Bob Crum

As I go from one photo adventure to another, I delight in acknowledging the role that serendipitous weather plays in my behalf. Many of my most fortuitous photos are the result of a kind and considerate Mother Nature. For this I am forever grateful.

However, it behooves me to do my part. Meticulous planning included researching weather reports. We all know about the accuracy of weather reports... right? Anyway, given light winds and calm seas predicted, and not having any scheduling conflicts, I had the good sense to take advantage of glorious weather that weekend. Good thing considering last weekend's blustery weather!

I was at the Ventura Harbor Village again the past weekend for a photo shoot of a different nature. More in a moment. Didn't know the speed but the wind was howling. The ocean was riled and cantankerous. Many moons ago, as a captain of a sport fishing vessel out of Port Everglades, FL, I encountered such frothy oceans. Foregoing better judgment, on a rollicking boat I sometimes ventured forth. Forget photoing anything when just standing vertical is a challenge. Imagine trying to photograph a canon battle between two tall ships on a riled ocean? But I digress.

Last weekend I was commissioned to photograph a yacht for sale by the owner at the harbor. The weather was not photographic friendly. The wind that riled the seas also created so much mist that my mist-negating filter was negated. Thankfully, the shoot was postponed. Incidentally, I have the only mist-negating filter in the world.
While there, I thought why not shoot the two tall ships approaching the high seas, rough as it was. I positioned myself on a breakwater. BTW, it's also a place frequented by mermaids. The Lady Washington came along and I captured misty photos of a tall ship shrouded in mist in the misty Santa Barbara channel making me misty-eyed. Anyway, I waited for the Hawaiian Chieftain which is usually right behind the Lady Washington. Fifteen minutes later, it became obvious it was not coming. This means no canon battle. C'est la vie.

Back at the dock, I learned that the Chieftain endured an 'accident'. The end of the bowsprit was broken off. Curious, I endeavored to find out what happened. No one on board the Chieftain dared talk about it. MUM! One volunteered: Call headquarters!

On a high note, the Ventura Harbor Village is never without photo ops. Last Sunday was no exception. For example, a small abandoned boat was tied to a dock cleat. Something of special interest attracted many seagulls and a curious pelican. The commotion was also a photo op! Eventually all the birds departed. Upon the boat owner arriving with his son I asked what in the boat would attract a flock of gulls and a pelican? Birds, he asked? A quick look around and he proclaimed: They ate all my son's peanuts and cheese crackers”! The gall of those dastardly gulls!

Quick mention: If you ever need a weekend excuse to get out the of house, visit the Ventura Harbor Village. Think fun events, music and wildlife. I also think great food and photo ops.

Photo of the week is a favorite of the Hawaiian Chieftain I made from the Lady Washington the weekend before last. I watched her as the enticing image formed in my mind. Will it manifest? It did! A magnificent, colorful tall ship, with full sails, passing in front of the fabulous north Ventura coastline. Click! Done! Awesome!

Happy photoing.

Send comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com