popular for t-shirts and other apparel items.

sunset under the Indian River Bridge Watercolor
Simulated watercolor of the sun setting under the Indian River Inlet Bridge at the Delaware Seashore State Park.
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Shooting Tourists Can Be Good For Business

Wow, those tourists can get in the way when we’re out on a photography mission. Y’know the people who always walk into the frame as you are composing. Basically it’s a “Just wait it out!” situation – and hope for a clean shot – eventually. In some cases I spend more time waiting for people to get out of the shot than I do with the actually shooting. On some days and at some events it is impossible to “wait them out” because it will never happen. The photo below, shot in the Baltimore Inner Harbor on the last weekend of the Star Spangled Celebration (a few years back), was one of those days. But, in this instance, the tourists actually “make” the photograph.

Baltimore Inner Harbor Star Spangled Celebration Crowd

Other days and in other places that tourists frequent, but not in droves, can be an opportunity to actually market your photographs and well as capture them. On a recent trip to Fort McHenry in Baltimore I kept loose track of the marketing I did while exploring with my camera. Couple Lunching at Fort McHenry - silhouette

There were several small groups of people at the Fort while I was there. They were mostly in groups of two, three or four and, in one case among the people with whom I interacted, 6 people. Today, selfies may be the rage, but selfies are seldom good at including a scene along with a person or persons. I smile when I see these small groups trying to take photos of one-another and “taking turns” with the camera because they (obviously) cant get everyone together in the scene. If they are close to me I approach them and ask if they would like to get everyone in the picture – and offer to take their picture with their camera(s).

Nearly everyone says, “Yes.”

So I compose a bit, take a few shots and provide them a couple of good pictures of themselves with an interesting background – all well-exposed and in focus. Of course they look at the pictures on their phones or point-and-shoot cameras and always express gratitude. As they thank me I hand each couple a card and simply say, “Check out my work in my Online Gallery.”

Bill Swartwout Photography Business Card
Bill Swartwout Photography Business Card

 

BTW – I never do this with families with large numbers of children in tow. That would be too much like “work.” I focus on the older set or young couples because it only takes a minute or two and there are no distractions (or whining).