Capture some details of the canal infrastructure

Challenge 3 Jules Gallagher

We couldn’t have spent a morning on the Grand Union Canal without marking the incredible achievement of its construction. So the final challenge was all about the infrastructure of Foxton Locks, with as open a brief as possible.

“This is the picture I spent the most time on considering the composition,” recalls Jules. “We were lucky to have had a sunny day and the shadows cast by the lock gates was something that I wanted to capture.

“I liked the way the shadow on the bricks looked like a sundial, and the prominence of the lock gate in the foreground. I would have liked more blue in the sky, but perhaps the lack of it makes this picture more powerful.”

Expert opinion

This image feels really 3D, Jules! It places you in the scene with the strong wooden beam coming right at you. An even exposure, too, full of detail.

Challenge 3 Tony Lake

Full marks to Tony for his time and patience in seeking out a creative angle for the final challenge – for 15 minutes we barely saw him! We love this slow shutter shot of one of the locks in action.

“I wanted to show the frantic nature of a canal boat moving up the locks,” Tony explains. “It’s the polar opposite of what you imagine travelling on a narrowboat would be like.

“I slowed the shutter speed right down and used the heft of the lock infrastructure to show the permanence and solidity of the canal. I tweaked the colours in editing to make the red pop against the dark blue top and cropped in a little to bring the focus into the middle.”

Expert opinion

We always love it when readers get creative! Tony’s use of the surroundings to give himself a solid base to shoot from was a good tool to have in his locker.