Look out for lovely lines, as well as colours.

Back in my native Ayrshire this week, I boarded the famous Paddle Steamer ‘Waverley‘ at Ayr for a trip up the Firth of Clyde.

Postcard view of the Waverley leaving Dunoon.

Built in 1947, this fascinating and historic ship, the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, is a regular visitor to the Clyde and Ayrshire coast. Photographed here at the mouth of the Clyde she leaves Dunoon, on the Cowell peninsula. A great viewpoint and mirror-like sea, made for a good shot. Gourock and Greenock are visible in the distance.

An interesting shadow makes all the difference.

Our first port of call was Brodick on the Isle Of Arran. 

Ardrossan ferry leaving Brodick.

As we approached the pier, I grabbed a nice shot (below) of a departing ferry, with the island’s highest peak Goat Fell, nicely positioned centre. Goat Fell is a fantastic mountain to climb, but given that most start from sea level, its’ a tough climb. The views from the summit (weather permitting) are stunning.From the Ayrshire coast opposite, the summit is normally hidden by cloud…. Maybe next time!

Selfie shadow in the surf!

Whilst the views from the deck were stunning, the ship itself is well worth exploring with a camera too, above and below deck…..

Well polished copper in the engine room.

 

Full ahead for The Waverley.

 

 

 

Back on deck and it was the twin funnels that really grabbed my attention. The striking contrast between red, black and the blue sky was irrisistable. It was just down to angles then.

How a ship’s funnel(s) should look in my opinion!

Reflections to die for!

Grabbing an attractive seascape, with reflections like this is a photographer’s delight. On my cruise the sea was unusually calm and the sky exceptionally blue. This shot (I think) is of the southern end of the Isle Of Bute. I normally avoid central horizons but on this occasion ‘broke the rules’.

The Waverley says goodbye to Arran.

My final image below is a bit ‘tongue-in-cheek’; sort of the opposite of photo restoration. I wanted to see what this shot of the Waverley would look like in a faded sepia, to give a false impression of age…. Another era.

1950’s?..no 2014.

If you have never experienced the Paddle Steamer Waverley, I would strongly recommend a trip, either around the Firth Of Clyde, or on one of her trips around the UK. http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/

More Photographer’s Ramblings coming soon!…