Legacy of the Telamon
I keep returning to the captivating shipwreck of the Telamon (previously registered as the Temple Hall) in Lanzarote. There's something magical about this...
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I keep returning to the captivating shipwreck of the Telamon (previously registered as the Temple Hall) in Lanzarote. There's something magical about this ageing wreck that lies almost arms-reach from the coast of Arrecife, just a stones throw away from where modern cruise liners dock when visiting the island.
My work on the Photographing Lanzarote digital guidebook (see www.globalphotoguides.co) takes me all over the island, but despite the stunning landscapes Lanzarote has to offer the Telamon remains one of my favourite photography subjects.
Rumours are revived each year that the local government will remove the remains of the vessel in at attempt to improve the appearance of the port area for newly arriving visitors, but I think like many other people I've grown to see it as a landmark of the island, and it would be a shame to see the old friend go.
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My work on the Photographing Lanzarote digital guidebook (see www.globalphotoguides.co) takes me all over the island, but despite the stunning landscapes Lanzarote has to offer the Telamon remains one of my favourite photography subjects.
Rumours are revived each year that the local government will remove the remains of the vessel in at attempt to improve the appearance of the port area for newly arriving visitors, but I think like many other people I've grown to see it as a landmark of the island, and it would be a shame to see the old friend go.
Read less
Jul, 2018Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Boats and Vessels Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Black And White Compositions Photo Contest Vol 4
Contest Finalist in My Best Shot Photo Contest Vol 6
Community Choice Award
Contest Finalist in Black And White With Long Exposures Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Our World In Black And White Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Vessels Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Virtuoso
Genius
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Behind The Lens
Location
I shot this image in Lanzarote, as part of my work on the Photographing Lanzarote eBook. It's a digital travel guide designed to help photographers and videographers find the best locations on the island to shoot. I've been back to this location so many times I can't count them, there's something about it that keeps drawing me back. The wreck is located just outside the main port of Arrecife, having been purposefully run aground in 1981 after starting to take on water at sea. The Photographing Lanzarote eBook has a whole chapter on the wreck, with a video overview, various still example still shots, along with hints and tips on the best vantage points to shoot from (see www.globalphotoguides.co for more info)Time
This image was taken just after sunrise. I'd gone to shoot video for an update to the video introductions in the eBook (there is a video introduction to each location), but I setup my still camera for a long exposure shot whilst I was waiting for the light to improve enough for the video cameras to operate at a low ISO.Lighting
Normally I advise people to shoot at this location at sunset, because the path of the sun casts warm, golden light onto the ship as the sun dips to the horizon. In this case I knew I wanted to try a black and white shot, so I was less concerned about the colours of later afternoon, and instead wanted to try and get some movement in the clouds which, thanks to Lanzarote's subtropical climate, so often burn away when the heat of the late morning sun hits them.Equipment
This was shot with a Canon EOS 5D MkIV, using a B&W 10-stop neutral density filter on the Canon EF 24-70 f/4 lens, all steadied by a Sirui T-2204XL tripod.Inspiration
I love the ghostly atmosphere of shipwrecks and broken-down machines, and so with this wreck being so close to shore (almost touchable at low tide) it has a natural magnetism for me. I've shot here many times before, usually making the best of the late afternoon sun which brings amazing colours out in the sky and the rusty tones of the vessel itself, but this time I wanted to take something more moody and dark to emphasise that eerie feeling I get when I see wrecks like this one. Unlike my previous shots I also wanted to put the viewer in close quarters with the hull, to try and evoke the same feeling of awe you get when standing right in front of it on-location.Editing
Yes, I made some tonal corrections in Lightroom to bring out the shadows a little, then converted to black and white using the Nik Collection Silver Efex Pro, a plugin for Photoshop that I love using for monochrome image processing. This helps to bring out the mid-tone contrast on the hull to give that deep texture.In my camera bag
My go-to camera for still images like this one is my Canon 5D MkIV. I've been keeping a close eye on the evolution of smaller and lighter mirrorless cameras recently, but when I use the 5d Mk IV the quality, dynamic range and tactility still blow me away. For much of my landscape work I pair it with an EF 16-35mm f/4 lens or the 24-70mm f/4 as used in this shot. I'll sometimes add a 70-200mm lens if I feel there is likely to be a shot that needs the extra reach. I also carry my trusty Sirui T-2204XL tripod, a series of B&W filters, and a remote shutter for long exposures.Feedback
For this particular location I think experimenting with compositions is a powerful way to get something different. By purposefully trying alternatives - either by moving around, or by forcing yourself to use a particular lens, such as a telephoto when you would instinctively use a wide-angle, you can end up with something unique that stands apart from the crowd. Secondly, to evoke hint of moodiness and atmosphere in an image I love to experiment with long exposures in back and white. Neutral density filters are a (relatively) cheap item as far as camera gear goes, and most lenses have threads to accept screw-in models (which can be a quick and easy way to quickly try out ND filters without having to buy a lot of gear). Using an ND filter and tripod to slow your shutter speed, and then post-processing in black and white opens the door to a ton of new creative possibilities.
