Copper is a rich color, conveying a mood of permanence. When I saw how the evening sun was reflecting off the copper plates on the hull of this old rice barge, I felt as if I was looking at a scene that has been shimmering there in the river for a long time, and will continue to do so. I intensified the reflection on both the hull and in the water by metering on the reflection itself, exposing for the highlights and letting everything else fall into the deep and mysterious shadows. Shadows also crate mood and atmosphere – by suggesting mystery and the unknown, they imply possible dangers as well. It is logical to get a sense of protection from this image. The copper clad hull helps keep this boat floating on a river full of unknown dangers, and for a long time to come. All of this is implied in the atmosphere I’ve created here through the interplay of color, light and shadow.