Shoot an environmental portrait

Challenge 2

Jules Gallagher

Now that our participants had got their eyes in, we progressed to the second round. It felt like a good time to focus on the people who enjoy the slow pace of the canal lifestyle. Back down in the basin, we came upon Hugh, a colourful character who was on his way to Leamington Spa via the Watford Gap.

“When the boat pulled in to moor I noticed that there was a little black and white dog on the boat with Hugh,” says Jules.

“I asked him if I could take his dog’s picture and we got talking. I thought that Hugh would also make a great photo, so took this with his permission. Having never taken a portrait of a stranger before, I am pleased with this one – I feel that it tells a story.”

Expert opinion

This is a really good photo, Jules: candid yet intimate at the same time. Your subject’s profile invites the question – what is this man’s story?

Challenge 2 Tony Lake

Although he opted to shoot the same subject, Tony tried a different approach to the one adopted by Jules – is there a theme starting to develop here, we wonder? On this occasion, Tony has captured Hugh handling the anchor rope of his houseboat rather than catching him in a contemplative pose just enjoying the gentle ebb and flow of canal life.

“I originally shot this frame quite wide and literally included the whole of the side of the houseboat, as I wanted to show how the partnership between land and water was mirrored in the relationship between the person on the boat and the one on the land,” Tony explains.

“What I liked about the people in this scene was the match between the colours they were wearing and the colour of the boat. Apart from cropping in a little to bring the viewer closer to the people, I didn’t really do any other editing. If I was going to shoot this photo again I would probably try to catch a moment when something is being handed between the individuals in the scene.”

Expert opinion

A pleasing and natural shot, Tony. As you say, the colours tie everything together and help capture a true slice of life on the canalside. The rope in the foreground and the boat in the background create a sense of depth in the scene. We wonder if it might be worth reducing some of the highlights on the arms of your subects to draw more attention to their faces, though.