Behind the Lens: Capturing Fish Quay’s "Quest"

 

In early spring, Fish Quay had been shrouded in overcast skies and relentless rain for weeks, but on this particular morning, the sun finally made its return. After nearly a month without good light, I was more than ready to bring to life the composition I had been envisioning for so long.

The Location and Setup

Fish Quay is a place rich in history and atmosphere, with its bustling harbor and iconic boats making it a favorite subject for many photographers. For this shoot, I had something specific in mind: a panoramic image that would capture the essence of the quay at dawn. I planned to use my drone to achieve the perspective I wanted, allowing me to take in the full sweep of the harbor from above.

That morning, the air was calm and still, with a light breeze coming off the water that carried the faint scent of salt and seaweed. The light was perfect—soft and golden, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the boats and buildings. As I prepared my drone for flight, I felt a surge of excitement, knowing that conditions were ideal for the shot I had been waiting to capture.

The Moment of Truth

With the drone hovering above the tyne, I carefully positioned it to begin capturing the series of shots needed for the panoramic image. The tranquility of the morning was almost surreal, the water below reflecting the sky like a mirror. Everything was falling into place.

Just as I started the sequence, a fishing boat began to leave the harbor, making its way out of the narrow channel known as "The Gut." The boat’s appearance was serendipitous, adding a dynamic element to the scene that I hadn’t anticipated. As it moved slowly through the water, it created gentle ripples that spread across the surface, breaking the stillness in a way that tied the entire composition together.

The timing was perfect—the boat’s departure added a narrative element to the image, symbolizing the start of a new day and the ongoing rhythm of life at the quay. I continued to capture the scene, ensuring that every frame was aligned to create a seamless panoramic shot that would convey the full scope of this moment.

Reflection

After completing the shoot, I brought the drone back to land, still buzzing with the excitement of what I had just witnessed. The calmness of the morning, the soft light, and the unexpected departure of the fishing boat all contributed to what I knew would be a striking and evocative image.

The experience reinforced for me the importance of patience and being ready to adapt when the unexpected happens. While I had a clear vision for the shot, the addition of the fishing boat leaving the harbor was an unplanned but welcome element that brought the scene to life in a way I hadn’t imagined. It’s moments like these that make landscape photography so rewarding—the intersection of preparation, intuition, and chance.

As I reviewed the images later that day, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The panoramic shot captured not only the beauty of Fish Quay at dawn but also the story of a working harbor coming to life. The boat’s journey out to sea added a dynamic layer to the composition, creating a powerful visual narrative that speaks to the spirit of the place.

 Camera Settings

36 images Bracketed and stitched together
Shutter Speed- 1/100
Aperture- 4.0
ISO 100