Thanks Dang. Just to clarify for anyone else who's viewing the image (living here it's unfortunately too easy to forget that overseas visitors don't know how the harbour's laid out 8^> ), QE2 IS in fact too big to fit under the Bridge most of the time. The shipping clearance under the Bridge is about 49 metres, and depending on how much water she's drawing at the time the QE2 needs a bit over 50 metres. The Bridge lies to the west of Circular Quay, which means that going out QE2 has to hang a right, not a left; she doesn't pass under the bridge at all in either direction.
There's a further cruise ship berth beyond the Bridge which can be seen in some of the shots in my Pyrmont / Darling Harbour gallery, but it's restricted to smaller ships like P&O's Pacific Dawn.
QE2's actually backed in to the Overseas Passenger Terminal; there's only land behind her. (This is easier to see in images 0835 and 0845.) I generally try to avoid reverse parallel parking in my coupe; trying it with something THAT size isn't my idea of fun!
Guest
19-Jun-2008 11:34
I agree, it's a clean shot. A bit disorienting... Appears the ships too large pass under the bridge, and must have made a wrong turn. Nice perspective.
As you rightly stated, its an iconic picture.
I like it for several reasons, maybe the main one is irrational, just a matter of visual impact.
But I do appreciate the technical qualities because I think that accuracy is a form of respect for photography.
I like the angle you chose and the fact you cropped a part of the ship.
I like the smoke drawing a soft cloud on the canvas of the dark night sky.
Its a good example of serious honest photography, without tricks.
My compliments
Marisa